Mobile Technology

Seek Thermal launches thermal camera attachment for mobile phones

Seek Thermal launches thermal camera attachment for mobile phones
Seek Thermal for iOS
Seek Thermal for iOS
View 33 Images
Seek Thermal detecting an animal in the dark
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Seek Thermal detecting an animal in the dark
Seek Thermal imaging game by their heat signature
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Seek Thermal imaging game by their heat signature
Seek Thermal can detect how even a barbeque is heating
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Seek Thermal can detect how even a barbeque is heating
Seek Thermal looking at a a recently run motor bike
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Seek Thermal looking at a a recently run motor bike
The Seek Thermal app
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The Seek Thermal app
Seek Thermal app
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Seek Thermal app
Seek Thermal showing a car's temperature profile
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Seek Thermal showing a car's temperature profile
Seek Thermal showing a car's temperature as a numerical readout
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Seek Thermal showing a car's temperature as a numerical readout
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Seek Thermal showing a dog's heat signature
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Seek Thermal showing a dog's heat signature
Seek Thermal comes with a choice of color palletes
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Seek Thermal comes with a choice of color palletes
Seek Thermal swipes between normal and thermal view
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Seek Thermal swipes between normal and thermal view
Seek Thermal image of a coffee service
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Seek Thermal image of a coffee service
Seek Thermal showing a barbeque with numerical readout
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Seek Thermal showing a barbeque with numerical readout
Seek Thermal heat image of a person
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Seek Thermal heat image of a person
Seek Thermal image of a building
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Seek Thermal image of a building
Seek Thermal can detect people in the dark
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Seek Thermal can detect people in the dark
Seek Thermal image of a stove top
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Seek Thermal image of a stove top
Seek Thermal app showing a door leaking heat
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Seek Thermal app showing a door leaking heat
Seek Thermal has security applications
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Seek Thermal has security applications
Seek Thermal comparing normal and thermal views
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Seek Thermal comparing normal and thermal views
Seek Thermal showing a crowd
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Seek Thermal showing a crowd
The Seek Thermal system
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The Seek Thermal system
Seek Thermal for Android
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Seek Thermal for Android
Seek Thermal for iOS
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Seek Thermal for iOS
Seek Thermal for Android case
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Seek Thermal for Android case
Seek Thermal for iOS case
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Seek Thermal for iOS case
Seek Thermal showing Stonehenge
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Seek Thermal showing Stonehenge
Seek Thermal showing stove top with numerical readout
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Seek Thermal showing stove top with numerical readout
Timeline of thermal imaging
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Timeline of thermal imaging
Seek Thermal infographic
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Seek Thermal infographic
Seek Thermal thermal modes
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Seek Thermal thermal modes
The Seek Thermal app
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The Seek Thermal app
View gallery - 33 images

Ever wonder if there’s something hiding in the bushes at night or if your door seals are leaking heat in the winter? A thermal imaging camera is one way of answering these questions, but they tend to be bulky and very pricey. California-based Seek Thermal is aiming to bring thermal imaging into the consumer realm with its small, relatively affordable thermal camera smartphone accessory.

Compatible with iOS and Android phones, the Seek Thermal is a 0.5 oz (14 gm) camera in a magnesium case, which attaches to the USB dock on a smartphone. Inside is a bespoke 206 x 156 array vanadium oxide microbolometer with a chalcogenide lens providing a 36º field of view. According to the company, Seek Thermal operates in the 7.2 to 13 micron long-wave infrared range and can detect heat in a temperature range from -40º C to 330º C (-40º F to 626º F).

The Seek Thermal works in conjunction with an app that allows the user to switch between normal and thermal imaging mode with a swipe. It offers four different temperature measurement modes, can automatically highlight objects in an image within a predefined temperature range, and has a choice of nine different color palettes.

Seek Thermal can detect people in the dark
Seek Thermal can detect people in the dark

Unlike night vision systems, the camera operates by turning heat signatures into visible images rather than enhancing low-light conditions. Seek Thermal sees a number of applications for the camera such as improving security by detecting people and animals in the dark; helping around the house by locating leaky doors and windows, poor insulation, wall studs, and pipes; and enhancing recreation by seeing game at night or objects on the water in the dark while boating. It can even help at the bbq by making sure that the charcoal bed is heating evenly or checking the surface temperature of food.

The company plans to release a developer’s kit next year to allow third parties to create apps for the Seek Thermal. The camera is now available for US$199.

The video below introduces the Seek Thermal.

Product page: Seek Thermal

View gallery - 33 images
7 comments
7 comments
Mel Tisdale
Beware:
http://www.wired.com/2011/08/thermal-imaging-camera-can-read-your-atm-pin/
These cameras have a downside! There is a need to rest your fingers on the other keys of a card reader as you tap in your PIN number, even if there is no one behind you at the time you use the ATM or whatever (they can still be read with 60% accuracy 45 seconds after you have finished the transaction).
StWils
I have absolutely wanted one of these for years! I have even looked into the technical issues with making one as various sensors became available. Beyond that, Mel raises a good issue. Just make a point of resting your fingers on extra keys. Let someone anal analize that!
Bob Flint
Most of the ATM keys are in metal, (as the article states immune) and wearing gloves would not be a bad idea.
Wonder how well this would work for detecting avalanche victims?
The Wizard
Props to theses folks. Officially cool (pun intended).
SCARLETBIRDS
why not make the damn thing bluetooth instead of strictly a crapple product? not everyone owns apple and they likely never will, so why not make it universal to cover all markets?
Marc Stinebaugh
I bought one.
CMe2
What's the purpose of having a great device, when you can deliver it to your customers? It's been over a month since I ordered my Android version. Still waiting for it... If I knew this was how it is going to be, I would have saved my money for a Therm-App.