Safe as Houses: What's New in Home Security
From keyless locks and wifi-connected doorbells to AI-enabled cameras, home security just got a whole lot smarter
Whether you’re sick of the kids constantly losing their front door keys, won’t be at home to accept a parcel, or if you worry about what your pet gets up to all day, the latest home-security systems have you covered. Plus, they’re more affordable and easier to install than ever. Here are the innovations you need to know about if you’re looking to boost your home security.
Image by Swann
Security is becoming cheaper and more accessible
“Home security systems used to be seen as complex and expensive, but this has changed drastically in recent years,” says Stewart. As technology has advanced and new players have entered the market, prices have come down significantly. You can now pick up a security system for as little as a couple of hundred dollars (Swann’s Wire-Free Smart Video Doorbell kit costs just under AU$200 and offers two-way audio, night vision and free cloud-video storage; while entry-level digital doorbells on the market start at around AU$70).
Installation of home security systems is now easier too; choose from traditional wired installation or opt for a quick and easy wireless set-up. “Those wanting a fast solution or who are renting now have the option to install a wireless security camera or system in just minutes,” says Stewart.
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Security is becoming cheaper and more accessible
“Home security systems used to be seen as complex and expensive, but this has changed drastically in recent years,” says Stewart. As technology has advanced and new players have entered the market, prices have come down significantly. You can now pick up a security system for as little as a couple of hundred dollars (Swann’s Wire-Free Smart Video Doorbell kit costs just under AU$200 and offers two-way audio, night vision and free cloud-video storage; while entry-level digital doorbells on the market start at around AU$70).
Installation of home security systems is now easier too; choose from traditional wired installation or opt for a quick and easy wireless set-up. “Those wanting a fast solution or who are renting now have the option to install a wireless security camera or system in just minutes,” says Stewart.
‘Clean’ Apps That Put Home Help at Your Fingertips
Image by ADT Security
“Wireless technology also means that servicing your alarm is easier as you don’t have to check wires for issues,” says Darryn Bull, head of sales at ADT Security. “Plus, a wireless system is portable, so if you move home, you can take it with you.”
Bull issues a word of warning, though. “While there are plenty of DIY security solutions on the market, investing in a professionally installed, monitored system is, in my view, the most reliable security solution.”
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“Wireless technology also means that servicing your alarm is easier as you don’t have to check wires for issues,” says Darryn Bull, head of sales at ADT Security. “Plus, a wireless system is portable, so if you move home, you can take it with you.”
Bull issues a word of warning, though. “While there are plenty of DIY security solutions on the market, investing in a professionally installed, monitored system is, in my view, the most reliable security solution.”
11 Must-Know Tips to Keep Your Home Safe When You’re on Holidays
Image by Arlo
Digital doorbells
Tired of having to jump up and down to open the front door every five minutes? Don’t despair – the latest wireless video doorbells allow you to see who’s calling, talk to your visitors and open the front door, all from your smart phone (you don’t have to get up from the sofa… or even be at home).
Models such as Nest Hello ($339 at Dick Smith) offer 24/7 video streaming, and allow you to communicate with the person at your front door and open your door to them via your mobile. Arlo’s Audio Doorbell ($129) performs these functions and will also send an alert to your mobile whenever someone presses your doorbell and let you know if anyone in your household grants them access.
If you pair the Arlo system with the brand’s wireless camera, you can also use their subscription-service plan to intelligently detect who is standing at your front door.
Digital doorbells
Tired of having to jump up and down to open the front door every five minutes? Don’t despair – the latest wireless video doorbells allow you to see who’s calling, talk to your visitors and open the front door, all from your smart phone (you don’t have to get up from the sofa… or even be at home).
Models such as Nest Hello ($339 at Dick Smith) offer 24/7 video streaming, and allow you to communicate with the person at your front door and open your door to them via your mobile. Arlo’s Audio Doorbell ($129) performs these functions and will also send an alert to your mobile whenever someone presses your doorbell and let you know if anyone in your household grants them access.
If you pair the Arlo system with the brand’s wireless camera, you can also use their subscription-service plan to intelligently detect who is standing at your front door.
Keyless locks
Good news for anyone who constantly loses their front door key – keyless locks are becoming increasingly common in homes across Australia. Rather than using a key, you open the door by punching in a code, scanning your fingerprint or, in some instances, simply giving a voice command.
“The appeal of keyless and digital locks is that they remove the challenges that come with door keys, such as that they can be easily copied, stolen or lost,” says Stewart. “Additionally, digital locks can be integrated with your alarm system to provide an extra layer of security.”
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Good news for anyone who constantly loses their front door key – keyless locks are becoming increasingly common in homes across Australia. Rather than using a key, you open the door by punching in a code, scanning your fingerprint or, in some instances, simply giving a voice command.
