Comcast launches Xfinity Shield, a home security platform using Wi-Fi to detect motion

Comcast has rolled out a new home security platform called Xfinity Shield, which brings together home protection, family management tools and cybersecurity features within a single application, built around the home Wi-Fi network.

Xfinity Internet subscribers can access a service called Wi-Fi Shield at no additional cost. One of its features, Wi-Fi Motion, detects movement inside a home by analyzing changes in the radio frequency signal between the Xfinity Gateway and connected devices. Comcast notes that a typical customer has 36 devices connected to their Wi-Fi network. The feature must be opted into by users, and if unexpected signal changes are detected, an alert is sent through the Xfinity app. The company states that this approach provides added awareness without recording video, capturing images or identifying individuals.

Wi-Fi Shield also includes cybersecurity protection designed to guard connected devices against malware, phishing and other threats. Additionally, the app incorporates Family Settings, allowing households to create individual profiles, assign devices to family members, and manage screen time and device usage limits. Users can configure the system to operate in three modes, corresponding to when residents are at home, away, or asleep.

A paid tier, Shield Select, is also available for $15 per month. It adds an indoor camera, a door or window sensor, cloud-based video storage, and round-the-clock emergency response accessible via a single button. This tier also enables AI-powered cameras to identify people, pets, packages and vehicles. Comcast says it plans to expand Xfinity Shield with additional features and services next year.