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[SITUATION] · [QUIET] · [TECHNOLOGY]

3 clusters · 19 sources · 15 days · First seen · Last updated

Comcast Xfinity WiFi Motion technology rollout

Overview

Comcast has introduced ‘WiFi Motion’, a feature within its Xfinity Shield service that enables compatible Xfinity Gateways, such as the XB7 through XB10 models, to function as motion sensors. The technology detects changes in radio frequency signals between the router and stationary devices to monitor movement within a home without using cameras, images, or audio.

This technology, which Comcast reported took three years to develop, builds upon research previously conducted by MIT regarding the use of radio signals to detect motion or falls. The feature is integrated into the Xfinity application alongside other tools like CyberSecure and Family Settings. It offers three specific modes: Home Watch, Away Watch, and Dark Watch.

While the feature is free and opt-in, it has raised significant privacy concerns. Documentation indicates that Comcast may disclose motion-sensing data to third parties without notifying the user in instances involving law enforcement investigations, legal disputes, or compliance with court orders and subpoenas.

Comcast also offers a paid tier, Shield Select, which costs $15 per month and includes additional hardware such as AI-powered indoor cameras and door or window sensors.

Entities

Comcast · Xfinity · Karlsruhe Institute of Technology · Xfinity Shield · WiFi Motion

Timeline

  1. 10 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    Comcast introduces WiFi Motion technology for home security

    Comcast is launching Xfinity Shield, a security feature that uses WiFi Motion technology to detect movement in a home by measuring disruptions in Wi-Fi radio waves.

  2. 20 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    Comcast introduces motion detection feature via Xfinity routers

    Comcast is launching ‘Wi-Fi Motion,’ a feature that turns Xfinity routers into motion sensors, though the company notes it may share resulting data with third parties without notifying users.

  3. 24 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 15 sources
    Comcast turns millions of routers into motion sensors via WiFi Motion

    Comcast is rolling out WiFi Motion, a feature that turns Xfinity routers into motion sensors using radio signals. The opt-in service aims to provide home security without cameras but has raised privacy concerns

Sources

bitcoinbazis.hu · blogspan.net · borba.me · business-et-finances.com · cmcsa.com · cnmo.com · dailyguardian.ca · gizmodo.com · ipaddisti.it · jajce-online.com · nemosnewsnetwork.com · neozone.org · pcauthority.com.au · sbctv.gr · sofx.com · techspot.com · thelibertydaily.com · virginia.edu · zentrum-der-gesundheit.de

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history