Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Smart Home
  3. News

Korner is a smart, ultra-minimalist security system that installs in minutes

By
korner smart ultra minimalist security system screen shot 2014 03 19 at 2 34 22 pm
Image used with permission by copyright holder

It used to be that outfitting your home with a security system meant you needed to contact a security agency like Brinks or ADT, set up an appointment for them to come and install sensors all over your house, and then pay a monthly fee to keep your service going. But that’s no longer the case. Now that sensor tech has become drastically cheaper than it used to be, cheap DIY home surveillance systems are on the rise.

Korner is yet another entry into this growing category of products, but unlike all-in-one systems like Piper and Canary, Korner takes a much more minimalist approach. The entire system is comprised of a set of app-enabled door/window sensors and a network fob, so to get started all you do is stick the tags in the corners of the doors & windows you want to monitor, and plug the fob into your router.

Recommended Videos

kornerOnce applied, the tags will detect motion and wirelessly notify the fob, which then sounds a high-pitched alarm (if that’s how you configure it) and forwards an alert to your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. In the even of an intrusion, you’ll be presented with the option of either calling the cops, or forwarding the alert to your Security Circle — a user-selected list of family, friends, and neighbors who can check on things for you.

As an added bonus, Korner tags are also equipped with Zigbee radios, so they can easily be incorporated to your existing Zigbee-based home automation setup. All security considerations aside, these tags are the only single-piece door/window sensors we know of, and they’re far more attractive than most of the other sensors on the market right now.

Obviously, this system has some big limitations compared to full-fledged security systems outfitted with cameras, but not everybody wants such robust security, and for those simply looking for an easy and affordable way to make their home safer, Korner would likely be an excellent option. You can’t buy it just yet, but Korner’s creators are set to launch an IndieGoGo campaign in the near future, and will offer a pack of three tags and one fob for just 80 dollars. Until then, you can find out more here.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Drew Prindle
Drew Prindle
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Drew Prindle is an award-winning writer, editor, and storyteller who currently serves as Senior Features Editor for Digital…
The best DIY home security systems
Nest Secure top

Professional security systems aren’t cheap. Not only are they expensive to have installed, they often require expensive monthly fees – which can quickly add up over the years. Thankfully, homeowners looking to secure their property now have a robust selection of DIY home security systems that offer many of the same perks of professional systems at a fraction of the cost.

DIY home security systems are highly customizable, but you’ll typically find a variety of cameras, door sensors, hub stations, and motion sensors in most packages. If you need some help sifting through all your options, here’s a look at the best DIY home security systems of 2023.

Read more
During spring cleaning, don’t forget smart home security
A physical lock placed on a keyboard to represent a locked keyboard.

With warmer weather sweeping across the nation, folks around the country are using spring as a time to clean their homes and declutter all the junk they’ve accumulated during the dark, dreary winter months. And while organizing your home is a great way to ring in the spring, consider taking a few minutes to perform a bit of smart home spring cleaning, too.

From upgrading your gadgets and changing your passwords to enabling two-factor authentication and performing software updates, here are a few ways to expand your spring cleaning chores to your smart home.

Read more
Is a DIY smart home security system better than a professional one?
Arlo camera installed outside.

When it comes to protecting your home, your options all boil down to two different categories -- DIY smart home systems or professionally installed hardware. Both have their benefits and drawbacks, but determining which is best for your home isn’t an easy decision. And with so many products on the market from companies like Google, Arlo, SimpliSafe, Vivint, and Yale, the decision becomes even more stressful.

Here’s a closer look at both DIY smart home security systems and professional security systems to help you figure out which is best for your property.
Installation costs and ongoing fees

Read more