“The appeal of keyless and digital locks is that they remove the challenges that come with door keys, such as that they can be easily copied, stolen or lost,” says Stewart. “Additionally, digital locks can be integrated with your alarm system to provide an extra layer of security.”
The Verdict: 5 Smart-Home Ideas Worth Adopting
Image by Netatmo
Cameras that know your face
Want to keep an eye on what your pets or teenagers are up to when you’re not at home, or be alerted if an intruder gets into your property? If so, consider one of the latest intelligent indoor or outdoor surveillance cameras that stream footage directly to your smart phone.
“The new generation of smart security cameras are embedded with Artificial Intelligence (AI) so they can detect which situations are unusual and report them to you,” says Maryline Bererd, Netatmo’s product marketing manager. “Netatmo’s Smart Outdoor Camera can distinguish between people, cars and animals, while the Indoor Camera has a facial-recognition feature. So, instead of watching hours of footage, you’re only alerted when an intruder breaks into your home or a car trespasses onto your property.”
You can also connect Netatmo cameras to smart home systems such as Apple HomeKit so that lights turn off automatically when a person leaves the room, saving you hassle and energy costs.
Cameras that know your face
Want to keep an eye on what your pets or teenagers are up to when you’re not at home, or be alerted if an intruder gets into your property? If so, consider one of the latest intelligent indoor or outdoor surveillance cameras that stream footage directly to your smart phone.
“The new generation of smart security cameras are embedded with Artificial Intelligence (AI) so they can detect which situations are unusual and report them to you,” says Maryline Bererd, Netatmo’s product marketing manager. “Netatmo’s Smart Outdoor Camera can distinguish between people, cars and animals, while the Indoor Camera has a facial-recognition feature. So, instead of watching hours of footage, you’re only alerted when an intruder breaks into your home or a car trespasses onto your property.”
You can also connect Netatmo cameras to smart home systems such as Apple HomeKit so that lights turn off automatically when a person leaves the room, saving you hassle and energy costs.
Devices that read your air quality
Indoor air pollution can lead to all sorts of health problems and is a particular concern if you have young children or household members with respiratory problems. You can now buy devices that ‘read’ your indoor air quality and provide recommendations for creating a healthier environment.
“Netatmo’s Smart Indoor Air Quality Monitor has four sensors that measure the vitals of the home: temperature, sound, humidity and air quality,” says Bererd. “It connects to an app that allows you to measure and check these levels on your smart phone. The Artificial Intelligence takes into account the actual measurements, room profile, time of day and season to make sure that users receive the most relevant advice possible.”
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Indoor air pollution can lead to all sorts of health problems and is a particular concern if you have young children or household members with respiratory problems. You can now buy devices that ‘read’ your indoor air quality and provide recommendations for creating a healthier environment.
“Netatmo’s Smart Indoor Air Quality Monitor has four sensors that measure the vitals of the home: temperature, sound, humidity and air quality,” says Bererd. “It connects to an app that allows you to measure and check these levels on your smart phone. The Artificial Intelligence takes into account the actual measurements, room profile, time of day and season to make sure that users receive the most relevant advice possible.”
Is Your House Making You Sick?
Image by B&D Security
“In addition, you can purchase an auto lock, which automatically locks your garage door every time you close it, helping protect your home and loved ones,” says Merridy Leonard, assistant brand manager at B&D Security.
- Intelligent garage doors
“In addition, you can purchase an auto lock, which automatically locks your garage door every time you close it, helping protect your home and loved ones,” says Merridy Leonard, assistant brand manager at B&D Security.
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Want more hi-tech solutions that will make life easier at home? Find a home automation specialist near you to discuss which security systems suit your home and needs
Did you find this story useful? Tell us in the Comments and don’t forget to save your favourite images, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Want more hi-tech solutions that will make life easier at home? Find a home automation specialist near you to discuss which security systems suit your home and needs
The Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionised security systems as well as home technology, and refers to devices (‘things’) with embedded connectivity (‘internet’) that can communicate with you or one another, machine-to-machine. For instance, an air conditioner that senses when the temperature rises, switches on, and sends a notification to your mobile.
“You can now remotely control your door locks, lights, thermostats and security systems to monitor and prevent unwanted activity in and around your home,” says Stewart.
“The main innovations we’ve seen over the past few years are integration with smart-home assistants such as Google and Alexa, and the ability to customise your CCTV security to suit your needs. Advances in technology have made facial recognition, line crossing and perimeter intrusion have now become standard features,” he says.
The advent of smart phones has been one of the biggest drivers of home-security design, says Stewart. “Mobile phones have enabled consumers to access live footage and playback recordings of their home remotely. Also, users can arm or disarm their connected security and CCTV systems from anywhere in the world,” he says.