If you wish your iPhone5 or 5s had thermal imaging capabilities, look no further. The FLIR One is a thermal camera with the looks of a battery case that attaches to your smartphone through its lightning port. The Predator-like imaging attachment contains the same technology that is sold to our law enforcement and military—now for civilian use. FLIR One captures images in real-time so you’re able to snap photos or grab video of our invisible "heated" world. What could you possibly do with technology that uses long-wave infrared to detect heat-friendly images? Tons of stuff. Besides transforming the world around you into a colorful and heat-detected environment, you can play hide-and-seek like there’s no tomorrow. You’d so have the advantage there. In all seriousness, this is great technology for DIYers and technicians alike. With FLIR One, you can detect circuit boards that are overloaded or have faulty components. Imagine checking out an appliance, turning on your infrared technology, and knowing if that control panel is faulty before tearing the machine apart. Huge time-saver. Plus, if you’re using power tools, you can check to see how hot your bits are getting with FLIR One. No overheating for you!
Also, this high-tech case contains batteries of its own that lasts for a good two hours and will give your smartphone an energy-boost. FLIR One even allows you to locate water damage and heat/energy loss around loose ducts, windows, and doors. This heat-detecting device is perfect for maximizing your energy efficiency in the home. Besides that, you can see if there’s too much current running through wires inside of walls, hot vs cold pipes, and where the studs are to hang those pictures you just got.
It’s important to note that this isn’t X-ray vision going on—rather it is heat detection of the matter around us. Thus, you are perfectly able to see in the dark, check if the campfire is all the way out, and whether or not an intruder is around. The FLIR One is going to run you approximately $349 retail. Shipments should go out sometime later this year. Ps. Don’t get too bitter there, Android users, FLIR is working on getting thermal technology to you, too.
Read MorePhoto by: FLIR