Four technologies for home security
With the holiday season upon us and a family vacation on the horizon, is it time to upgrade your home security?
Home security tech is a good idea for many reasons.
It can protect your family, show you what’s going on around your house when you’re not there, and let you know when someone’s trying to get in – be it the postie or an unwelcome intruder.
Back in the day, locks and chains on your doors and windows were enough to secure your home. Technology and connectivity have transformed the industry, and you can now control the security of your home through your computer or remotely via your tablet or phone.
Home automation offers everything from remote monitoring via cameras to keyless locks. There is a multitude of services and products on the market, all claiming to keep your family safer and make your life easier.
But are they really better than a traditional lock and key?
With the holiday season upon us, it’s a great time to rethink your home security.
Here’s a run-down of some of the connected security options currently available on the market.
All-in-one security systems
All-in-one security systems make it easy to keep an eye on your whole house remotely from your computer, tablet or phone.
They consist of a network of wireless, weatherproof, high definition cameras that you can easily place inside and outside your home.
They connect to your Wi-Fi and record footage that is saved to a data cloud so that you can view it remotely from your chosen device.
With nifty functionality like night vision, zoom and motion detection – they’re a great way to keep a close eye on your home.
Some of market contenders are Arlo, Uniden Guardian and Zmodo.
Connected Doorbells
Who knew that something as simple as a doorbell could become the eyes, ears and voice of your front door?
Connected doorbells are a highly convenient way of controlling your front door from your computer, tablet or phone.
A Wi-Fi connected system allows you to monitor visitors at your front door from anywhere via video, motion detection and voice functionality.
Expecting a delivery? You’ll be able to tell the driver to leave the parcel on your doorstep.
BBQ in the backyard? You can let guests in without walking back and forth to the front door.
Not expecting anyone? Instead of creeping up to the peephole, see who’s there from the comfort of your couch.
Smart doorbells help you keep an eye on your front door from the comfort of your couch. Photo courtesy: SkyBell Presskit
Skybell and Ring are two great options currently available on the market.
Motion sensors
Motion sensors can give you wireless control of your home appliances and electronics, turning devices of your choice on or off as soon as movement is detected. The sensors detect motion and then send a wireless signal to turn the connected device either on or off.
As well as keeping you safe, they can also keep you comfortable and energy efficient.
In one touch you can turn the lights on before you get inside or turn the heating off when no one’s around. Temperature sensors can also alert you to any extra smoke or heat in the house. Wemo and Swann One provide a suite of products and service with motion sensor capabilities.
Bluetooth locks
Bluetooth locks allow you to lock or unlock your door from your computer, tablet or phone.
Perfect for letting the neighbour in for any emergencies, giving your guests access to your home without the hassle of spare keys, or tracking when tradies are coming and going during your home renovation project - bluetooth locks can solve multiple problems at once.
No more fumbling for the keys at night or worrying whether you forgot to lock the door either
Kevo provides this service.
So as you can see, of innovative products out there to help keep your precious family and home safe.
While you should still continue to use the old-fashioned lock and key, you can now make your home even more secure with incredible new technology.
Devices with motion sensor capabilities can let you control your home wirelessly. Photo courtesy: wemo.com
A fast broadband connection helps make all this and more possible. Check your address to see if you can connect to the nbn™ network.
And what could the future hold? Imagine your house feeding and letting the dog out while you’re off on your next family holiday!