A close look at Kidde's listening device -- the RemoteLync Monitor (pictures)

As an alternative to smart smoke detectors like the second-gen Nest Protect, the Kidde RemoteLync Monitor plugs into your wall and listens for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. When the alarm sounds, it'll hear it and send you a push notification.

You plug the Kidde Monitor into your wall and connect it to your Wi-Fi network. Place it in a central location, and you'll add smarts to a number of your smoke detectors with a single device.

The Kidde Monitor works with IFTTT and the Kidde Security Camera. You can control both Kidde devices in a single app, and the Camera will automatically record when the Monitor hears an alarm.

Setup is simple enough. The app will walk you through it.

The device will even speak a couple of instructions to you.

The light on the top will shine yellow as you test. Press the button on the left to sync the device with Wi-Fi. Further along in the setup process, you'll press the button on the right, then sound the smoke detector furthest from your alarm.

Once setup is complete, the light shines green and it starts listening for trouble.

When the RemoteLync Monitor hears a smoke or CO alarm, the light goes red and it sends you a push notification.

You can tell the app that everything's all right, or use it to call 911. You can also add multiple users to help you can an eye on your place.

Thankfully, the Kidde RemoteLync Monitor blends into the background and doesn't cover the adjacent plug. Set it up and it'll act as a sentry, connecting your dumb smoke detectors to the cloud.