Village Gamer

Perch, the first hands-free, always-on video communications iOS app for your home, announced yesterday that its app is now available for free download in the App Store. Designed to make communications frictionless and fun, Perch uses facial and motion detection to automatically record and share personal video messages with other members of your home.

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“Perch’s unique algorithm combined with the latest iOS technology makes video communications that we have previously seen on Star Trek or Sci-fi movies possible and affordable,” says Co-Founder and CEO, Danny Robinson. “Now, I can connect and interact with my family throughout the day as if I am actually with them.”

Perch is not a social network or a surveillance company. Unlike VoIP services, Perch is always on, and does not require one to plan a video call beforehand. Perch works best when mounted on a wall or on a stand in a high traffic area, such as a home kitchen, to make it effortless for people to interact with each other throughout the day.

After downloading the app, users invite people they live with to join them on Perch. Once an invitation is accepted, users can use Perch as a fun, interactive and video friendly means of communication. When Perch captures a video, members instantly receive a notification on their mobile iOS device and can respond or comment as they wish. Perch is currently compatible with any iPod/iPhone/iPad device with a front facing camera and plans to launch an Android version in early 2013.

“The real reason I invested in Perch is because we recently had a new addition to our family – @maxmartell,” said Dan Martell. “And since both Renee Warren and I are entrepreneurs (I’m working on Calrity, Perch allows us to stay connected and not miss a moment of Max’s life. It’s like being in the same room without the interruptions.”

In addition to launching its iPhone app, Perch has closed a seed round of funding with angel investors Michael Perone, Zach Levow, Dan Martell, Mike Edwards, and Paul Judge.