Threshold Care launches Motion AC plugs for 24/7 motion detection using Wi-Fi signals for caregiving and more
Threshold Care has launched the Motion Wi-Fi Sensing Plugs for 24/7 motion detection of people using Wi-Fi signals. The plugs were designed to give caregivers a way to constantly monitor their homes for signs of life from the elderly under their care. The plugs pass through power and do not block the use of an AC socket, but the company recommends against plugging in devices that have a high power draw, such as hair dryers, microwave ovens, and vacuums.
Researchers demonstrated many years ago that Wi-Fi signals, radio frequency broadcasts in the 2.4 Ghz and 5 Ghz bands, can be used to sense and image people even through walls. Objects absorb Wi-Fi signals, so changes in the amount absorbed can be used to triangulate and track movement in a room. The Motion plugs are designed to be non-invasive and do not have the advanced pose-tracking capabilities researchers have demonstrated possible with Wi-Fi. The plugs utilize IoT motion-sensing algorithms from Nami.
The Motion Wi-Fi Sensing Plugs use 2.4 Ghz Wi-Fi connections for broader coverage. Multiple plugs can be placed throughout a home, and multiple accounts can be connected to different sets of plugs, even within the same residence. This allows homeowners to restrict caregivers to motion data from select rooms.
The plugs detect all sources of motion, so they can also be used to sense which bathrooms are occupied, track pets, and even detect thieves. All detected events are broadcast to connected smartphones instantly, with on-screen updates visible within a minute. On launch, the Motion Plugs only support iOS smartphones. The sensitivity of the plugs can be adjusted to help filter out motion from small animals.
Threshold does not detail how the two-weeks of rolling event data is secured or encrypted, but does state that log data sent to support will be deleted within two months and only two employees have access to the stored log data. Log data is only sent manually when the user requests help, and only the last ten operations made in the app are transmitted.
The setup of the plugs unfortunately uses a social login provider (Amazon, Apple, Facebook, or Google) rather than a local setup method that does not transmit any login information to third parties. This means any hacked social login account will expose the motion sensing plugs to hackers, so enabling two-factor logins on these social accounts is recommended.
The Motion Wi-Fi Sensing Plugs weigh 0.2 ounce (87.5 grams) and measure 2 7/8 x 1 1/4 x 1 1/2 inches (7.3 x 3.2 x 3.8 cm). The Plugs have an MSRP of $59.99 and are available today on Amazon.
Source(s)
Threshold Care Empowers Caregivers with Real-time Motion Insights
News provided by Threshold Care
Oct 10, 2024, 08:55 ET
New Motion Wi-Fi Sensing Plug enhances caregiver awareness through privacy-centric motion monitoring without cameras or wearables.
SUNNYVALE, Calif., Oct. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Threshold Care Inc., a company committed to empowering caregivers with essential insights about their aging loved ones, announces the availability of Motion, the first noninvasive Wi-Fi sensing plug designed to provide caregivers with real-time motion insights without needing cameras or wearables. Motion allows caregiving family members to receive focused insights into motion patterns within their loved ones' homes without intruding on their privacy.
According to AARP, more than 48 million Americans care for aging loved ones living independently. This vital caregiving role often carries a heavy financial burden and substantial physical and mental demands. Threshold Care offers Motion, a user-friendly and affordable solution, prioritizing innovation, compassion, and privacy for caregivers and families without requiring behavioral changes. With a simple plug-and-play setup, Motion provides caregivers with actionable information about their loved ones' well-being, allowing them to act when needed while allowing loved ones to maintain their independence.
"As life expectancy increases, so does the desire to age in place. Yet the growing need for non-intrusive, simple and accessible technology to ensure a loved one's well-being has never been more urgent," said Jacob Loader, managing director and co-founder of Threshold Care. "Motion delivers a practical solution that empowers caregivers with information that helps answer the vital question, 'Is my loved one okay right now?' without compromising privacy. It's technology that respects the individual while providing peace of mind to those who care for them."
Motion uses the most advanced Wi-Fi sensing technology to detect motion by measuring disruptions in Wi-Fi signals. Each kit includes three smart plug sensors that can be easily placed in standard outlets throughout the home to create a comprehensive motion zone. These sensors communicate directly with the Wi-Fi router to provide real-time monitoring and insights on movement without capturing images or videos, ensuring the privacy of everyone in the home. Caregivers can monitor motion patterns and access up to two weeks of motion data in the Threshold Care Mobile App, available on Android and iOS. The app provides an intuitive interface for real-time monitoring, ensuring that caregivers can stay informed about their loved one's well-being. The app is simple to use and requires no ongoing maintenance, app check-ins, or training, allowing users to maximize the benefits of Motion with minimal time investment.
The Motion Wi-Fi Sensing Plug kit is USD 59.99 and available for purchase on Amazon and directly from the Threshold Care website. Threshold Care aims to support the caregiving community by fostering a platform where caregivers can connect, share experiences, and access valuable resources.
About Threshold Care, Inc.
Threshold Care, Inc., is a generational care company dedicated to empowering caregivers with insight-based tools to better care for aging loved ones. Threshold helps families navigate the "thresholds of aging" with noninvasive sensors and motion-based monitoring solutions so caregivers can check on the safety of loved ones while preserving their privacy. Learn more about Threshold Care at threshold.care or on Instagram and Facebook.
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