Motion Detector - Detect & track motion

The Motion Detector application is a smart and user-friendly tool that automatically identifies movement utilizing your device's camera. Upon launching the app, you will be able to see any motion or changes within the camera’s view as overlays on the display. Additionally, the app can produce motion sounds and allow you to set alarms, which may include sound alerts or calling options where applicable.

Key Features:

* The application automatically recognizes any motion or alterations and outlines them with rectangles displayed on your screen.

* An icon indicating motion will appear on the display when movement is detected.

* Motion history is represented by circles on the display, providing details about the paths taken by moving objects. This feature enables you to track whether the motion is approaching or receding from you.

* A common issue with motion detection apps is the instability caused by device movement, leading to false alerts. This application incorporates a specially developed algorithm to reduce such occurrences.

* Users have the ability to customize settings for motion sounds, overlays, and motion history.

* Alarms and their durations can also be personalized by the user.

* Users can choose to save images captured during motion or in response to an alarm, allowing for later review.

* When the level of detected motion surpasses the user-defined threshold, a motion icon is displayed, and sound notifications play at a volume proportional to the amount of detected movement.

* If motion exceeds the user-set threshold for a designated duration, an alarm sound activates along with an alarm icon. The alarm remains active for the interval chosen by the user.

* Live Settings provides a range of adjustable options during active motion detection. These live settings can be accessed by clicking on the Motion Detector interface.

Usage Instructions:

* Securely position your device so that the camera is directed toward the area you wish to observe.

* Launch the Motion Detector application.

* The motion detection will commence following a countdown.

Settings:

MOTION DETECTION

* Pixel Threshold: This refers to the threshold of intensity variation. Lower values offer increased sensitivity but might lead to excess noise and detections.

* Block Size %: This dictates the percentage of blocks analyzed. Decreasing the size can improve sensitivity but may also introduce noise.

* Area To Trigger: Specifies the minimum size of the motion area needed to activate the detection.

* Save Picture on Motion: Option to capture images in response to detected motion.

ALARM

* Alarm: Toggle On/Off.

* Alarm Time To Trigger: The duration of motion required to activate the alarm.

* Alarm Period: Length of time the alarm will sound.

* Alarm Sound: Choose to enable or silence the alarm notification.

DEVICE

* Camera Selection: Option for users to select between rear or front cameras where applicable.

* Motion Rectangles: Decide whether to display rectangles indicating motion on the screen.

* Motion History: Choose to show bubbles that represent motion history on the screen.

* Publish Wifi Messages: For devices that support it, this enables monitoring of the Motion Detector via a WiFi network, sharing state information with other devices while the detector is operational.

* Shake Sensitivity: This determines the sensitivity to device movement. The application will halt motion detection if excessive shaking occurs to help avoid false alarms. Users can select from high, medium, low, or no sensitivity levels.

Motion Detector: Unmatched Precision & Calm Vigilance in a Sea of False Alarms

Having rigorously tested the Motion Detector app across multiple scenarios – monitoring my porch, keeping an eye on a room during work, and even tracking pet activity – I'm struck by how effectively it transforms a standard smartphone or tablet into a genuinely reliable sentry. Where other motion apps drown you in meaningless alerts triggered by shifting shadows or minor vibrations, this app’s secret weapon is its incredibly robust anti-shake algorithm. Placing my tablet on a slightly wobbly shelf (deliberate test!) resulted in a single, brief calibration pause followed by rock-solid stability, ignoring minor tremors while instantly highlighting genuine movement, like a delivery person approaching the door.

The live feedback is beautifully intuitive yet powerful. The motion history bubbles aren't just a visual gimmick; watching the trail of bubbles flow steadily towards my position clearly signaled my cat sneaking into the room, a level of situational awareness I didn’t expect. The escalating alert system is genius – subtle shifts trigger a quiet pulse of sound proportional to the movement, while sustained, significant activity (like someone lingering near a monitored zone) activates the full alarm only after breaching your custom duration threshold. This progression prevents panic while ensuring serious events aren't missed. Fine-tuning the Pixel Threshold and Block Size lets you perfectly adapt sensitivity: lowering them made the app detect delicate candle flames flickering, while increasing settings allowed calm monitoring of a busy street view through a window without constant noise.

Its true value shines in complex environments. The ability to selectively disable motion rectangles (which can get visually busy) while keeping essential icons and history bubbles active, combined with granular alarm control and reliable background operation (my 2-day test saw minimal battery drain), means Motion Detector works tirelessly as intended. For a free app offering this depth of professional-grade customization and stability, it’s an absolute standout, providing genuine peace of mind without the frantic false alarms.

Crucial Insights & FAQ (From Extensive Practical Use):

How reliable is the anti-shake feature? Remarkably so. Unlike previous apps I've used, minor bumps or surface vibrations (like passing trucks) rarely trigger false positives after the initial calibration. High/Mid/Low sensitivity settings give fine control for your mounting surface.

Is the battery drain significant during extended monitoring? Under normal conditions (screen on, active camera), expect typical camera app drain. Using the Publish Wifi Messages feature or saving many pictures increases drain slightly.

Does it work reliably in low light? Detection relies on visible light changes. Perform decently in low ambient light if there's some contrast, but pure darkness requires an IR-capable device or external lighting.

Can I distinguish between, say, a pet and a person? Partially. The Area To Trigger setting helps ignore very small movements. Observing the Motion History bubble trail (speed, pattern) provides clues – but it's not AI identification.

Is there internet/cloud dependency? None observed. Detection works fully offline. Publish Wifi Messages is a separate local network feature.

Does the front camera work effectively? Yes! Perfect for monitoring an area behind you or baby/task monitoring. Visual indicators adapt seamlessly.

Do I need constant interaction? Once configured, just lock your device. Detection runs reliably in the background, activating screen/sound based on events. Alarms will sound over device sounds (consider Do Not Disturb settings carefully).

Can it be used as a security app? Within its scope, yes – it provides excellent awareness and alerts. However, it is not a replacement for professional security systems (e.g., no cloud recording, no police integration). Its strength is precise monitoring and customizable alerts.

How useful are saved pictures? Very. They provide timestamped proof of the motion event and can help you refine settings or see what triggered the detection.