Turn your old smartphone into a new security system with Rico

Rico. MindHelix

Rico is a cute, colorful dog-shaped device packed with motion, temperature, smoke, carbon monoxide and humidity sensors. The companion Android and iOS apps let you view sensor-related stats at-a-glance and receive alerts based on security, safety and environmental triggers.

There's more behind Rico's adorable facade than built-in sensors, though.

You can also stick an old smartphone inside this plastic puppy-hub to tack on HD camera, microphone, loudspeaker, 3G and Wi-Fi capabilities. Startup MindHelix says these features should work even if your phone has a broken screen.

Live streaming on the Rico app. MindHelix

Starting at $99 (at the current exchange rate, that's 60 in the UK and AU$110 in Australia), Rico is compatible with Android 2.2 and higher and iOS 6 and higher. And, supposedly, it's large enough to accommodate a max screen size of 5.7 inches. That's just enough space for the larger Note 3 and iPhone 6 Plus.

This blend of sensors and smartphone functionality takes Rico from a sensor kit to a more complete, Piper-like all-in-one home security system. But MindHelix isn't the first company to think up a smartphone-repurposing plan; we've seen a handful of other companies reuse Android and iOS devices for clever smart home applications.

The Manything app is one example. This free iOS app takes an old iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch and converts it to a security camera in minutes, complete with "night vision" (thanks to your phone's flashlight), alerts with motion detection zones and an IFTTT channel -- features I wouldn't have expected to find in a free app.

The free Presence iOS app is pretty similar to Manything. It doesn't have its own IFTTT channel, but it does provide details on energy usage to help you save money on your monthly bill.

There's also Wise Labs' Bemo. If you have an old Android or iOS device collecting dust at home and happen to be in the market for a new thermostat, you can remove your current model and replace it with Bemo's wire port panel. Then you can mount your smart device over the panel to act as your new, touchscreen thermostat display.

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Turn your old smartphone into a new security system with Rico