Skip to main content

Turn your old smartphone into a smart home hub with Rico

turn old smartphone smart home hub rico
Just because your old smartphone is a couple generations old doesn’t mean it can’t be put to good use. When you get down to it, even the most outdated phone is still a palm-sized computer stuffed with advanced sensor tech. So instead of throwing it away or reselling it for less than what you paid originally, why not repurpose it?

That’s the idea behind Rico, an upcoming device from Palo Alto-based starup MindHelix. The device allows you to take an old smartphone and leverage its sensors, processing power, and networking capabilities to create a highly-capable home automation/monitoring system on the cheap.

Related Videos

But here’s the kicker — Rico doesn’t necessarily need a smartphone in order to function. On it’s own, a slew of embedded sensors allow the device to operate as a motion detector, thermometer, humidity sensor, smoke/carbon monoxide alarm, and even an Internet access point for connected devices. If you happen to have a dusty old smartphone to put inside, however, you can give Rico a handful of additional functions. Put one inside, and the device can take advantage of your old phone’s speaker, microphone, HD camera, 3G connectivity, Wi-Fi, BlueTooth, and processor.

rico hubThe result is a sensor-studded smart hub that can be used for all kinds of different purposes — home security, remote monitoring and control, automation, or a hub for other connected devices. It’s basically like an all-in-one smart-home hub similar to Piper or Canary, but cheaper since using your old smartphone with it eliminates the need for MindHelix to build more sensors directly into the device.

In the future, the company plans to produce it’s own range of accompanying connected devices like plugs, light sockets, door locks, and proximity tags, which would further expand Rico’s capabilities. For now though, they’re still working on bringing the device to production. MindHelix has recently launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise money for its first production run, and has already gathered up more than a quarter of its $100K goal. If you back the project now, you can lock down a Rico for around $120-$140, which is quite a bit cheaper than most other all-in-one smart home devices. Find out more here.

Editors' Recommendations

Do you need a subscription for a Ring doorbell or camera?
The Ring Video Doorbell 3 installed near a door.

If you’re in the market for a video doorbell, security camera, or another smart home gadget, you’ve probably already stumbled upon several products from Ring. The company is one of the most popular smart home brands, churning out reliable devices that are easy to use and easy to install.

You’ve also probably noticed that it offers a monthly subscription known as Ring Protect. But do you need a Ring Protect subscription to use Ring products? Or can they be used for free after installation? The company recently announced changes to a few of its Ring Protect plans, making them more valuable than ever before. Here’s a closer look at the service and whether you should sign up.
Do you need a subscription for Ring?

Read more
Ring Alarm, video doorbells will soon lock free features behind a paywall
Ring Video Doorbell installed next to a white entry door.

Ring is making a few changes to its Ring Protect subscription plans. Later this month, membership will be required for select features that were previously free. Specifically, new customers who pick up a Ring Alarm will need to sign up for the premium service to Arm or Disarm their device from the Ring app and receive digital notifications.

Ring Alarm isn’t the only product seeing changes, as Ring doorbells and cameras will also need a subscription to set them into Home or Away mode. The same goes for customizing settings to enable Live View with each of the above modes. Changes to the Ring Protect plans will take place on March 29, although they won't impact all users.

Read more
The best smart home devices for 2023
An iRobot Roomba 694 next to a wall, vacuuming pet hair.

With hundreds of incredible products available, it can be intimidating to piece together a smart home. From smart displays and smart thermostats to smart light bulbs and video doorbells, not only are there tons of categories to browse, but each category is filled with highly reviewed products that can be difficult to distinguish from one another. If you’re in the market for a new smart home gadget or are just starting your smart home journey, there are tons of factors to consider.

If you need help navigating all the products, here’s a look at the best smart home devices of 2023 across a wide variety of categories. It’s hard to go wrong with products from big names like Ring, Arlo, Amazon, and Google, but if you need a bit more guidance, here are some of our top picks.
Voice assistant

Read more