The idea of using an intercom seems passé with the invention of smartphones, but Nucleus has brought such systems back en vogue to help families communicate.

The Nucleus utilizes WiFi, smartphone apps, and Bluetooth to make audio and video calls, work as an updated intercom, and provide security alerts.

The device has an 8-inch screen, noise-canceling microphone and a wide-angle lens that has night vision capabilities. Also, equipped with a motion sensor, the Nucleus can send alerts when something is moving in the house when it shouldn’t be.

Customers who preorder now will be placed in the Nucleus Family Program, which makes the motion sensing capabilities free and adds a 50-percent discount for Nucleus’ cloud recording service. The product is slated to ship in spring 2016.