Roost revealed that it's no mere one-trick pony, unveiling two new low-cost smart smoke alarms - the RSA-200 and RSA-400 - that can notify its owner via an accompanying phone app when it detects danger.
The RSA-200 can sense smoke and fire, while the RSA-400 goes one step beyond its "weaker" counterpart, which, alongside the two previously mentioned substances, is able to detect carbon monoxide and natural gas as well.
Both of these are fitted with the Wi-Fi-enabled 9-volt Roost Smart Battery that put the company on the map in the first place. The battery turns any regular smoke detector into a smart one, giving it the ability to notify its owner through a mobile device. And now, with these new smoke detectors, the smart battery is standard fair.
However, what truly sets these two new smoke detectors apart isn't the ability to detect various hazardous substances, but rather how quickly it's able to do so. According to Roost, these two new smoke alarms are capable of detecting hazardous substances up to 87 percent faster than standard varieties thanks to the Universal Smoke Sensing Technology that reportedly utilizes a microprocessor to sense "fast flaming" and "slow smoldering" fires.
The detectors also borrow a key function from the Roost Smart Battery, with the ability to send out a push notification when it's running low on battery several weeks before completely running out. What's more, the battery can keep going for five years, so replacements won't be needed too often and, when it does need replacing, it is quite cheap with a cost of only $15.
These two detectors will go in direct competition with Nest Protect, which has been on the market for quite some time now. Just like RSA-series detectors, it can connect with its owner's phone, but it also costs a pretty penny, running customers $99.
With that said, these two new smoke alarms aren't particularly cheap either, with the RSA-200 priced at $59.99, and the RSA-400 priced at $79.99, which is less than the Nest Protect but more than standard detectors. However, with the ability to detect flames 87 percent faster than standard alarms, it very well might be worth the cost.
Those interested will be delighted to know that the Roost Smart Smoke Alarms are already available for pre-order now and shipping is expected to begin in June.
