This article was published on January 5, 2015

Belkin announces new WeMo sensors for a more connected home


Belkin announces new WeMo sensors for a more connected home

The Belkin WeMo sensor line just got a little bit larger with magnets, door and room sensors and a keychain.

The four new sensors are part of Belkin’s already large line of Internet of Things devices that give you control over plugged in items, lights, crock pot and camera. The new devices lean towards the security side of things, which makes sense as more and more of the security companies out there are offering up their own connected home solutions.

Where Belkin shines is that it doesn’t charge a subscription fee for any of its devices unlike security company solutions. It’s all plug and play and connects directly to your smartphone.

The new door and window sensor uses magnets to alert you when a door opens. Nothing new here, but if you’re already using WeMo devices in your house, it’ll work with all those devices so it’s a nice addition. 

The Keychain Sensor acts as a digital tracking device. It alerts you when a person comes or goes, and might prove helpful for parents who want to keep an eye on their kids. It can also be used as a trigger: if you leave the house with it, it can turn off all your other WeMo-connected devices. 

The WeMo Alarm Sensor monitors your current fire and carbon monoxide alarms. If those alarms aren’t already Internet of Things devices, this is an add-on that will alert you when you away from home that something is amiss. 

Finally, the WeMo Room Motion Sensor does exactly what you expect it to do. One nice feature is that Belkin says it only notices human movements, and ignores pets scampering about. It has a 30 foot range, 90 degree field of view and acts as a trigger for other devices. 

Even If you don’t have any other WeMo devices but you’re a connected home fan, WeMo works with IFTTT so these items should work drop right into your connected home, no problem. 

Belkin says the devices will be available during the second half of 2015. No pricing has been announced. 

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