App turns iPhone into security camera

PALO ALTO, Calif., March 29 (UPI) -- A California company says its software app can turn an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch into security camera, complete with motion detector.

People Power in Palo Alto says its free app, Presence, allows users who have a WiFi connection to set up one Apple device as a video camera and another as a monitor, the Los Angeles Times reported Friday.

For example, the company said, a dog owner could re-purpose an old iPhone, turn it into a camera and then watch the dog on an iPad while at work.

"We are breathing new life into [old devices] by turning them into a free WiFi video camera," People Power head Gene Wang said.

Presence could allow users to watch their pets while they're out, watch their children from another room or connect with elderly people who stay at home, he said.

The app can be used to create a home security system, People Power said. Users can program Presence to record a 5-second video clip when motion is detected, if for example someone breaks into their home, and send them an email alert.