Top Security Innovations at CES 2017
Security companies are no stranger to the Consumer Electronics Show, held in Las Vegas each year. If I remember correctly, last year the security industry saw the announcement of several, several doorbell cameras with two-way communication and now we don’t know what we’d do without them.
This year there are some pretty exciting innovations being introduced at the show. Just a few of them are from Alarm.com, Ring and Aura. Let’s take a look:
Alarm.com Drone Security
If anything has set off the media buzz coming out of CES 2017, it has been Alarm.com’s drone security system. Their system is basically this: employ a drone that is equipped with a camera to fly around the area you are trying to secure to check out any unexpected activity.
Alarm.com is partnering with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Flight Done Platform to develop the technology to make it happen. The companies would like for the drone to be completely autonomous, meaning it could find its way to any area of the building if a motion sensor is tripped or if there is a sudden noise. From there the drone would push the footage to your mobile device.
While there is no specific time table for release, Alarm.com has pushed the home-drone-security solution into the spotlight. It’ll be interesting to see if it catches on.
Ring Floodlight Camera
When I saw a video on Twitter for this product, I stopped scrolling and watched the entire thing. Ring’s Floodlight is just as fun as it sounds. It’s a motion-sensitive device that combines the company’s security cameras with a pair of LED floodlights.
The product is connected to your home WiFi and then pushes notifications to your mobile device just like Ring’s inaugural doorbell camera. Through the app, you can see live footage of movement and scare away intruders by enabling two-way communication or an alarm siren.
The Floodlight cam is available for pre-order now. Here’s to hoping this product does as well as their doorbell cams.
Cognitive Systems Aura
Cognitive Systems announced their newest innovation that will monitor your entire home without one security camera. The unique, two-pieced system can detect motion throughout an entire home using wireless signals.
The system is made up off two components: a cube-shaped hum and a small remote sensor that plugs into a wall outlet. It’s about the size of an air freshener. Cognitive Systems recommends putting the two components at opposite sides of the home, which will provide coverage of everything in between, regardless of walls, stairs and other obstructions. When someone walks into the area, the system uses spectrum analysis technology to detect motion and alert the owner through a mobile app.
The company says the system is a discreet alternative to existing home security devices, one that avoids the privacy concerns of always-on, internet-connected smart cameras. Would you look into a device like this one? I’d be fascinated to see it work.