Opinion: Abode Is Most Promising Home Security Solution in a Long Time
Backed by former ADT president Mike Snyder, Abode is UL-compliant security system with pay-as-you-go monitoring; gateway features ZigBee, Z-Wave, IP for home automation; platform ideal for both DIYs and pros.
Founded by a former ADT exec (and backed by former ADT president Mike Snyder), Abode is a UL-certified home security system with ZigBee, Z-Wave and IFTTT integration for home automation.
Here’s the really big deal: Video and snapshots from the cameras are relayed to the security monitoring station for alarm verification. This is a major missing element in today’s DIY-friendly security systems and requires a special relationship between the product manufacturer and the central station.
The reason video verification is so crucial is that police departments throughout the U.S., in addressing false-alarm rates of up to 99%, are severely restricting their response to residential alarms. In some instances, they will not respond unless there is an eye witness or live video attesting to a legitimate emergency.
As self-monitored “security” systems spread, police departments will continue to place further restrictions on alarm dispatch. Abode scores big points on this feature.
Abode also gets points for its pay-as-you-go security monitoring program-a model that is finding favor by some new DIY products like the SwannOne from CCTV giant Swann.. Users need not commit to annual plans costing $30 per month or more. Instead, they can start and stop professional monitoring with a couple of clicks on an app – at any time.
RELATED: Latest Trend in Security & Home Automation: DIY Installed, Pro Monitored
Furthermore, Abode offers a variety of automated triggers to prompt users to activate monitoring. Using geo-location, the system can determine if everyone is far away from home, and then text the homeowners, “Are you traveling? Do you want to activate monitoring?”
If yes, the system will offer default settings of three days, seven days or 30 days, each with its own price point.
Finally, on the security side, here’s the one big thing that sets Abode apart from DIY-oriented competitors: It is UL-certified for security. That means it has a 12- to 16-hour back-up battery built in, and meets other requirements that most reputable security dealers demand.
On that note, I am baffled by ADT’s announcement that it would offer a self-contained camera/security device co-developed with LG. Although the security giant has not announced its go-to-market plans for the new device, we would imagine that, in addition to being sold directly to consumers, it would also be sold through and configured by ADT dealers, both company-owned and independent.
In that case, it would be odd that ADT would peddle an alarm system that is not UL-compliant. I mean, it’s ADT!
Home Automation Platform
Abode is a complete home automation system, too, integrating with off-the-shelf Z-Wave and ZigBee devices (starting with a selection of products vetted by Abode), as well as IP devices via IFTTT, the cloud-based if/then engine.
Although I don’t have much hands-on experience in setting up security or home automation systems, Abode’s demo of the set-up and configuration seemed simple and intuitive.
The home-grown SHaaS platform is solid, providing more self-provisioning options than Icontrol and Alarm.com, which both leave little to the do-it-yourselfer. The same could be said of other hybrid security/automation platforms like Honeywell TotalConnect, Napco iBridge, Securenet, Telguard and others, which give consumers some leeway in configuring alerts and smart devices, but nothing to level of Abode.
Abode offers a wizard-based process that even shows users where to plug in the Ethernet cable.
Creating automation scenes is simple, with activities triggered in three ways:
- System status (AWAY button triggers lights to turn off and security system to arm; motion sensor at front door triggers living room camera to record)
- Geo-location (ramp up thermostat when cellphone leaves workplace at the end of the day; prompt to arm security system when everyone leaves the house)
- Schedules
Note that both trigger
s (ifs) and responses (thens) could include products and services from the entire spectrum of connected devices, including ZigBee, Z-Wave, 433 MHz, cameras, IP devices, etc. The system can support up to 150 connected devices.
It’s All About the Business Model
At the end of the day, assuming the product works as advertised, it’s all about the go-to-market strategy, and here Abode stands out from the rest.
Because of its focus on security, the product is perfect for professional security dealers looking for a simpler solution to sell and install … and especially one that engages the customer.
Today’s most popular professional home security/automation systems – 2Gig, Honeywell, Interlogix, DSC and Napco – may be simple enough for trained security dealers to install but not so much the entry-level technician.
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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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