Used cellphones and tablets often sell for pennies on the dollar, but what some people may not know is that their old devices can be used as home surveillance cameras.
Jeff Zisner of AEGIS Security and Investigations said old cellphones and tablets with cameras can be re-purposed to develop a free security system.
"You set the camera up using Wi-Fi so you don't need to have a cellphone activated on an account, you don't need a monthly fee," he said.
All you need is to download an app. During a demonstration, we chose the Alfred app for Android – it's free.
The NBC Connecticut Troubleshooters set up a cellphone in the newsroom to test the system out.
"The app will alert you that there is motion that's in your house that's not authorized," Zisner said.
You can monitor cameras live on your cellphone from work or elsewhere.
One of the benefits about using your old phone is that it doesn't just give you video, it gives you audio, so as you see a burglar in your house you can tell them to get out.
"And then the next call you make is to law enforcement so they can respond," Zisner said.
If police arrive too late, you still have a record of exactly who burglarized your home and peace of mind - all for free.
You can turn your phone into a mobile home security camera with the following apps:
For iPhone:
- Pocket Spy Cam
- Presence
For Android:
- Alfred
- Motion Detector
- WardenCam
