homesecurity
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InGrid touts "first" all-digital home protection system
InGrid has announced what it claims to be the "first all-digital home protection system" which it says not only "makes traditional home security systems obsolete," but even has the potential to "unleash a multi-million dollar revenue opportunity for broadband service providers in the future." While that remains to be seen, the system certainly looks to at least have the goods to keep your house relatively safe, including 24/7 monitoring from Guardian Protection Services, website access and control, and e-mail and cell phone alerts to warn you of potential dangers. The kit itself (which you install yourself) consists of a console, handset and base unit, along with sensors for your doors and windows, and a key chain remote to arm and disarm the alarm. You'll also have your choice of "Basic" or "Home" kits, the former of which runs $200 and covers 1,500 square feet, while the later will cover a full 2,500 square feet for $300 (additional sensors can also be purchased to cover larger areas). Of course, the kit won't do you a whole lot of good without the monitoring service, which you can expect to $30 a month for.
NTT's HC-1000 puts you in control of home security
Here in America, we don't take our home security systems lightly, but for those in Japan, it appears that they haven't resorted to installing sensor-triggered weapons in their windows just yet. The HC-1000 camera can be controlled via the internet or a FOMA mobile, and allows users to take a peek at what's going on without actually being on the premises. The device sports a three-megapixel CMOS sensor, Ethernet port, 802.11a/b/g, 2x digital zoom, and a QVGA video mode to boot. Additionally, a "defense support" system can enable the piercing siren to let loose a wail, and the built-in microphone / speaker can even open up two-way communication between you and your home-wrecker (or faraway relative). The HC-1000 itself will run you a modest ¥29,400 ($247), but those looking to totally lock down their dwelling can spend up to ¥141,750 ($1,191) for an elaborate whole home system.[Via CScout, thanks Mike]
Autonomous, laser-guided turret takes aim
The homegrown home security options out there just keep getting sweeter and sweeter, as yet another go-getter has conjured up an autonomous turret to hold down the fort while the owners are away buying more capacitors and Fruit by the Foot. The programmable weapon relies on an 8 servo serial controller and a s666n High Torque servo motor, not to mention a good bit of programming to get things in working order. What started out as a curious ambition has now developed into quite a serious project, as the creator is hoping to "develop a weapons platform for the Defcon Bots competition," and judging by what we see here, things are lookin' up. The robotic sentry can apparently take out targets on its own or follow a simple laser to targets and fire away, but alas, what good would a made from scratch robotic piece of artillery be without a video to demonstrate? Click on through to see the firepower.
FogSHIELD blasts burglars, amps up nightclubs
Alright, so ShatterGARD Inc. definitely doesn't intend for its FogSHIELD PB 240 (pictured after the break) to actually be used in nightclubs, but ejecting "enough fog to cover 2,000 square feet in less than 15 seconds" could definitely get the mood set real quick like. Marketed at homes and businesses who feel that they should add yet another layer of security to their pre-existing systems, the device is wired up to trip sensors that are already installed, and when triggered, can emit a non-toxic fog that purportedly "gives the intruder no option but to scurry for the door." Humorously, the company even points out that the smoke carries a "pleasant mint smell and dissipates completely within 45 minutes," which should ensure that any future crooks not only get a breath of fresh air when invading your premises, but that they return in just under an hour to give it another go. No details on pricing were readily available, but it was noted that the initial installation comes with enough fog to erupt on 15 occasions, but if you seriously end up needing to stop over a dozen invaders from breaching your property, we'd suggest a change in scenery.
USB BB gun sports barrel-mounted webcam, ensures home security
While there's certainly a variety of options to keep watch and protect your property from curious intruders, the latest branch of vCrib gives a new meaning to being on guard. Crafted by the designer of the Virtual Crib home automation software, the USB BB gun sports automatic firing, manual reloading, and the ability to fire based on commands given remotely on a PC. Moreover, the weapon actually packs a webcam on the barrel, allowing users to login via computer, tilt / swivel the gun with simple mouse flicks, and fire away if you spot any intruders within its broad line of sight. It shouldn't need mentioning that we'd make absolutely sure our landlord was cool with mounting a remotely-controlled weapon in the window, but if you need to take home security into your own hands (without actually being at home), be sure to click on through to see this controversial creation spittin' hot fury.
Marmitek GSMGuard300 will SMS you if it senses danger
You know, there's home security systems, and then there's home security systems. While other more low-budget security systems have webcams that can take pictures of the perp, this Marmitek GSMGuard300 combines the awesome power of window and door sensors with the security tool that should be in everyone's arsenal: text messages. When your door or window is opened, the system will automatically let rip a resounding klaxon and simultaneously will send you a text message. Of course, if you're not near the site an SMS won't exactly save your stuff from being stolen, nor will it give you a visual record of who stole it, but at least thanks to this €479 device, you'll have the piece of mind to know that your fortress has been breached and the slow-ass po-po can be alerted.[Via Red Ferret]
Watch out for game thieves
Playing a thief in a video game is all very well, but becoming the victim of crime is less pleasant. Opposable Thumbs brings a warning that is worth heeding now and bearing in mind for the future; video game theft is on the rise.It's easy to believe that you will never be the one to suffer the loss of all your beloved games, but it's a cruel world; the used-game market is booming, and there are few ways to trace your property back if it gets stolen. As a victim of game theft -- my entire collection was stolen about eighteen months ago, eerily about the same time that Ben at Opposable Thumbs suffered the same loss -- here is some advice that, with hindsight, I wish I had followed: Don't leave your games piled up in plain sight to anyone peering through windows or on a casual stroll through your house. Don't keep expensive portable gaming systems on show. Do what you can towards your general home security. Do try to make your easily-portable, easily-sold games less appealing -- for example, take them out of their boxes or mark them. Do get insurance -- replacing rare and well-loved games is hard, but it's even harder if you're footing the entire bill. Keep a note of any especially rare items, and if you're the forgetful sort, maintain a list of all your games (with receipts) for easier claims. Do report the crime immediately, if you are unlucky enough to suffer; there may be a wave of thefts and your information may help prevent more.
