LAS VEGAS —Kidde Fire Safety, best known for manufacturing smoke- and carbon-monoxide detectors, jumped into the Internet of Things market today with a new home-monitoring device called RemoteLync.
The RemoteLync is a small box that plugs into any outlet in the home, and if it hears either a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm going off in the residence, it alerts its homeowners and a network of their family or friends via a free app. The app apparently includes a link to call the local (local to the home, that is) 911 emergency response center.
“Kidde is a leader in using innovation to address real issues regarding fire safety.” said Chris Rovenstine, vice president of sales and marketing at Kidde, in a press release. “We believe homeowners want a simpler way to stay engaged with their home when they are away. With a lifespan of 10 years and cost under $100, RemoteLync enables homeowners to know about an emergency for just pennies a day.”
The RemoteLync app is compatible with both iPhones and Android devices, and an average-sized home typically needs only one RemoteLync sensor according to Kidde. The RemoteLync will be available online at HomeDepot.com in February and nationwide in retail stores in March. It will sell for $95.
The impact on you: As technological advancements push emergency notification systems to evolve, it’s a homeowner’s responsibility to be as prepared as possible for circumstances beyond their control. Simple devices like the RemoteLync help homeowners get ahead of emergencies and can save time, money, and even lives.
We’ll reserve final judgement for our review, but Kidde’s device, sounds awfully similar to the Leeo Smart Alert Nightlight that’s already on the market. And that product delivers the secondary benefit of being a nightlight.