Comcast turns Xfinity routers into home motion detectors — free Wi-Fi sensing feature tracks RF interference with zero extra hardware required
To appease concerns about privacy, Wi-Fi Motion is opt-in
Comcast has introduced a new feature called Xfinity Shield that utilizes Wi-Fi routers as home motion detectors, transforming them into a free Wi-Fi sensing system. This technology, known as Wi-Fi Motion, monitors the signal strength and interference between the router and connected devices, detecting unauthorized movement within the home.
Once detected, the router sends an alert to the user's phone, providing an additional layer of security without requiring any extra hardware. While Wi-Fi Motion may not offer the same level of precision as traditional motion sensors or security cameras, it does not require additional purchases to function.
This feature is opt-in by default, requiring users to enable it through the Xfinity app and set up alert monitoring. Three protection modes, including Home Watch, Away Watch, and Dark Watch, are available through the app. Wi-Fi Motion is just one aspect of Xfinity Shield, which also includes Xfinity CyberSecure for automatic device protection against phishing and malware, and Family Settings for managing screen time on individual devices.
The service is available free of charge to Comcast customers with Advanced Xfinity Gateways. For those seeking additional protection, Comcast offers Shield Select for $15/month, which includes an indoor camera, window/door sensors, cloud storage for video footage, and 24/7 emergency response support.
Written by urgent.news from Tom's Hardware's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 1 other outlet
- Comcast gives its Wi-Fi motion detector a security makeover theregister.com
