Why You Can Trust CNET The clever MyFox security system bows at CES, focuses on deterrence
By sensing vibration, MyFox sensors can tell when something's wrong and hopefully will stop a crime in its tracks.
LAS VEGAS -- At CES 2015, European home security company MyFox debuted a brand-new system specifically for the US. The focus of its offerings: DIY simplicity, privacy and prevention.
In theory, the MyFox system can help you prevent a crime before it happens. Many DIY systems, including the well-rounded offerings of SmartThings, include door and window sensors that can alert you when the entrance to your home is ajar. The MyFox sensors do that but go a step further and sense vibrations as well. Should a crook attempt a forceful entry, MyFox will sense it and sound an alarm.
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See all pricesA watchful sentry
A connected camera rounds out the MyFox system. It also includes a unique twist to the standard offering -- a remotely controlled shutter. If you worry about privacy having a connected cam set up in a watchful position at all times, simply close the shutter when you're home.
The camera offers 720p HD with a 130-degree field of view. That stacks up well to the likes of the DropCam Pro and Piper. It has night vision, two-way audio and motion detection, giving it the tools to be an apt sentry.
A well-rounded kit
The camera will cost $200 and be released sometime in Q2 of 2015, along with a separate security kit for $300 that includes those vibration-detecting sensors mentioned above.
That kit also includes a siren, a hub and a key fob for easily arming and disarming the system, which all mate with the door and window sensors aimed at crime prevention.
With plenty of connected cameras out there to go along with a variety of smart-home systems, MyFox differentiates itself by adding small extra touches. Vibration detection will be cool if it works and doesn't cause notification overload from every passing leaf. MyFox claims it won't; that the system can tell the difference between incidental noise and actual cause for concern.
Keeping a connection
The system also brings backup. Most DIY systems we've tested become powerless without...well...power. MyFox includes a battery backup in both its camera and its smart-home starter kit. If your Wi-Fi goes down, MyFox will use a proprietary signal to search for a neighboring MyFox system. If it finds one, it'll piggyback on that signal to keep its Internet access alive.
The MyFox system will need to be popular enough to be in multiple homes in your neighborhood for that MyFox Around technology to work. As a company that's new to the US, that's asking a lot. The idea is still sound and shows MyFox is at least taking steps to address issues many systems ignore.
MyFox wants to keep crime on the outside, and with IFTTT support and an open API, MyFox can be the security system on top of your larger connected home.
Outlook
The MyFox security system takes care of interoperability with IFTTT, convenience with a key fob, and privacy with a remote-controlled shutter. If the security of the camera and the vibration detection of the sensors holds up, MyFox might be clever enough to earn a place in your home while keeping crooks out.
Keep up with more innovations from the floor at CES 2015 with CNET's complete coverage.
