Would Your Family Trade Privacy for Better Security?

This brilliant security cam comes with one major concern

May 12, 2017 9:00 am

We’re all for security in your home. Cameras, smart locks, surveillance drones … whatever makes you feel safe and does the job.

But Lighthouse, the new AI-enhanced security camera, has us a little worried.

A startup from Android co-founder Andy Rubin, Lighthouse is an AI-enhanced interactive assistant. It uses 3D sensors and machine learning to discern who or what exactly comes across its view. In theory, this recognition means fewer false alarms.

It certainly wins on features: During video playback, there are color-coded halos to make it easier to follow different people (or pets) around. It has night vision. And a daily recap condenses the day into the actual “action,” so you don’t need to spend hours going zipping through footage.

But then, it gets creepy.

You can ask (via voice or text) Lighthouse to see, say what the kids and babysitter were up to, or have it ping you if, say, “Dana doesn’t arrive on Saturday between 10 and 11 a.m.” There’s also a speaker and two-may mic, in case you want to Big Brother your family a little more.

Don’t mind losing a little privacy? You can pre-order Lighthouse now at $399 with a year of service, with shipping in September.

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