A startup called Roost has revealed a smart battery that it claims to let users know when their smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms are going off.
The lithium-based battery is equipped with a Wi-Fi chip and sensors for audio detection and voltage monitoring that is wirelessly linked with a smartphone app.
"Simply download our Roost app, connect to your home WiFi, and then insert the Roost Smart Battery in an existing smoke alarm to appreciate how simple and intuitive it is to install and use," said Roel Peeters, Roost CEO and co-founder.
"No hubs, no wires, and no pricey new devices. Our retrofit approach to the smart home shows that peace of mind doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. We’ve chosen to apply the Roost Smart Battery to smoke alarms first because quite simply they are the most important devices to ensure the safety of your home and loved ones."
The app includes a push notification that lets users know when the alarm is going off, while the battery is supposed to last for more than five years.
Users can also connect the app with their local emergency response number, allowing them to seek help in real-time if the alarm goes off.
The firm, which expects to release the battery next spring for $25, has also set sights on AA batteries, as they’re commonly used in toys and remote controls, according to MIT.
It’s also looking to add an accelerometer or thermometer among other sensors to the battery.
