Leeo warns customers: “possible shutdown” in September 2019

Smart home device maker Leeo informed customers late Wednesday night that they may be shutting down the service of their Smart Alert home detector on September 30, 2019.

The device, which informs customers when a smoke or CO2 detector has gone off in their home, works as both a nightlight and alarm, pushing notifications but also calling a smartphone if there's an issue.

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Leeo emailed users to inform them that the company is running out of money and is actively searching for a buyer. But if that does not happen, the Smart Alert network will close, which means the devices won't be able to connect to their iOS and Android apps.

"If we cannot find a buyer with an interest in maintaining the Smart Alert network, we will have no choice but to shut the Smart Alert network down as we wind down the operations of the company," said Leeo's CEO Johnson Agogbua and Chairman Jon Castor in an email.

Leeo's smart home journey

Leeo, which launched in 2014, has just one product, the Smart Alert, but as of Thursday morning, that device was no longer for sale on the site.

The service is primarily free for customers. A subscriber service called Leeo Ping was launched at CES 2019 and alerts people to other issues in the home. However, customers were able to buy the $50 Smart Alert for a one-time price and then use the device without paying any additional charges.

However, as of the end of September, the Smart Alert could be semi-bricked. Some features will remain, but the ability to control them through the app will stop.

What Leeo customers can do

Leeo said the first sign for users is that the device's color will turn white. One of the features on Leeo's Smart Alert has been the ability to change the colors on the light—customizing it from a color wheel inside the app. Customers were also able to use Leeo's app to monitor the temperature and humidity in their homes.

Customers will still be able to adjust the light level from the device's ring — but controlling the device through the app and seeing readings of their space will end. Customers can also not get alerts from the device to their phone.

Leeo said it has enough money to keep the network up and running through September 30 and will send customers another update before that date.

While a new buyer may keep the network running, that isn't a guarantee, "and if it does, it will be according to new terms of service set by the new owner," Leeo said.

Customers with questions are invited to reach out to the company via email.