Wink Throws Hat in Ring for DIY Home Security System Supremacy
Wink is the latest smart home company to release a DIY security system, following recent launches by Nest and SmartThings.
This past August, SSI sister publication CE Pro discovered three new FCC filings for Wink devices, all incorporating Z-Wave technology: a PIR motion sensor (WMOT1), door/window sensor (WDW1) and siren (WSIR1).
We now know that those devices are part of the Wink Lookout DIY home security system.
For $199, consumers get a second-generation Wink hub, two window/door sensors, a motion sensor and a siren and chime. Additional Lookout accessories can be purchased a la carte.
Users can use Wink’s free app to monitor sensors, respond to instant alerts, call 911 and more. There is no subscription fee.
The Wink Lookout will be competing with recently announced DIY security system bundles by Nest and Ring.
In September, Nest revealed the Nest Secure starter kit priced at $499, with optional professional monitoring provided by MONI.
Shortly after, Ring launced its Protect DIY security and home automation system, undercutting the Nest kit at a price point of $199. Ring Protect also features no-contract monitoring for $10 a month.
ADT has also partnered with Samsung SmartThings for an “ADT Home Security Starter Kit.”
So where does the Wink Lookout fit in? It doesn’t appear to be dramatically different. Perhaps its biggest advantage is the fact that it comes with a Wink hub, which has the ability to control a host of other smart devices.
Security pros, what do you think of the recent proliferation of DIY home security systems? Let us know in the comments below!
If you enjoyed this article and want to receive more valuable industry content like this, click here to sign up for our FREE digital newsletters!
About the Author
Steve Karantzoulidis, Web/Senior Editor
Steven A. Karantzoulidis is the Web Editor for Security Sales & Integration. He graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a degree in Communication and has a background in Film, A/V and Social Media.
Related Content
Security Is Our Business, Too
For professionals who recommend, buy and install all types of electronic security equipment, a free subscription to Commercial Integrator + Security Sales & Integration is like having a consultant on call. You’ll find an ideal balance of technology and business coverage, with installation tips and techniques for products and updates on how to add to your bottom line.
A FREE subscription to the top resource for security and integration industry will prove to be invaluable.
The security industry has fallen short on quality customer service, forcing consumers to ask themselves “should I pay for professional installation?” and the DIY market is answering that question. Today’s consumers are much more tech savvy than 20 years ago and the DIY market has dumbed down the installation process of a security system to meet customer’s needs, leaving traditional security providers scrambling to figure out how to compete.
Securing your router with a WPA code is completely different of securing your house. Indeed quality had fallen and people wanted to do their stuff themselves. But we should bear in mind that we are taking about security and with much more critical environment. There is a potential market for DIY but integrators and service provider should put more emphasis to deliver the most effective solutions to their client.
Clearly the market is changing very quickly with new entrants looking to get into the space. The ADT/Samsung model incorporates a slightly different twist as it moves out of the MIY space and into professional monitoring. The impact on false alarms will be watched very closely.
Regarding professional installation versus DIY there will continue to be opportunity for that market segment which will want a professionally designed, installed and monitored security system.
The dynamic we see is not a reflection of poor service or even price but a convergence of technology and consumers who are more comfortable with technology. As millennials age and grow more affluent I believe they will subscribe to services that reflect that reality.
From the time I plugged wink hub 2 devices at the time, it took to add my first device was about 2 minutes. It does so much yet you never have to do anything with the device itself. It works with Amazon Echo too so now I can turn on and off devices by just telling Alexa. Just download the app after you plug it in and go from there, you won’t be disappointed!!!