Spotlight: Motion Sensor for iOS shoots video when it detects movement

Ever wanted to capture a moment on camera exactly when it happened? Strangely, it hasn't occured to smartphone makers to add this clever bit of functionality to their camera apps. We take it's just a matter of time! For the time being, it's up to third-party applications like Motion Sensor to give you what you're after. Inspired by the funny pet videos on 9GAG, the app lets you catch the right moment on camera the moment it happens. With its motion detection algorithm, the application detects and records any motion in front of your iPhone or iPad's camera.

the application detects and records any motion in front of your iPhone or iPad's camera.

With these virtues, the app also works great as a hidden video camera that can alert you with siren sound, strobe light, vibration, and email if something is happening – whether it's catching your pets on camera, your device is being moved (the app tracks its location), or you're using the app as an impromptu solution for home security. All detected events are saved and can be immediately viewed on Dropbox, if you have set up the app this way. Setting up motion sensor isn't especially complicated. For most users, it will be enough to just open the app and get on with it.

For longer use, the developer recommends plugging in your device into a power source or activating low-power mode. For shorter uses, there are three energy usage profiles which can be chosen at whim. The application can be set up to hide immediately after launch, so no one knows it's running.

Motion Sensor costs $0.99 and is available for Apple devices running iOS 7.1 and up.