FLIR Systems has announced the upcoming release of the FLIR One consumer-oriented thermal imaging system. It places the power of thermal imaging technology into the palm of the consumer via an easy-to-use smartphone accessory case. The device attaches to any Apple iPhone 5 or 5s smartphone and displays a live thermal image on the phone’s screen. It senses heat rather than light by using the company’s Lepton camera core. It has many possible applications: using the device, homeowners and contractors can easily identify heat or cooling leaks in buildings, find studs in walls or locate water damage; an outdoor enthusiast can observe wildlife, day or night, navigate in the dark, determine if the day’s catch is fully cooked, or make sure a campfire is out; a family can detect intruders in total darkness, find a lost pet or see through smoke in an emergency. The thermal imager will be available in grey, white or gold colours and houses its own rechargeable battery that can power the device for two hours of continuous use and can boost iPhone 5 battery life by up to 50%.