Home security, safety, and surveillance systems are getting sleeker in appearance, smarter and more connected, and, many of them, downright easier to install, oneself. And, now that it’s the holiday season — full of travels and festivities — it may be the right time to consider such products. Here are a handful of recent or upcoming devices that help keep an eye on properties, possessions, and, even, pets.
Canary
Canary
One of several DIY systems to recently hit the market, Canary boasts a 1080p high-definition camera with a wide-angle lens (up to 147 degrees of view), automatic night vision, motion detection, and microphone. It connects via Ethernet or WiFi to stream live footage over the internet to whichever mobile device you want to use the app on. Canary can be set up to send live alerts when motion is detected and record audio and video events for up to 30 days in the cloud. Interestingly, it features a remote-controlled, 90-plus-decibel siren that you can set off should you discover an intruder lurking about. And a built-in speaker allows you to communicate in real time with anyone in the space (such as your pet). Canary claims that the device can also monitor air quality, temperature, and humidity, as well. Service plans are not included in the device price.
August Home (also shown at top)
August Home: August Smart Keypad and Doorbell Cam
Building on its original Smart Lock (a super-sleek smartphone-controlled door lock designed by Yves Béhar’s fuseproject and a winner of an A+Award in 2015), this fledgling company recently launched a keypad and door camera that works in tandem with the lock and looks equally as smart. The battery-powered keypad provides easier entry, sans smartphone, with unique codes that are auto-generated for one-time use or regular use by frequent visitors. Meanwhile, the doorbell cam functions as a video intercom that can be accessed via Bluetooth or WiFi. So, even if you’re not home, you can see who’s ringing the doorbell and activate the unlocking function if it’s a trusted friend, family member, or service provider.
Yale and Nest
Yale and Nest: Linus Smartlock
Assa Abloy brand Yale has partnered with designer thermostat and automation company Nest to create Linus, a pill-shaped, keypad-based smart lock. Its face is a minimalist black surface that lights up to reveal the number pad. Using the Nest app, people can remotely control Linus, see when the door is being unlocked and by whom (because passcodes are created for different visitors), and rest easy knowing that Linus will auto-lock after a period if left unlocked. This product is set for release in early 2016.
Yale
Yale: Yale Real Living Look Door Viewer
Another high-tech Yale product coming in 2016 — not affiliated with Nest — is a battery-powered LCD door viewer that replaces the traditional peephole. The 4.3-inch monitor pairs with a doorbell that, when pushed, activates the built-in camera. The homeowner can select to either display a still photo or live video of the visitor. The unit also features a motion sensor that can be set to automatically snap a photo when anyone comes within 6.5 feet of the door. WiFi or Z-Wave connectivity, along with a mobile app, enables remote viewing of stored visitor images with time stamps.
Sooner
Sooner: PlugSafe and TreeSafe
Also available in early 2016, these devices supposedly provide early detection and warning of fire caused by high-risk appliances (Plugsafe) or Christmas trees and decorations (Treesafe) using sensors close to the sources. Sooner advises that there are problems with traditional smoke detectors: when placed near the source of a fire, they typically melt before they can sound an alarm, and when installed away from the source, the alarm won’t go off until the room is filled with smoke. PlugSafe plugs into an electrical outlet and contains a heat sensor that, if a fire breaks out at that location, sends an instant wireless alert to a remote battery-powered alarm. TreeSafe works, similarly, except it uses a heat-sensing ornament hung directly in the Christmas tree and communicates with a remote outlet-plugged alarm.
Scout
Scout
Scout offers a variety of devices allowing you to “build” the system you want. The Hub connects to your router and wirelessly communicates between Scout sensors and your smartphone, tablet, or computer. It also integrates a 106-decibel-siren alarm. The Door Panel monitors entryways as they open and close, contains a powerful siren, and works using a radio-frequency identification (RFID) sticker for key-fob access (comes with two fobs). The Access Sensor is a simple two-part unit that adheres to any type of opening, whether a door, window, cabinet, or drawer. Motion that causes the parts to disconnect merely one inch triggers a sensor that sends you an alert. And, finally, the wireless Motion Sensor detects movement within 25 feet — placed at an opening or on a tabletop. All the devices are available in white, black, or walnut laminate. Monthly monitoring plans are required.
Jung
Jung: Video Indoor Stations
These European video intercoms offer sleek, minimalist style in a variety of material and color finishes to suit almost any residential interior. The thin-film-transistor (TFT) color monitor (2.2-inch diagonal viewing screen) offers adjustable brightness and color. The stations come in one-, two-, and three-piece designs for flexibility and design freedom. Meanwhile, the faceplates come in white, glossy black, gunmetal, champagne, glass, and many more options.
(Please note that we cannot speak on the performance of any of these products.)