Editors' note, June 24, 2015: Roost's Kickstarter campaign from the fall of 2014 was successful, and today the company announced the start of preorders of the battery on Amazon. The product has been updated to coincide with the launch and the piece is updated to reflect the changes.
Stuffing Wi-Fi capability into a 9V battery, the Roost Smart Battery can be put into any smoke detector. When the alarm sounds, it'll send you a push notification, wherever you are. You'll also be notified when the battery starts running low, allowing you to avoid the typical chirping, though Roost doesn't expect that to happen often, claiming the battery can last up to five years.
The setup seems simple enough. Download the app, connect the battery to your router, and replace your existing battery. Once the smoke detector sounds, you'll get a push notification and be able to dial emergency services or a preprogrammed emergency contact right from the iOS and Android app. Because you can name each battery via the app, you'll also know which smoke detector is sounding.
Roost underwent a successful Kickstarter campaign last fall. Today, you can preorder the batteries onAmazon. Individual units will retail for $35 and a pack of two will cost $65. It'll be available in the United States, Canada, and the European Union (UK pricing will convert to about £22), with an expected shipping date of September.
The campaign helped Roost finish the prototype. I had concerns that the company could squeeze Wi-Fi smarts and five years of battery life into the promised 9V form. The finished product touts a new coat of paint, but it certainly looks like Roost pulled it off. Better yet, after the five-year lifespan of the battery ends, you no longer have to replace the whole unit.
source : www.cnet.com
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