GoKawiilComcast launched Xfinity Shield today, a new home protection platform that includes a feature to turn routers into motion sensors. Here are the details.
Xfinity Shield is new security platform that includes ‘WiFi Motion’ feature for motion sensing
Home security used to be all about physical threats of break-ins, but these days it also extends to cyber threats. And with Comcast’s new Xfinity Shield platform, the company aims to protect users in both areas.
Per the announcement post:
Xfinity Shield has two offerings: WiFi Shield provides security built into Xfinity WiFi at no additional cost to Xfinity Internet customers, and Shield Select further extends protection through hardware, AI-enhanced monitoring and access to emergency services for $15 per month.
You can read the finer details of Xfinity Shield in the press release. But one especially noteworthy point involves turning existing routers in users’ homes into motion sensors.
An opt-in feature, WiFi Motion uses the Xfinity Gateway and connected devices to detect motion inside the home – without cameras or traditional motion detectors. Using Xfinity Gateway intelligence, WiFi Motion detects changes in the home’s radio frequency signal between the Xfinity Gateway and a WiFi connected device, then sends instant notifications to customers through the Xfinity app when unexpected activity is detected. It provides an added layer of awareness without recording video, capturing images or identifying individuals.
Not every Xfinity router offers motion sensing support, but many do. Per this support page, the opt-in feature is available across Technicolor XB7, XB8, XB9, XB10, MXB1, and XER10.
There’s a privacy component worth mentioning though. As noted by TechCrunch, that same page says: “Subject to applicable law, Comcast may disclose information generated by your WiFi Motion to third parties without further notice to you in connection with any law enforcement investigation or proceeding, any dispute to which Comcast is a party, or pursuant to a court order or subpoena.”
It’s good to know that motion data won’t be sold to third-party advertisers, for example. But if you’re concerned at all about the privacy implications, you can always refrain from enabling the WiFi Motion feature.
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