ADT to Utilize Samsung’s SmartThings for Monitored, DIY Security and Automation Solution
Featuring aspects of both DIY and Pro, the new ADT Security Hub has a full SmartThings home automation hub inside, with Z-Wave, cellular-backup radios and more.
Built on the 2Gig GC3 security panel, new system is apparently UL-listed for security and life safety, with no-contract professional monitoring from ADT.
Best Buy gets first dibs on a new DIY security system with a complete Samsung SmartThings home automation hub inside, including ZigBee, Z-Wave and Wi-Fi. The system is apparently made by leading security manufacturer 2Gig (Nortek) and monitored by ADT.
This is the latest piece of smart home tech offered in Best Buy stores after the retail chain began partnering with Vivint earlier this year.
The press release doesn’t tell us it’s a 2Gig product, but clearly from the images, the hardware is built on the popular GC3 panel. That doesn’t mean the innards are the same, however. There’s a full SmartThings board in there.
The release also doesn’t tell us it’s UL listed for life-safety and fire, but we can assume it is because there’s the appropriate back-up battery, and only certain sub-GHz sensors (probably 319 – 443 Mhz) will be monitored by ADT, including smoke and CO detectors.
That’s one big thing the new Nest Secure system doesn’t give you. That product, recently revealed this past September, is monitored by MONI, UL-listed for life-safety (UL 1023) but not smoke and fire protection (UL 985).
With the new SmartThings system, the list of ADT-monitored security products include: door/window sensors, keyfob (with panic alarm), motion detector, smoke alarm, CO detector and water leak detector.
It does not appear that ADT will monitor Z-Wave sensors at this time, even though Z-Wave sensors with the new S2 security frameware, are now UL-approved for life-safety applications.
According to SmartThings, the new ADT Security Hub (the thing that looks like a 2Gig panel) features a 7-inch touchscreen control panel, built-in siren, battery and cellular back-up (free!), and dual-encryption wireless technology.
In addition to the cellular and security-sensor radios, the Hub includes Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, ZigBee, and probably Bluetooth, as it is said to integrate with “Works with SmartThings” devices.
In addition to local communications with ZigBee, Z-Wave and security devices, the ADT Hub can communicate cloud-to-cloud with SmartThings-compatible devices such as Arlo cameras and Ring doorbells.
This isn’t ADT’s first DIY rodeo. The company teamed with LG last year to introduce the LG Smart Security system with built-in camera and ADT monitoring, but the companies killed the product after selling only a few hundred units.
This one is different, as it’s built by a security-industry leader and powered by a leading home automation provider with brand recognition and a strong track record.
As for SmartThings, this isn’t their first pro-security rodeo either. Currently, some elements of SmartThings can be professionally monitored under the newish ADT Canopy program. Also, SmartThings works with Scout Alarm, which can be professionally monitored.
Monitoring for the new ADT Security Hub is optional, and can be ordered and canceled at will through the SmartThings app. Pricing for the service maxes out at $35 per month.
The product is available for pre-order starting today on BestBuy.com and Samsung.com. On October 29, the product will be available in Best Buy stores as well as BestBuy.com, Samsung.com and SmartThings.com.
Read the official press release on the next page.
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About the Author
Julie Jacobson
Julie Jacobson, recipient of the 2014 CEA TechHome Leadership Award, is co-founder of EH Publishing, producer of CE Pro, Electronic House, Commercial Integrator, Security Sales and other leading technology publications. She currently spends most of her time writing for CE Pro in the areas of home automation, security, networked A/V and the business of home systems integration.
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