last updated 22nd Dec 04
by 4ecotips.com

Mobile phones seem able to do almost anything so the latest potential development is probably not so surprising. Because soon is will may be possible to use your mobile to keep a watchful eye on your belongings while you are out and about.

According to The Mail on Sunday this new facility for the ‘eye’ in your pocket comes from cameraman Otton Hulacki. He calls it the Sentient Unit, which is a battery powered portable alarm the size of a mobile phone. It can be placed anywhere in a any room in a home to monitor sounds and movement through and infra-red motion detector.

If the device register activity in the room it rings the homeowner’s mobile phone. The owner can then listen in and view the room on their mobile phone screen through a camera embedded in the alarm.

One of the gadget’s advantages is that it can be carried in a pocket and placed anywhere. So if you are staying in a hotel you can leave the mobile spy eye in your room. It may be particularly useful for protecting tools left on a worksite, musical instruments in rehearsal suites or sports equipment in locker rooms.

Apparently it has taken Hulacki several years to perfect the design and apply for a patent.
The units are not expected to be on sale for up to a year. When they are available they will cost around £200.

A more sophisticated model is expected to include a smoke detector and a siren to deter intruders.