Comcast has added a free motion-detection feature to newer Xfinity gateways that can alert customers when movement is detected inside their homes. Called Wi-Fi Motion, the system uses changes in a home’s Wi-Fi signal rather than dedicated motion sensors.
Comcast announced the feature as part of Xfinity Shield, its connected-home security offering. When enabled, Wi-Fi Motion monitors interruptions to wireless signals and sends notifications through the Xfinity app.
The Feature Works With XB7 and Newer Gateways
Wi-Fi Motion is available on advanced Xfinity gateways starting with the XB7 model and newer hardware. The feature is opt-in, so customers must enable it through the Xfinity app before it begins monitoring motion.
Comcast says the technology can provide a basic level of home security while customers are away. Because it relies on Wi-Fi signal changes, users do not need to install separate motion sensors for the feature to work.
The Verge first reported details about the rollout and noted that Comcast is positioning Wi-Fi Motion as a way to detect activity inside the home using existing networking hardware.
Comcast Says Motion Data May Be Shared in Some Cases
Enabling Wi-Fi Motion also comes with additional data-handling terms. According to an Xfinity support page, Comcast may disclose information generated by the feature to third parties in connection with law enforcement investigations, legal disputes involving Comcast, court orders, or subpoenas.
The company says those disclosures may occur without additional notice to the customer. That means users who enable the feature are agreeing to broader potential uses of motion-related data than simply receiving alerts in the Xfinity app.
Comcast has not said that Wi-Fi Motion records audio or video. The system instead relies on changes in wireless signal patterns to detect movement inside a home.
Featured image credits: Wikimedia Commons
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