The French startup Qiara is launching a low-cost remote monitoring system for individuals.
Faced with well-established competition in the market, the newcomer ensures that its system is easy to use. “In France, two companies share 80% of the French security market with margins of 70% – with expensive and not very innovative products” explains Qiara.
The promise is delivered in two figures: delivery of the product in 48 hours and only 15 minutes of installation to make the system operational. “The installation takes place completely autonomously thanks to the Qiara mobile application, which accompanies (the customer) at each stage of the process” mentions the press release. Another differentiating factor is that the contract is non-binding.
In the event of an outage, the system uses Sigfox IoT network to maintain connectivity
The Qiara surveillance system includes 5 connected objects:
- A full HD surveillance camera to view real-time video streams day and night. According to Qiara, a physical shutter and the disconnection of the ambient microphone ensure the protection of the privacy of its subscribers.
- A motion detector with infrared sensor to detect movement in the room where it is installed over a range of 6 meters. The sensor ignores the presence of pets, and warns the user in the event of intrusion.
- An opening detector to be placed on a window and door which allows you to protect the entrances to the home and to be notified in the event of an opening.
- An alarm siren (105 dB) which deters intruders, and which is triggered if movement or opening is detected.
- A numeric keypad to manage and personalize the system.
In the event of a power outage or internet outage at home, the alarm system uses Sigfox’s IoT network to maintain connectivity.
A free baby
In terms of management of 24/7 remote monitoring, the company has entered into a strategic agreement with Sotel. “Thanks to the expertise of its professional and approved agents, the objective is to intervene quickly in the event of suspicious activity or potential intrusion and to ensure the security of its users,” says the company.
Please note that the Qiara alarm system is currently designed for indoor use only.
Funded by Free, the startup relies on the operator’s user base to get started. Freebox subscribers therefore benefit from a -20% discount on prices. Concretely, the Qiara Essential Pack is offered to Free subscribers at a price of 199 euros (instead of €249). The company’s objective is to equip 1 million homes within 5 years. “We want to be the Free of connected alarms” says company director Alexis Bidinot.
After a first offer marketed in 2018 with the Freebox Delta, Free is therefore once again attempting to break into the remote monitoring market for individuals. Founded in 2022, Qiara benefited from an initial investment of 14 million euros from the operator. Alexis Bidinot is a former Deputy CEO of the Iliad Group.