Comcast is transforming millions of its routers into motion sensors.

Comcast is set to enhance millions of existing routers in homes with Wi-Fi motion sensing, transforming them into activity monitors. A new update to the Xfinity Internet app, launching today, August 18th, activates this feature on compatible Xfinity routers at no additional cost.

Part of the new Xfinity Shield service, Wi-Fi Motion can track activity within your home and send notifications, functioning similarly to a standalone motion sensor. It detects changes in the Wi-Fi signal between the Xfinity gateway and any connected devices, providing insights into household activity without the need for extra hardware. Xfinity Shield is available for free to all customers and includes advanced security features to protect devices from online threats like malware and phishing, along with enhanced parental controls.

Wi-Fi motion sensing has been around for some time, but recent advancements have made it more accurate and reliable. While Linksys introduced a similar service in 2021, it was discontinued a few years later. In 2023, Wiz launched Wi-Fi-sensing smart bulbs, and Philips Hue recently implemented a similar radio-frequency sensing technology in its products using Zigbee.

Comcast’s motion sensing integrates with new modes in the Xfinity app—Home Watch, Away Watch, and Dark Watch (a night/sleep mode)—allowing users to toggle sensing based on their activities. Wi-Fi Motion requires an advanced gateway, specifically the XB7 or newer, and can be easily turned on or off through the app.

Kohposh Kuda, SVP of consumer products at Xfinity, shared that the company has dedicated significant effort to refining Wi-Fi motion sensing. “We have spent the last three years advancing the algorithms for Wi-Fi Motion and addressing some of the inconsistencies from earlier versions. We’re confident that customers can use this for motion detection in their homes and for basic security.”

While Xfinity doesn’t view this technology as a replacement for traditional security systems with cameras and physical motion sensors just yet, Kuda notes, “For the average household, this provides an adequate level of security protection.” Xfinity continues to offer security cameras, now available under the new Xfinity Shield Select service, which costs $15 a month for an indoor camera and a door/window sensor, including cloud video storage and 24/7 urgent response service.

The potential applications for reliable motion-sensing technology that doesn’t require additional hardware are extensive, ranging from home security to supporting aging in place. Several companies are exploring solutions in this area, including ADT, which recently acquired Origin Wireless, a pioneer in Wi-Fi motion sensing. Comcast also has ambitious plans for the technology, with Kuda stating, “We believe this is the foundation for what we think we can do with more advanced use cases.”