HouseSetter, a Northville-based home monitoring company established by several former founding members of OnStar, has launched a portable device in the shape of a dog that monitors and provides alerts to homeowners.
“We want to provide people with the simplest, lowest cost way to keep an eye on their house when they are away,” says Walt Dorfstatter, CEO of HouseSetter. “And while it takes a lot of advanced technology to make that work, our primary focus is to deliver our service in a way that makes all that complexity invisible so we’re providing peace of mind instead of unwanted science lessons.”
HouseSetter’s Sherlock device uses a built-in camera, along with an integrated back-up battery, to ensure continued monitoring of a home’s temperature, power status, and humidity.
The device sends information it collects through a built-in connection to a cellular network, which is then used to create reports or alerts that customers receive on their computer, tablet, or smartphone.
The technology is housed in a nearly 6-inch tall device fashioned in the image of a dog, and can be plugged into an outlet.
Various plans for the monitoring services from the Sherlock unit, which costs $120 upfront, are available starting at $5 a month.
“With its sophisticated technologies and friendly and easy-to-use design, we believe we’ve created the ideal solution for owners to keep an eye on their vacation homes, seasonal homes, and primary homes during extended travel,” Dorfstatter says.
HouseSetter uses the Verizon wireless network to power the device, and is a partner in the company’s innovation program, which helps individuals and organizations accelerate the development of machine-to-machine and wireless technology using Verizon’s knowledge base and connections.
To learn more about Sherlock, visit housesetter.com.
