Butterfleye
| File:Butterfleye logo.png | |
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Security alarm |
| Founded | 2013 |
| Founder | Ben Nader |
| Headquarters | , United States |
| Products | Wireless, learning cameras |
| Parent | Ooma |
| Website | Butterfleye Webpage |
Butterfleye is a U.S.-based manufacturer specializing in security alarm solutions. The firm is recognized for its innovative wireless learning camera technology designed to reduce false alarm occurrences. Established in 2013 by engineer Ben Nader, the company’s headquarters are located in San Francisco, California.
On December 20, 2017, Butterfleye became a subsidiary of Ooma.
A notice was issued to Butterfleye customers on September 22, 2021, stating: "We regret to inform you that support, maintenance, and operation of Ooma Butterfleye and Smart Cam security cameras will cease. Consequently, these cameras will stop functioning and recording as of October 22, 2021. Access to any videos through the Smart Cam App will also be discontinued after this date."
History
Following repeated thefts of his bicycles due to break-ins at his residence, Nader—then employed as an engineer at Texas Instruments—attempted to set up a security alarm system himself. Finding existing options unsatisfactory and overly complex with installation times extending up to three days, he was motivated to develop a superior solution.
Initial funding for the project came from angel investing, securing $1.6 million. In August 2015, Nader launched a campaign on the crowdfunding platform Indiegogo with a target of $100,000. By the campaign’s conclusion in October, the company had surpassed this goal by raising over six times the original amount.
Cameras
Nader characterized Butterfleye as a fusion of Dropcam and Nest, merging streaming camera capabilities with home automation features. The cameras offered by Butterfleye operate wirelessly and boast an approximate battery life of two weeks, ensuring continuous operation even during power outages.
What sets Butterfleye’s cameras apart is their incorporation of facial recognition technology, which significantly reduces false alerts by learning to exclude footage of the household members themselves. Additionally, the devices utilize iBeacon technology to identify specific smartphones, further minimizing unnecessary notifications. The cameras are equipped with a thermal imaging sensor and audio recognition capabilities, enabling them to detect distinctive sounds such as a child's cry or breaking glass.
The system organizes and tags stored video clips based on these visual and auditory signals. Each camera secures its data transmissions with AES 128bit encryption and includes 12 hours of onboard storage to safeguard footage during network or internet disruptions. Users can access both live streams and recorded videos via a dedicated app available on iOS and under development for Android. The app also sends alerts when a person or pet is identified by any camera in the system.
Remote activation is possible, with an indicator light on the camera alerting nearby individuals that recording is in progress. Furthermore, the cameras support two-way audio communication, allowing users to speak through the device to interact with family members or pets remotely.