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Scout Socket by Scout Security

$1,824 raised of $125,000 goal

0 days left

Campaign Ended

Campaign goal was not reached by July 18th, 2014 – See more projects

Control Lights from the Palm of Your Hand, In Seconds

With the Scout WIFI Light Socket, you can connect any dimmable light bulb to the internet and control it from your smartphone, tablet, or computer. It’s simple – just screw it in. No installation necessary, no extra devices to buy. Scout can be used as a standalone product, or in combination with other Scout devices. Turn lights on, off, or dim them anytime, anywhere in the world. Socket(s) can be incorporated into security modes, or set for easy home automation.

scout socket specifications

Scare the Crap Out of Would-Be Intruders

Turning on and off lights is great, but our goal for Scout’s WIFI socket is to give our customers the power to react to events in their home and prevent them. Incorporate Scout Socket into security modes so that they come on when an alarm is triggered. Put your lights on timers to save energy, or mimic activity in the house when you’re on vacation. It’s a simple product, with robust security applications.

scout socket functionality

Reusable, Because That Makes Sense

When was the last time a light bulb lasted as long as the box said it would? Exactly. That’s why we made a WIFI light socket, instead of a light bulb. With Scout Socket, you can use any dimmable bulb. You know, the ones that don’t cost $80 each. When the bulb burns out or breaks, just replace the bulb for a few bucks. There’s no extra waste created by connecting your lights. In fact, you’ve probably already got some bulbs in your house that work with Socket: incandescent, dimmable CFL, or dimmable LED.

scout socket

Color-changing Lights are for Raves, Scout Socket is for Security

The companies charging and arm and a leg for a light bulb, understandably, had to invent some features to justify the cost. Being able to change the color of your lights is one of them. Put simply, changing the color of your lights doesn’t have a security angle, so we’re not doing it. If you’re a DJ, we’re sorry, this isn’t the product for you. If you’re not a DJ, that’s great! You probably already have some bulbs in your house that work with the Socket. And, they install in seconds – no bridges, hubs, or electrical work needed.

scout socket light bulb

Smart, Like You

Light timers are yesterday’s technology. They’re clunky, unreliable and, realistically, they’re not fooling anyone for very long. Scout’s socket is meant to bring your lights into the digital age. Beyond moving the control of your lights to your smart devices, we want to put you in control of your data and make your devices smart. What if you didn’t have to set timers? What if, when you’re not home, Scout were able to mimic you being home based on the historical light usage data? Now, that’s automation.

scout socket

Good Genes

Did you get the sense of déjà vu washing over you as you looked at the Socket project? These are the Sockets you’re looking for. Scout Socket was inspired by the Spark Socket before it. We’ve licensed the rights to produce Socket from Spark, because it makes perfect sense as part of our larger suite of security products. Scout is building on the amazing work of the Spark team and will have some exciting announcements in the months to come.

Summary

WIFI light socket that lets you control the lights when you're home and control the situation when you're not

Turn your lights on, off or dim them from anywhere in the world, anytime, on your phone, tablet or computer. Use the WIFI-enabled Socket as a standalone product or, scare the crap out of any would-be intruder by including Socket in a larger Scout System.  Scout’s socket can be incorporated into security modes, or set for home automation.  Forget hubs, bridges, and electrical work, the Scout Socket requires no installation and works in seconds. 

Team

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Scout Security, Inc. Chicago, IL

About Us

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Dan Roberts - Co-Founder and CEO

Dan lives at the intersection of design and business. He leads the design team on all things Scout, but spends an equal amount of time knee-deep in Excel. Being the only non-engineer on the Scout team for 14 months, Dan amuses himself by volunteering solutions to engineering problems and seeing how long he can improvise.

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Dave Shapiro - Co-Founder and CTO

He leads hardware and software engineering, working with the team to ensure an awesome user experience. Dave is tirelessly looking at new technologies and how to leverage them in a unique way to bring an antiquated industry into the modern age. When he is not building things you can find him making Costco runs for new office chairs and fruit snacks.

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Daniel Lindmark - Electrical Engineer

Adventure capitalist, serial engineer, empath, interested in how prime numbers relate to cicadas as well as fur texture, futurist, bringer of the digital ragnarok, burner, caregiver, cape wearer. Fond of painting watercolors on plywood alligator arm bands, crafter, works great with circuits, firmware, and software.

