Alarmist LiDAR Motion Detector

*Requires LiDAR sensor: iPhone 12 Pro or newer, iPad Pro (2020 or newer). Must be a Pro version to work.*

I built Alarmist because I wanted a simple motion alarm that works in complete darkness. LiDAR uses infrared, not visible light, so it detects motion even in pitch black conditions.

- Extra alert layer while sleeping in unfamiliar places
- Motion detection where cameras would need light
- Doorway monitoring when you want to know if someone enters

How it works:

1. Place your device on a stable surface, aimed at the area you want to monitor
2. Configure the detection zone and sensitivity (or use defaults)
3. Arm the app
4. Keep the app in the foreground with the screen on

If motion is detected in the monitored zone, you get an immediate loud alarm (ignores Silent Mode), optional flashlight, and optional photo capture.

LiDAR measures actual depth. A person walking through a space creates large, sustained depth changes that are easy to distinguish from noise. This helps detect motion in conditions where camera-based detection struggles.

Limitations:

- Device must stay plugged in for extended monitoring
- App must remain in foreground with screen on
- Screen lock or switching apps stops monitoring
- Test thoroughly in your specific environment before relying on it

Important: Alarmist is a convenience tool, not a security system. It cannot guarantee detection of all events and should never be your sole means of protection. Technology can fail. Test thoroughly in your environment and understand its limitations. The developer makes no warranties. You assume all risk associated with use of this app.

I'm a solo developer in Portland, Oregon. I built this app because I wanted it — something I could set on a nightstand and trust to watch the door while I slept. I named it Alarmist because, well, when you're asleep in an unfamiliar room, overreacting to danger is the whole point.