MacDirectory Magazine

Charlie Adlard

MacDirectory magazine is the premiere creative lifestyle magazine for Apple enthusiasts featuring interviews, in-depth tech reviews, Apple news, insights, latest Apple patents, apps, market analysis, entertainment and more.

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sensible approach to continue providing peace of mind while you are at home, without setting off alerts every time you get up from the couch. Kangaroo's stable of sensors currently includes a $15 motion sensor, a $30 motion and entry sensor, and a $30 water and climate sensor. An additional Siren + Keypad device adds an audible siren, non-smartphone based operation, and 'tags' for your keychains to arm and disarm the system for $70. The Siren is totally optional and in no way a 'hub' that is required for so many other systems. The two types of motion sensors are the worker bees of the Kangaroo system, and the price tags make them easily distributable across your entire home. They are installed with an adhesive tape and can be placed nearly anywhere— there are some recommended guidelines, especially if you have pets, where you'll want to avoid low-to-the-ground motion sensing. Their rounded edges, light weight, and flat white color allow the sensors to fit in anywhere, whether on your door frame or the corner of your room. They also don't look like some obviously high-tech sensor, so your guests won't be weirded out. I particularly like the combination of a motion sensor with an entry sensor for your windows or doors, as it literally combines two functions into one. The sensors look and work the same as more expensive options from wired security companies, but at a fraction of the price, and based on your own WiFi network. The Water + Climate Sensor looks very similar to the motion sensors, but is designed to lie flat on the floor around your washing machine, in your basement, or anywhere else you are concerned about liquid or humidity levels. This sensor features a bit more customization around tolerable levels but will still alert you on your smartphone when conditions exceed their thresholds (especially if it detects the presence of liquid, as opposed to just high humidity). I tend to miss notifications all the time, whether it's an important email, system update, or a new voicemail, however, I have not missed any of the Kangaroo app notifications. They make sure to be known and require dismissal as you'd expect from something so sacred as home security. Email alerts can also be configured in time with your smartphone notifications for increased awareness. For added protection and peace of mind, Kangaroo has recently rolled out subscription membership plans, with the same pricing and simplicity as their physical products. $99 a year gets you professional monitoring, Alexa and Google Home Integration, and Insurance discounts, PLUS a $230 security kit of hardware to get you started. Honestly, if you own a TV that cost more than a $100, you should try a year of Kangaroo security. Simple installation, simple operation, and simple pricing. It's never been this easy to keep your home protected. For more information, visit: www.heykangaroo.com

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