Motion-detecting phone helps guard home front

(Credit: Hammacher Schlemmer)

Hammacher Schlemmer gets top marks again for coming up with something that hits the Crave spot. The $59.95 Motion Detecting Telephone is a discreet way to maintain home security without clashing with the room decor. I mean, how subtle can a landline phone get in the living room? Plus that motion detector looks like any blinking light on the phone, so it won't warrant a closer inspection from nosy relations or neighbors.

How does it work? When motion is detected from someone walking past the phone, it will call (ingenious!) the number you've programmed, whereupon the built-in mic will kick in to allow you to listen in on what's going on in the room. It'll even record the sounds and send it to your mobile phone if needed. And just in case you're wondering, yes, it can function as a real telephone. Too bad there seems to be only one color choice.

(Source: Crave Asia via GadgetVenue)

[rdeal2]

Cool! Now if they could just add a 5 second snapshot camera and tie it into an iPhone app, that would make them a crap load of $$$.

[n3td3v]

Most domestic phones are cordless in 2009, so this phone would look totally out of place in most homes.

[kormiko]

That's true, but I have a corded phone for emergencies if the power happens to go out for extended periods. Cell phones could be charged elsewhere (like in a car), but they too could have satellite issues. Hurricanes tend to shut off the power and bog down cell phone calls. The corded phone should still work during something like that.

[galeso]

Make it a VOIP cordless phone with a camera.
Connect with Skype or similar service.
Then you will have something.
Have you seen the video where a woman monitoring her dogs via computer camera sees two people breaking in, calls the police, and then they get busted?

[kormiko]

This will work great for people with cats who want their nom noms.
They'll receive a cell phone call every five minutes with meowing on the other end.

[rattlesnakebob]

I'm living in the dark ages I know, but I am trying to find a landline phone/answering machine combo. I bought the highly touted panasonic kx-tg1032 but it has the annoying characteristic of when checking messages you can not use the phone. You have to wait till the messages play before you can use the phone. Is there another phone that does not have this characteristic?

Bob

[MaxAgent86]

Just remove the cord before you leave and then it will look like a wireless handset on it's base being charged.