FAQ
ABOUT OVAL
What is OVAL?
OVAL is a notification-based home awareness system that alerts you in real-time to everything from open doors to burst pipes - empowering you to act quickly to prevent loss or damage from theft, water leaks, accidents, unsafe or unhealthy conditions, and much more.
What conditions can OVAL monitor?
OVAL sensors monitor and detect motion, water, and sudden or gradual changes in temperature, light, and humidity. Attach an OVAL sensor to it and know as soon as it moves, gets wet, too hot or cold, too bright or dark, and/or too humid or dry.
OVAL is privacy-focused
OVAL has no microphone or camera on it or in it -- so you improve home awareness without worrying about privacy issues at home or other shared living or work spaces including Airbnb rentals or dorms. OVAL enables you, and only you, to control and access your analytics and data regarding the usage trends of the five conditions that OVAL can monitor in your home.
What type of alerts can OVAL send?
OVAL includes 6 types of notification methods that can alert up to 13 people at once. Choose from push notifications (one or all devices), text messages (up to 4 numbers), emails (up to 4 addresses), or a pre- programmed phone call (up to 4 numbers).
Secondary sound (soft chirp) & visual (small LED blink) indicators can be enabled as well. The sound & visual alerts are not alarms, but rather ways to know your sensor is responsive to your commands.
Where can I use OVAL sensors?
OVAL sensors can be unobtrusively placed virtually anywhere, in or on any object such as doors, windows, appliances, furniture cabinets, or any nook and cranny anywhere in your home or business. OVAL immediately enables inanimate home objects and areas to transform into dependable “smart and connected” sensoring-locations that monitor conditions you set and provide you with immediate alerts to changes in those conditions. OVAL sensors can be stuck, strung, or placed in or on any room, area or object in your home or business.
Does OVAL connect and work with my other smart home devices?
Absolutely. OVAL works with smart speakers such as Amazon Echo & Google Home and through the IFTTT app, can be connected with other smart devices or software -- although these are not needed to start your smart home with OVAL. OVAL sensors are a flexible in a powerful way to make your smart home even smarter.
BENEFITS
Real-time notifications
OVAL sensors notify you in real-time to countless interactions around your home or office empowering you to take action quickly to prevent theft, improve safety, increase comfort, prevent or reduce damage, save energy, time, money and more.
Prevent theft
OVAL can alert you if it detects motion on doors, windows, medicine and liquor cabinets, desks, filing cabinets and dangerous, sensitive, personal or valuable rooms, areas, or items.
Improve safety
OVAL can notify you when dangerous rooms, areas, or objects are accessed (including, but not limited to, equipment, medicine and liquor cabinets, basements, attics, garages and more), or if a light goes out or is turned off creating a potentially unsafe area or environment. OVAL can also notify you if there is a sudden or gradual change in temperature in a room or area by alerting you to conditions that may be too hot or cold.
Increase comfort
OVAL can notify you when an area is too hot, cold, dry or humid -- conditions that can potentially create mold or other adverse conditions that can negatively impact health -- particularly important for anyone with children, seniors or health-challenged family members.
Prevent or reduce damage
OVAL can notify you when heating or cooling systems, bathroom fixtures, furniture pieces or appliances are leaking or failing. Or, if there’s a water leak in the attic or basement from weather or damaged foundation, window or roof. OVAL can also monitor the light exposure, temperature and moisture levels of valuable collections, equipment and other objects – helping to prevent everything from warped flooring due to high humidity to electronics that are exposed to moisture.
Save energy
OVAL can notify you when lights are left on, doors or windows are left open, or appliances are not functioning properly.
Save time & money
By being alerted to situations early, OVAL empowers you to act quickly helping you to save time, money and avoid the frustrations that come with discovering theft, property damage and other situations that could have been prevented or minimized through early detection.
Instant awareness
Instant awareness isn’t always about knowing when something is wrong. OVAL can also let you know when the dog-walker comes and goes, the kids are home from school, or even when the mail arrives. And with real-time information, you can check in on your home or business anytime, from anywhere in the world for peace of mind on demand.
HOW IS OVAL DIFFERENT?
