When you think of home security, the first products that probably come to mind are burglar alarms, security lighting, CCTV and deadbolts or mortice locks. But in 2019, security products have evolved to include smart cameras, doorbells, locks and associated apps that provide added peace of mind when it comes to protecting our homes.
Laura Crombie, presenter of the Real Homes Show, an online TV show for home improvers, highlights the trends for smart home security:
Be there... from anywhere
Modern home security cameras and video doorbells are operated via on app, meaning you can monitor your home from anywhere in the world, as long as you have an internet connection. You can set both devices to alert you when they’re triggered, and you can then log on and see who is approaching your house or ringing your bell. You then have the ability to talk to the people outside your house via your smartphone.
Brands include Ring, ADT and Vivint. Browse smart doorbells on Amazon.
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The role of artificial intelligence
With AI technology becoming more advanced, security cameras and video doorbells are evolving to have the ability to analyse the movement they see and filter out anything that is not a threat thanks to an automated threat detection system. This means less alerts when a cat comes to sit on your doorstep. Facial reignition technology means higher-end security cameras can even be programmed to distinguish between family members and strangers – clever stuff.
Constantly connected
Some 54% of us now regularly control our home tech remotely and use it more than once a day, according to a survey carried out by the Real Homes Show. Whether it’s adjusting the temperature of heating or setting the lights when we’re away, we can now be connected to our homes 24/7. When it comes to smart security, this means we no longer need to worry about leave keys with neighbours or family when we go away. Although there isn’t any tech that can put the bin out just yet...
No more missed deliveries
Fed up of parcels being left with neighbours (or chucked over the fence)? Then new raft of smart locks could be the solution, allowing you to let delivery drivers (who you can see or talk to via your security cameras or video doorbell), in to make deliveries. Key by Amazon allows you to monitor every stage of your delivery – no entry codes are shared with the delivery person and you can block entry at any time. Amazon Key isn't available in the UK yet but it is rolling out in cities across the US.
Alarm intruders
The ability for homeowners to implement an If This Then That (IFTTT) programme that activates if their home gets broken into is now available. An example of this could be all the smart connected lights in your house flash red when a security camera’s motion detector is triggered, as well as blasting some Metallica at full volume from every connected speaker in the house, which should theoretically raise the alarm of neighbours, as hopefully this activity is something they are not used to.
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