Dropcam Lets Owners Keep Tabs On Their Pets

Transcript

RENEE MONTAGNE, HOST:

And our last word in business today is: Doggie Cam.

There has been a lot in the news lately about the Internet and privacy. And now it seems that even pets are under surveillance by owners.

DAVID GREENE, HOST:

That's right. Thanks to a newly-improved smartphone app and device called the Dropcam, pet owners can check in on their furry friends while they're at work or out of town. Through the app, you can not only see your dog, but talk to them through a speaker as well.

New York Times technology reporter Nick Wingfield tried out the app, and when he did he saw his dog, Mitzie, sitting on the couch.

(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)

NICK WINGFIELD: Mitzie, off the couch. Off the couch, Mitzie.

MONTAGNE: Mitzie did look around curiously for the source of her owner's voice, but she did not move from her seat. As Wingfield warned about this app, obedience is not included.

And that's the business news on MORNING EDITION from NPR News. I'm Renee Montagne.

GREENE: And I'm David Greene.

(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "SOMEBODY'S WATCHING ME")

MICHAEL JACKSON: (Singing) I always feel like somebody's watching me, and I have no privacy. Oh-oh-oh. I always feel like somebody's watching me. Tell me is it just a dream.

ROCKWELL: When I come home at night, I bolt the door real tight. People call me... Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.