OVAL is a 5-in-1 smart sensor
Many smart home products only provide one or two functions or require a suite of separate products to be purchased, installed and managed. OVAL is the only smart sensor that can monitor and detect changes in motion, light, temperature, water, and humidity.
Monitor one, all, or any combination of sensing features at any time. OVAL can combine sensing features such as; motion, temperature, humidity and water on a window with one OVAL sensor.
OVAL also works with other smart home products through IFTTT (“if this, then that.”) So, for example, your existing IFTTT enabled smart light can be triggered to turn on when OVAL detects motion on the front door.
With OVAL, you can be up and running in about 10 minutes.
OVAL is the smallest and most versatile smart sensor
OVAL provides wireless one-of-a-kind small thumb-sized sensors that are portable and have the unique ability to be placed in or on virtually any object, furniture piece or room in your home or business. Areas such as desk drawers, cabinets, or individual items can all be protected with OVAL sensors.
OVAL sensors can be moved anywhere, anytime, and as often as your needs change.
OVAL is completely customizable
OVAL is the only multi-use smart sensor that meets the needs of those who require real customization with precise and adjustable controls and settings for temperature, humidity, motion and light. Sensing features can be combined and easily changed whenever you want with through the OVAL app.
OVAL offers the most notification options to the most people
OVAL provides the most notification options available via push notifications, text messages (x4 numbers), emails (x4 addresses), or pre-programmed phone calls (x4 numbers) Up to 13 people can be notified at one time so family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers can be notified and help when you are unavailable.
No installation required
You can be up and running in about 10 minutes. Download the OVAL app for iOS or Android, create an account, plug in your hub and link to your wifi, connect your sensors, and instant smart home. No assembly, installation or integration within the home is needed.
Connect up to 15 OVAL sensors to 1 OVAL hub and build your own custom smart home - one object or area at a time.
Real-time data always available
The OVAL app can display your OVAL sensors environmental data in real-time. From wherever you are in the world, you can check-in on your home to make sure all is safe and sound for extra peace of mind.
In-app analytics
The OVAL app provides in-app analytics to help you understand behaviors and trends around the home so that you can conserve energy, save money and time.
CONNECTED DEVICES
Do I need other smart home products to use OVAL?
OVAL is an independent smart sensor system that does not require other products to function. All you need is an OVAL sensor system (1 OVAL hub & 1 OVAL sensor), a smartphone, and a wifi connection.
Can OVAL work with my other smart home products?
Yes. OVAL sensors are a flexible and powerful way to make your existing smart home even smarter. OVAL works with voice activated assistants such as Amazon Echo and Google Home, and with IFTTT supported devices.
How would I use OVAL with my Amazon Echo or Google Home?
OVAL sensors can be placed almost anywhere around the home and can be instructed through your voice-controlled home assistants. You can ask Alexa or Google about the current status of your sensors and enable or disable notifications.
What is IFTTT?
IFTTT (if this, then that), is a quick and easy way to get all of your IFTTT enabled smart home devices working together. IFTTT allows your smart home devices to communicate and interact with each other - helping to improve home awareness and automation. https://ifttt.com
How would I use OVAL with my IFTTT supported devices?
Because OVAL sensors actually have 5 powerful sensors inside, OVAL can offer wide-ranging support to many different types of IFTTT-supported smart home products. For example, if an OVAL sensor detects motion on the front door, it can tell your smart lights to turn on. If an OVAL sensor detects a certain temperature, it can tell your smart air conditioner or heater to turn on or off. https://ifttt.com/about
EXAMPLES
I already have a hardwired home security system. What can OVAL do for me that my current system can’t?
In addition to acting as a great standalone home security system, OVAL is also a great complement to an existing hardwire installed home security system.
You can place OVAL sensors in or on any room, area or object throughout your home. After all, theft doesn’t always happen from break-ins. Want to know if someone went into your liquor or medicine cabinet? Do you have a valuable collection, confidential documents, jewelry or other valuable items in a locked locale in your home for which you want added protection? Place an OVAL sensor inside your cabinet or anywhere else that you want to protect, big or small – and receive OVAL’s real-time, instant alerts when someone tries to access them.