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Daniel Enders - Software Development

Daniel is a software developer at Scout. He makes sure that the Scout software looks and functions as the designers spec’d it to. Daniel spends his evenings watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer reruns with his hedgehog, Wanda Spykes.  

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Noah Ney - Business Development and Sales

Hailing from Kansas City, by way of San Francisco, Noah has gained a wide range business development and sales strategy experience in the startup world. Noah was that kid who would rather disassemble his toys then actually play with them. Now he's helping Scout expand globally through sales and partnerships. 

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Kurt Schurecht - Lead Embedded Software

Kurt is the lead embedded software engineer at Scout, writing all of the code that make our devices tick.  Whether it’s an LED flashing, or a siren piercing the office air, Kurt’s behind it. His code is small, fast and reliable.  He’s the guy you thank for not having to change your batteries every other month.  

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Peter Maneykowski - Intern

Peter is studying Industrial Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.  Peter is interning for the summer at Scout, and exploring different aspects of engineering.

FAQ

Will the Socket work where I live?

The short answer is yes, most likely.  The Scout Socket is designed to work with the standard lighting that can be found in most homes across most of the world.  Scout works with any dimmable bulb.  You’ll need an internet connection to operate Scout Socket.  The Socket screws into light sockets that take “standard” light bulbs.  “Standard” light bulbs are medium-sized Edison bulbs, which are the most commonly used bulbs in the USA and elsewhere. 

What voltages does the Socket work with?

The Socket has been designed to work with any voltage between 85 volts and 265 volts.  Basically, the Socket will work with any voltage around the world. 

What type of range can I expect out of the Socket’s WIFI?

The range of other WIFI devices in your home is indicative of what you can expect from the Scout Socket.  Range of WIFI is dependent on your router and building construction materials.  Generally speaking, the Socket has a range of 100-300 ft., depending on a home’s layout and construction.  In the event that Scout is not within range of your internet router, you can use generally-available WIFI extender devices.

Can I control multiple sockets from the app?

Scout Socket app will allow you to control and infinite number of Sockets!

Does the Socket work with Bayonet plugs?

The Scout Socket does not currently work with Bayonet plugs.  We’d like to be able to do a version of the Socket that does work with Bayonet Plugs in the future.  But, one step at a time. 

Are there any fees or service plans associated with the Scout Socket?

No fees. Using the Scout Socket is completely free and will be forever.

How does the Socket get connected to my WIFI network?

Connecting the Scout Socket to your local WIFI is super simple. You will connect the sockets to the network via its access point, choose your home’s WIFI, enter the password and you are finished.

Why a socket? Why not a dimmer switch, wall outlet or WIFI lightbulb?

When Spark introduced the socket we loved the solution. There are many products that offer connected switches and wall outlets. The socket is a unique approach and has a strong security use case. The Socket allows for bulb replacements and you can verify the bulbs you are buying are actually giving you the amount of hours they are rated for.  

Can I still use my regular light switch and / or dimmer?

Yes, absolutely. 

What happens if I plug one Scout Socket into another Scout Socket?

We haven’t tried it and you shouldn’t either.  Like any electrical device, Scout’s Socket should be used with care.  

Can other people take control of my lights?

The Scout Socket connects to our servers 128 bit AES encrypted connection. You, the user, connect to our servers over 256 bit AES SSL encrypted connection. This the same type of security used by banks. 

How many sockets can be used on a single network?

There is absolutely no limit on the amount of sockets you can have on one network.

Is the Socket suitable for outdoor use?

No, Scout’s Socket is not currently rated for outdoor use. 

Can I use the Scout Socket with Apple HomeKit?

We are in the process of getting accepted into the MFI (made for iphone) program. We are excited about the possibilities of homekit, but are not yet a part of the MFI program.

What are the shipping costs?

The Scout Socket will ship for free to pre-order backers.  We have no domestic shipping charge at this time. 

When will this product ship?

Scout Socket, if funded, will ship before the end of 2014.  Depending on which device wins the crowdfunding competition, that device will be made first.  If the Socket wins the competition,  if would ship before the other devices, but all devices will ship by the end of 2014.  

What happens when the power or internet goes out?

If the power or internet go out, you would be notified that the device has gone offline.  If you’re using the Socket in combination with a Scout Hub with cellular backup, your other perimeter sensors would still be able to get communications out to you about what’s happening at home. 

Will it work with “X” operating system?

Scout’s Socket can be accessed from any internet-connected phone, tablet or computer.  We’ll have native applications for iOS and Android devices.

What are the Terms & Conditions for this project?

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