We’ve likely all experienced noisy neighbors at one point or another. Have you ever wondered to yourself what your upstairs neighbor is doing? Do you listen to the neighbor next door yelling for all hours of the night? Do they have parties every weekend that keep your kids up? If this has happened to you, you might have had trouble proving the disturbance. You don’t want to be “that” neighbor, but you also like your peace and quiet! If you have already kindly asked your neighbors to keep the noise levels down to no avail, the NoiseAlarm might be the next best solution.
The product calls itself a “smoke alarm for noise.” While it isn’t as simple as that, it is a pretty good representation of how the product works in your home. The smart device uses an audio sensor that you install in your home. This sensor connects to software that you can download on your smartphone or computer.
The sensor is then used to keep track of any noise that could be considered a nuisance. It has the ability to understand the nuisance noises compared to just standard, everyday noises. The way it does so is by keeping track of different noises over time. The software can distinguish between the soft hum of a television set versus the loud partying noises that occur until the sun comes up. The more data it records, the more it understands.
Renters who are dealing with nightmare neighbors can use this device to track the noises coming from another apartment. They are then able to send this information to their landlord, who can either look at it after the noise occurred or while it is actively happening. The device can be set up to send push notifications to a landlord’s cell phone as the noise occurrence is happening. This way, you don’t even have to call and complain when the disturbance is occurring. Landlords can then, hopefully, take action to deal with an unruly tenant.
Dave Krauss founded the company after dealing with noisy tenants as a former property manager. Andrew Schulz, a software programmer and electrical engineer, helped to develop the device. Fast Company is the maker of the product.
If you are thinking of using a NoiseAware in your home but are concerned about violating privacy rights, don’t worry. According to Krauss, the device does not interpret any language it hears. It only has the ability to measure noise levels. You won’t be recording conversations when you set the device up inside of your home.
About 1,500 NoiseAware devices are currently in use in about 1,000 buildings throughout the United States. More than 250 years’ worth of noise data has since been logged from the short-term rentals the devices are monitoring. While the product has only been on the market for a year, it is quickly gaining popularity among property owners and renters. It’s a perfect way to prove that your neighbors are actually as loud as you say they are.
