Creating a One-Stop Security Shop

  • By Jamie Friedlander
  • Nov 01, 2014

Can you tell me about LiftMaster’s MyQ technology?

LiftMaster MyQ is proprietary technology that establishes a two-way connection between the Internet via a Wi-Fi connection or a wired Internet gateway. That allows us to control and monitor MyQ enabled devices, such as garage door openers or home lighting, from a smartphone. We developed MyQ several years ago to enable homeowners to have greater control over their lives by monitoring and controlling their garage door, and now with some additional partnerships that we have, MyQ is growing into some other areas as well, so we are really excited about the future.

How does the app work with the Nest learning thermostat?

It’s very cool technology that goes beyond the simple thermostat that’s in a house—it actually learns behaviors and helps you save energy. How Nest thermostats work with LiftMaster MyQ technology is that as you’re leaving your home and closing the garage door, you can set Nest to automatically go into “Away Mode,” which lowers or raises the temperature in your house, depending on what you want and what season it is. And then, when you come home and your garage door opens back up, it can switch back to “Home Mode.”

Basically, it allows consumers to have a little more control over their lives, and what’s interesting is that because Nest is a learning thermostat, once it starts understanding your patterns—not only your temperature usage, but your comings and goings—it can do even more for you in terms of personalization of the environment within your home. We’re extremely excited to be partnering with Nest. Nest was recently purchased by Google, so we’re excited not only about what Nest is right now, in terms of learning thermostats and smoke detectors, but also what they could become with Google’s involvement.

Why is this app important for home security in particular? How will it help homeowners feel secure and safe?

I think regardless of whether you’re using the LiftMaster MyQ app to control your garage door opener or your home lighting, or if you’re using Apple’s HomeKit when that gets developed, it’s all about having control over your environment. I think that as companies like Google and Apple enter this arena, they’re going to be delivering on what consumers want, which is a one-stop shop for home automation.

Yes, right now you can use your LiftMaster garage door opener and download the LiftMaster MyQ app and have a lot of great control over your home and your home’s number one access point, which is through your garage.

However, you might also have an app for your Whirpool washer and dryer. You might have an app for your Schlage lock. Wouldn’t it be nice to have all of those under the control of one master universal controller?

Can you discuss LiftMaster MyQ’s integration with Apple’s HomeKit?

We’re excited to be one of Apple’s initial partners in their HomeKit initiative which was announced right at the tail end of June. HomeKit is an effort to pull a variety of manufacturers—LiftMaster being one of them, as well as Mercedes Benz and a number of others, including building products companies— together to partner with Apple so consumers can control their home and achieve home automation through one app.

Do you think widespread adoption of this technology will happen in the next few years?

I do. I think the integration of a lot of manufacturers under these umbrellas, whether it is Google or Apple, is going to help with that. As far as LiftMaster goes, we’re seeing a dramatic jump in the number of our users that have embraced MyQ over the last couple of years that it has been available. Our dealers are getting more excited about it as interest in the connected home continues to rise.

Do you have any additional thoughts on the future of home integration and connectivity?

I think consumers will adopt more of this technology once it gets easier to use and they have more of that one stop “app” to control everything from a trusted source.

How do you think homeowners might feel safer or more secure with these apps?

I certainly think from LiftMaster’s standpoint, safety, security and peace of mind are really their ultimate goals not only when they buy a garage door opener from us, but also when they’re using home automation. It’s that ability to have those lights go on before you get home, or the ability to know who is coming and going to and from your house when you’re not there. And, it’s especially the ability to know that your house is closed, locked and safe and secure when you’re away. So that’s really the hallmark of LiftMaster and the hallmark of MyQ, and what we’re trying to do and deliver to our customers.

This article originally appeared in the November 2014 issue of Security Today.

Featured

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.