I’m a renter so why would I want to buy OVAL?
OVAL has everything a renter needs for an affordable, plug and play, fully portable home security system. All you need is a wifi connection – no costly hardwired installations that you can’t take with you when you move or that you might not have permissions from your landlord to install.
Whether you’re going to call your rental unit home for the next several years or if you’re only planning to be there for a short period of time, OVAL has you covered. Take OVAL with you to your next apartment, and the one after that.
OVAL SENSOR SYSTEM
What creates an OVAL system?
An OVAL system consists of at least 1 OVAL hub, 1 OVAL sensor, and the OVAL app. Up to 15 sensors can be connected to 1 hub. An external water sensor is used when detecting water.
OVAL hub
The OVAL hub is wireless, connects to a power supply and your wifi network and communicates with your OVAL sensors and your OVAL app to make sure information is relayed to you quickly and reliably.
OVAL sensors
OVAL sensors are small, wireless, and battery-powered and can be placed on any object to make it smarter.
OVAL water sensor
The OVAL water sensor is an external sensor attachment that detects water while protecting your OVAL sensor. Every OVAL sensor comes with an OVAL water sensor. The water sensor includes a 1 ft cable that reaches the ground so you can position your OVAL sensor away from damage should it come into contact with water.
OVAL app
The OVAL app is where you create your account and connect your OVAL sensors. Use the app to choose what your sensors monitor, how they monitor it and who is notified. You can also use the OVAL app to check in on your sensors at any time, view analytics, and more.
How many OVAL sensors do I need?
OVAL’s flexibility means you can cover more with less. 1 hub and 1-3 sensors should cover most smaller homes, 1 hub and 3-5 sensors should cover most mid-size homes, 1 hub and 5-7 sensors should cover most larger homes.
How do I connect OVAL sensors to an area or object?
OVAL sensors come with double-sided adhesive tape that can be used to stick your sensors to an object or area such as doors or windows. You can also string your OVAL sensor to objects such as pipes using the small hole at the top of the sensor. Or, you can simply place a sensor on top of an object such as a computer or desk drawer.
CONNECTIVITY
Do I need to install or integrate OVAL within my home?
No. OVAL is a standalone smart home system that requires no assembly, installation or integration within the home.
How long does it take to setup OVAL?
OVAL takes about 10 minutes to setup once you take it out of the box!
How do I connect the OVAL hub?
Attach the antenna to your wireless OVAL hub. Then, connect your hub to the power supply (included). Finally, use the OVAL app to connect to your WiFi network and bring your OVAL system online.
How do I connect OVAL sensors?
Insert the battery (included) into your OVAL sensor. Use the OVAL app to link your sensors to your hub and configure your settings. When detecting water, attach the OVAL housing and external water sensor.
How do I find the OVAL app?
The OVAL app is available on the Google Play Store and iTunes store by searching “OVAL Smart Home.” Or click here: iOS | Android
TECHNICAL INFO
Do I need to install or integrate OVAL within my home?
No. OVAL is a standalone smart home system that requires no assembly, installation or integration within the home.
Minimum requirements to use OVAL
Smartphone: iOS 8+, Android 3+, Mozilla, Safari, Chrome, IE 9+, wifi connection AC power outlet (100 - 240VAC)
What platforms is the OVAL app available for?
The OVAL app is available for Android on the Google Play Store and for iOS through the iTunes store.
What is the maximum range between the OVAL hub and OVAL sensors?
The maximum range between the OVAL hub and OVAL sensors is approximately 150 ft.
What kind of battery do OVAL sensors use?
OVAL sensors are powered by a lithium coin cell battery (CR2477 3V).
Caution: Risk of damage to device or injury to person if battery is replaced by an incorrect type. Dispose of used batteries according to local disposal regulations for lithium batteries.
How long does the battery last in an OVAL sensor?
The battery in an OVAL sensor lasts approximately 3 months with moderate usage and 6 months in low power mode. Some factors affect battery life including sensor placement in relation to the hub, cold environmental temperatures, structures and other devices in the home that may cause interference or weaken the signal.
