Cheap Wireless Home Security Gadgets on the Horizon
Threshold, a Petaluma, California privately held company, is developing a set of gadgets that include front-door Web cams, motion sensors and light controls that can talk wirelessly with a control device and a PC. Threshold’s system would allow people to automate tasks like timing interior lights, monitoring the front door while on vacation, or keeping track of their energy footprint. Threshold was founded three and a half years ago by a former Nokia GM.
Threshold built its reputation in the home automation field by developing OneNet. OneNet is an open-source protocol for wireless networking in residences or small businesses. Threshold designed the protocol in early 2007 as an alternative to proprietary wireless standards like Z-Wave or Inseteon.
OneNet was a stepping stone for the forward thinking folks at Threshold. They developed the protocol so that it can ultimately make small, low-cost devices that could run on OneNet’s specs. “The chip set for OneNet,” according to James Martin, Threshold CEO, “can be made for between $1 and $2 and includes a wireless range of 300 feet indoors. In contrast, Zensys chipset costs an estimated $2 and has a wireless range of 80 feet in the home. The chip set for the industrial standard ZigBee cost as much as $7.”
Threshold’s next step was to develop an automatic device-configuration system called ConfigSpot. This system will tie into Threshold’s product line that currently under development. ConfigSpot allows buyers of Threshold gadgets, to add a new device to their home network without having to read a manual. ConfigSpot appears as a blue dot on the top of the devices. Users arrange the dots so that they are touching each other. The device will then be automatically installed and configured with security settings.
Threshold is not trying to have a huge technological breakthrough in the home security market. Their goals are take existing concepts and make them affordable to a much larger segment of the population. Threshold’s goal is to offer wireless home security gadgets in Walmart and Sears. The core component for their upcoming system will be a home controller. This device should sell for approximately $300. The home controller is a wireless base station that will control all of the Threshold devices within the user’s home. Other devices will be reasonably priced so that users can add them at their convenience. Threshold even plans to combine the controller and several other devices into a $500 starter kit to get home owners started.
There is a market for Threshold new security devices. It remains to be seen how secure and easy to install the devices will be. Threshold’s connect the dot wireless setup would be something to behold.
