From Builder Magazine:
Security System Picture
FLARE brings German design and functionality to the American-dominated smart home security market.
By Kayla Devon
The home security market is largely dominated by US companies like NEST and Canary. Berlin-based BuddyGuard hopes to break up the monotony with some German engineering and design.
The company recently released its smart home security product FLARE, which looks similar to the Nest Learning Thermostat, but more UFO-shaped and featuring a 1080p HD camera at the center. Intended to be placed near the entrance of the home, FLARE relies on its camera to record entrances to the home (saving images to an online database) and recognize faces of its residents. A microphone also enables voice recognition as an added security measure.
The quick recognition prevents owners from having to drop everything in their arms to de-arm the system the second they walk in the door. FLARE also comes equipped with motion and temperature sensors, and can follow signals from owners’ smart phones to detect when someone is away or at home. Once residents are recognized and FLARE understands someone is home, it shuts off its camera and microphone to secure the privacy of its owners.
FLARE can also react to its environment to deter intruders, such as using its loud speaker to make noises as if someone was home or even sound a siren. It also connects to other devices in the home so users can set algorithms to turn on the lights or lock the doors when all residents have left. If anyone tries to tamper with the device, it sends an alert if it’s being moved or shut down.
The product is set to alert owners of potential suspicious activity in the house. If the owners don’t immediately respond, the system alerts an emergency contact, and if there’s no response there, FLARE immediately notifies local authorities of the situation.
All of this technology is in a 4.3-inch round device that is powered by rechargeable lithium batteries that last up to three weeks of normal use. Relying on batteries relieves the need for wiring and visible cords. The device can be charged overnight with a micro USB cable, or can be left plugged in to ensure it remains on if residents are away for a few days.
Currently FLARE costs $349 and is only available in Europe, but BuddyGuard starts shipping worldwide this November.