How many batteries are included with each OVAL sensor?
Two (2) batteries are included with each OVAL sensor.
Where can I purchase additional batteries?
Sensor batteries can be purchased on Amazon or other online retailers.
What can negatively affect or decrease battery performance?
The battery life may decrease if 1) an OVAL sensor is placed too far (over 150 ft.) from the OVAL hub, 2) there are concrete or large metallic objects in between the OVAL hub and OVAL sensor, 3) the OVAL sensor is placed inside a certain type of object that blocks communication with the OVAL hub (i.e. - certain types of refrigerators or safes, or 4) the OVAL sensor is exposed to extreme temperatures.
What is the range of the motion sensor in OVAL?
OVAL detects motion on a 1 - 10 scale. 1 is sensitive and can be activated with the lightest touch. 10 is strong motion and requires the sensor to be moved with significant force to activate the sensor.
What is the range of the temperature sensor in OVAL?
OVAL can detect temperatures between -4°F - 140°F (-20°C - 60°C).
What is the range of the light sensor in OVAL?
OVAL can detect 0 lux (dark) to 1,000 lux (bright).
What is the range of the humidity sensor in OVAL?
OVAL can detect 0% - 100% relative humidity.
How is OVAL powered?
OVAL is powered by AWS IoT Core (http://aws.amazon.com/iot/) + Zigbee based firmware.
What is Zigbee?
ZigBee is a radio frequency standard that is optimized for low power, low data rate wireless monitoring and control applications present across a large number of distributed nodes. It is based on an IEEE 802.15 standard.
What kind of security does ZigBee have?
ZigBee communicates using 128-bit cryptographic keys.
Will OVAL notify me if the system is offline?
Yes. OVAL will send you a notification if the OVAL hub or OVAL sensor are offline for any reason.
Will OVAL work if I lose my wifi connection?
OVAL will not work if a wifi connection is lost. You will receive a notification that OVAL is offline. Once the wifi network is reconnected, OVAL will reconnect automatically and notify you when it is back online.
Will OVAL work if I lose power?
OVAL will not work if power is lost. You will receive a notification that OVAL is offline. Once the power is restored, OVAL will reconnect automatically and notify you when it is back online.
DATA
How long is my data stored for?
We store your data for 24-hours.
Why is this data stored?
OVAL will store your data for 24-hours, so you can view hourly and daily analytics to see how your data is changing over time to help you identify trends and improve behaviors around your home that can help you improve safety, conserve energy, and save money on utility bills. You can also view all notifications received over the last 24-hours as well.
Do you sell my data, or can others access it?
No. Your data is stored only for your own analytics. We do not sell your individual and specific data generated from your OVAL sensors to any third-party.
How do I access my data?
You can view your OVAL sensor’s history over the last thirty (30) days in the analytics section of the OVAL app. You can visualize your data over time using an hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly view.
How can I save my data?
You can email yourself a .csv file of your notifications from the OVAL app.
Is it possible to track my data for longer periods of time?
Yes. You can create your own tracking system using the reports emailed to you each month.
OVAL will store your data for a monthly subscription fee of $4.99. With this plan, you can access weekly, monthly, 3-month, or 6-month views of your analytics.
Can OVAL hear me or see me?
OVAL does not feature any cameras or microphones to help you protect the privacy of you and your loved ones - making OVAL a perfect choice for those who live or work in shared spaces.
BUYING OVAL
When does OVAL ship?
OVAL is now shipping.
Are there any long-term commitments or monthly fees?
Not for all of OVAL’s functionality. You can use all features of OVAL at any time. You can opt into an extended data plan to view longer analytics your sensor data directly in the app for $4.99 per month.
What is the warranty on OVAL?
OVAL is warranted to be free of manufacturing defects for a period of 1 year from the date of purchase. If you would like to return your OVAL system for any other reason, contact us at support@meetoval.com. We accept returns for a refund up to 30 days after delivery of your OVAL system.
Can you repair or replace my OVAL system after 30 days?
OVAL handles requests for replacements on a case by case basis. Whatever the situation, we’re happy to work with you to get you back up and running as quickly as possible. Email support@meetoval.com.