Amazon Adds Security Features to Echo Device

Amazon Adds Security Features to Echo Device

Alexa speakers are always listening; Alexa Guard will allow them to listen for the sound of broken glass or the sounds of smoke or carbon monoxide alarms. If heard, the system will then alert the user.

  • By Jessica Davis
  • Sep 24, 2018

Amazon is adding a new set of features to its Echo devices that will allow it to function as one of the basic pieces of a smart security system, the company announced Thursday. The feature set will be called Alexa Guard.

Alexa speakers are always listening; Alexa Guard will allow them to listen for the sound of broken glass or the sounds of smoke or carbon monoxide alarms. If heard, the system will then alert the user.

If the user has smart lights in their home, Alexa Guard can also randomize the lighting to make it look like people are in the house even if the user is out. According to Amazon, the system will use machine learning to control the lighting to make it “seem natural.”

Alexa Guard won’t be enabled constantly—instead, users will have to active the skill set by letting Alexa know when they are leaving their home. Once enabled, Alexa will be able to send notifications to users’ phones or directly to any supported professional monitoring system.

According to Amazon, enabling Alexa Guard mode will also automatically tell any security system integrated with the device that you’re leaving the house. The company said that at launch, the service will be able to integrate with ADT for professional monitoring and Ring for security products.

About the Author

Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.

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