WIFI PUTS THE “SIMPLE” INTO SIMPLESENCE WATER LEAK AND FREEZE DETECTOR
NEWS – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Arthur Sesnovich
Bulldog Communications
(508) 485-0776
art@bulldog-communications.com
Use of WiFi Eliminates Need for Extra Equipment as Almost Every House Has a Router;
Offers “Simple Solution to Common Problem”
OCEANSIDE, CA (September 18, 2019) – Since its introduction over six months ago, the SimpleSENCE Water Leak and Freeze Detector has been extremely well received. Its simple operation, easy set up, and high level of accuracy are just a few of the reasons for this success.
One question that is raised by consumers regards the use of WiFi as a platform for the device. The fact is, there are a number of “connected” products on the market. In particular, there are connected water leak detectors that operate on Z-Wave and ZigBee smart home platforms. They are often part of an entire smart home ecosystem and besides detecting water leaks and freeze conditions, they can be connected to a water shutoff valve that will turn off the water if a leak is detected.
Fully featured, “smart” water leak detectors can be a sound investment for some consumers, and there are number of good ones available. In developing a WiFi water leak and freeze detector, however, SimpleSENCE elected to take a slightly different approach. While a fully connected detector provides certain benefits, a WiFi-based version offers its own advantages:
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WiFi requires no additional equipment. SimpleSENCE works off a home’s existing router (and for anyone who has internet service, they already have a router). Smart devices, including water detectors, require a home automation hub of some sort (think SmartThings, for example). This means extra cost, along with extra equipment that can create extra sources of potential technical problems.
It offers a simple solution to a common problem. Some people like the functionality of a fully equipped smart home, which allows them to control lighting, heat, television, security and more. For them, adding a smart water leak detector to an existing ecosystem that already features a smart hub makes perfect sense. Conversely, there are many homeowners who aren’t interested in a complete smart home. They just want a simple solution to a single problem: water leaks. For them, a product like SimpleSENCE answers the call.
Setup is incredibly easy. When you set up a WiFi device like SimpleSENCE (and many other WiFi devices as well), you turn on the device, download the app, and you’re generally led through a straightforward, easy-to-follow set-up process. Incorporating a device into a Z-Wave or ZigBee ecosystem can be a bit of a crapshoot. It can end up being easy or hard, depending on the brand of home autoamtion hub you’re using and a variety of other factors.
Interoperability is never an issue. All Z-Wave products will talk to one another. But ZigBee is broken up into several protocols, including Home Automation, Smart Energy Profile, SEP energy management, digital health, home hospital care, and more. This can create an issue, as Zigbee devices of different protocols can't always talk to each other. With WiFi, each device connects to the router individually – there are no obstacles related to device communication.
WiFi reduces worries about hacking. When you are utilizing an ecosystem connected device, the base station is a known entity. Meaning, the platforms are deployed at such scale, if a hacker has a technique to gain access to an Alexa, for example, they can gain access to all Alexas using the same technique. Gaining access to the central unit provides easier access to the other connected devices (APIs are more well known, etc.). Additionally, the base stations are typically connected to the home network via WiFi (or ethernet), but no difference, these devices are connecting to the outside world in the same manner.
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Conversely, an autonomous WiFi device is much more randomly distributed and the ability to hack one WiFi connected product does not provide any synergy in hacking another product. Thus, the incentive to hack an ecosystem vs. individual devices is greater.
Of course, offering a high-quality, WiFi-based water leak detector is only half the job; offering a high level of customer service is another.
“We didn’t expect many technical or other issues with the product, which has proven to be the case,” said Joe Alfrey, SimpleSENCE CEO. “Still we wanted to make sure that along with our superior product we would offer the best possible customer service.
“We had three solid customer-service avenues: the FAQ’s on the SimpleSENCE website; online chat; or calling us directly,” Alfrey continued. “Then we enlisted Rally Corp., a San Diego-based startup that can be reached via text while a customer is setting up the app on their phone. If there is a device manufacturer with a more comprehensive approach to customer service, we’d love to meet them.”
SimpleSENCE units can be purchased on their website at www.simplesence.com or on Amazon.
ABOUT SENCENTRIC
Based in Oceanside, CA, Sencentric, Inc. is a leading innovator in the design and development of environmental sensing technology within the logistics and cold chain industries. The company’s success is founded on the principles of innovation, quality, and an unwavering commitment to exceeding our customers’ expectations. Continuing on this core foundation of success, Sencentric is leveraging its state-of-the-art technology in the home protection market with the SimpleSENCE™ home leak detector, providing 24/7 monitoring and alert notification to eliminate potential damage from water and freezing pipes. For more information, visit www.sencentric.com.
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