Piper Gets Updated To Offer Multi-Unit Capability And Two-Way Audio!

Image Courtesy Of Piper

Earlier this week we gave our full review of Piper and just yesterday Blacksumac, the company behind Piper, was acquired by iControl Networks. Today we have an announcement of new enhancements to the Piper, the addition of multi-unit capability and two-way audio. These new features become activated on the Piper via software update that is available now. Multi-unit capability allows for you to have up to five Pipers in your home. Each will operate separately, but can form together to build a security network. All of the Z-Wave technology between the units, will come together. You can view different camera views form each zone, record videos in each of these zones, and more. Two-way audio will allow you to speak via the Piper to those in the room, kind of like a walkie-talkie system. Blacksumac sells the Piper House Kit, which includes three Pipers, for $649. Check Out Our Full Review Of The Piper, By Clicking Here. You can see a full press release below.

Press Release

Piper Networks Launches Two-Way Audio and Multi-Unit Support

Piper, the compact, all-in-one home automation and security device, now allows for live interaction and integrated security functionality for a total home view

OTTAWA, April 10, 2014 –Ottawa-based startup Blacksumac today announced the availability of two enhancements to its flagship offering, Piper: two-way audio and multi-Piper capability, which provides the ability to support multiple units and create multiple security zones. Piper, the compact, Wi-Fi-enabled, all-in-one home automation and security device that launched general availability in North America in late January 2014, enables users to seamlessly monitor what’s important in their life from their mobile device, all without contracts or fees.

With multi-Piper capability, users will be able to create independent security zones using up to five Pipers within their homes. Each Piper operates as an independent sentinel and joins together to form an integrated security network. Seamless Z-wave integration allows for complete home awareness and automation control. Shared environmental and motion sensor data, camera views and recorded videos provide the ability to track changes and movement through each zone.

Simple to use, two-way audio provides users with the ability to directly interact via Piper app’s camera view with occupants, elderly parents, children and even pets.

“The ability to simply and easily interact with and secure your entire home–not just one room–when you’re away has been a priority of ours since we first developed Piper,” said Russell Ure, CEO and co-founder of Blacksumac, Inc. “We’re excited to offer an enhanced experience to our current and future consumers.”

Piper has been recognized for its excellence in innovative design and engineering and originally debuted its crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo in August 2013, where it successfully tripled its funding efforts. Allowing users to easily monitor, secure and interact with their homes through Z-Wave home automation accessories, Piper continues to receive support and praise from homeowners, apartment renters, parents, pet owners and design enthusiasts alike.

Piper features include:

• Security – Customize three security modes (home, away and vacation), motion detector and piercing, 105-decibel siren
• Automation – Integrate Z-Wave accessories into Piper’s security modes, control them remotely, on a schedule, or using environmental data
• HD Panoramic camera – 180° fisheye lens, electronic pan, tilt, and zoom, 1080p camera sensor
• Customized alerts – Phone call, text message, email and push notifications to alert users and their trusted circle when security rules are triggered
• Environmental sensors – Monitor and control home temperature, humidity, ambient light and sound
• Elegant design – Simple, intuitive app. Compact, two-toned form with brushed metal legs.
• Smart hardware – ARM processor, battery backup, internal memory for video storage, 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi.
• Free cloud storage – Cloud infrastructure provides Piper a place to store event videos, send various types of notifications and perform additional login/connection negotiation
• Android & iOS support – Available on Android and iOS smartphones and tablets
• NEW Two-way audio – Talk directly to occupants through Piper and app on mobile device

Two-way audio and multi-Piper capability will be available as a free firmware and software update on April 2nd, 2014. The Piper House Kit, which comes with three units in either black or white, can be purchased at http://store.getpiper.com/ for $649 USD. Piper can also be purchased by itself for $239 or bundled with Z-Wave home automation accessories such as smart switches and door/window sensors that allow consumers to control their homes remotely, ranging from $359 to $849 USD.