Shelly's New Presence Sensor Uses Radar to Track People Without a Camera
Shelly releases the Presence Gen4, an mmWave radar sensor that detects up to ten people and triggers smart home automations, without recording video.
Shelly has introduced the Presence Gen4, a sensor that uses millimeter-wave (mmWave) radar to detect people and pets in a space and trigger smart home automations. The device does not use a camera, according to the company. It is available starting today for $84.99 through Shelly's online store, with a broader retail rollout expected at Amazon and Best Buy.
The sensor is designed to be placed on a shelf or table using its built-in stand, or mounted to a wall. It offers a 140-degree horizontal field of view and can monitor areas up to 650 square feet. Installation requires a power source via USB-C cable. The device supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, and Matter, and can be integrated with Google Home, Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, and Home Assistant.
Users can create up to ten customizable detection zones. For example, a lamp could turn on only when someone sits at a desk, or a home theater system could power up only when someone sits on the sofa. Automations can also turn off lights, heating, cooling, or music when a person leaves to conserve energy. The sensor can be set to include small objects like pets, or its sensitivity adjusted to ignore low-to-the-ground objects, such as a robot vacuum, to prevent false triggers.
The Presence Gen4 follows Shelly's launch of a $50 subscription-free security camera last month. The new sensor's reliance on radar instead of cameras may appeal to users concerned about privacy, as it does not record video. The $84.99 price point places it in the mid-range for smart home presence sensors, and its support for major smart home platforms could make it a versatile option for automation enthusiasts.
Interpretation: The decision to use mmWave radar rather than cameras aligns with a growing interest in privacy-preserving sensing technologies. However, the sensor's need for a power source via USB-C may limit placement flexibility compared to battery-powered alternatives. The success of the Presence Gen4 will depend on its accuracy and ease of integration, which are not detailed in the announcement. Competitors offering camera-based or other sensing solutions may face pressure to address privacy concerns, but it is too early to assess market impact.
This report is based on information from The Verge. No independent testing or user reviews are available at this time.
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