Amazon Alexa Now Offers New Security Features

Amazon Alexa Now Offers New Security Features

Amazon Alexa users that enable Alexa Guard on their smart speakers can now take advantage of a few security features.

Those who have the Amazon Alexa smart smart speakers already installed in their home can now take advantage of new security features at no additional charge.

Amazon Alexa users who download and enable the Alexa Guard app now have access to new features like "Smart Alerts" that tells the Echo speakers to listen for the sound of breaking glass or a smoke or carbon-monoxide alarm going off while you are away. 

The speaker is now able to recognize these sounds and send a push notification to warn you that there might be trouble at home so that you can respond appropriately. 

Alexa Guard can operate on its own, or in conjunction with other popular smart home security products such as Ring, ADT Pulse and ADT Control. When paired with Ring or ADT, the Alexa can send a message directly to the professional monitoring service, which will then be able to determine if it is appropriate to notify emergency-response services. 

In addition to the sound detection features, Alexa Guard can also be used to trigger light patterns. User's can pair their smart lightbulbs with the app and give a command such as, "Alexa, I am leaving," and the smart bulbs will react and the speakers will turn on to listen for any unusual sounds.

While the Alexa Guard app has been available since late 2018, it was not available on older versions of the smart speakers. The service now can be enabled on all models of Amazon Alexa.

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • Achieving Clear Communications

    Achieving Clear Communications

    Technology within the security industry has adapted to numerous changes through the years, from the early days of analog devices to today’s IP-based solutions, networked cameras, and access control solutions, in addition to analytics, cloud-based products, virtual security guards, and more. Read Now

  • Taking Flight

    Taking Flight

    Airport security is a complex system that incorporates multiple technologies to ensure the safety and security of travelers, employees and the facility itself. Sound-based technologies are integral pieces of this system, providing means of communication, notification and monitoring. Read Now

  • Live From ISC West 2023 Preview

    Live From ISC West 2023 Preview

    ISC West 2023 is right around the corner! This year’s trade show is scheduled from March 28–31 at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Campus Security & Life Safety and Security Today staff will be on hand to provide live updates about the security industry’s latest innovations, trends, and products. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
  • A Break from Routine

    A Break from Routine

    It was three years ago right about now that COVID was bringing the world to its knees. In mid-March of 2020, the president put travel restrictions on all flights in and out of Europe, the NBA suspended its season, and Tom Hanks announced that he’d tested positive for the disease—all in the same night. It was officially a national emergency two days later. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West

Featured Cybersecurity

New Products

  • XS4 Original+

    XS4 Original+

    The SALTO XS4 Original+ design is based on the same proven housing and mechanical mechanisms of the XS4 Original. The XS4 Original+, however, is embedded with SALTO’s BLUEnet real-time functionality and SVN-Flex capability that enables SALTO stand-alone smart XS4 Original+ locks to update user credentials directly at the door. Compatible with the array of SALTO platform solutions including SALTO Space data-on-card, SALTO KS Keys as a Service cloud-based access solution, and SALTO’s JustIn Mobile technology for digital keys. The XS4 Original+ also includes RFID Mifare DESFire, Bluetooth LE and NFC technology functionality. 3

  • Kangaroo Home Security System

    Kangaroo Home Security System

    Kangaroo is the affordable, easy-to-install home security system designed for anyone who wants an added layer of peace of mind and protection. It has several products, ranging from the fan-favorite Doorbell Camera + Chime, to the more comprehensive Front Door Security Kit with Professional Monitoring. Regardless of the level of desired security, Kangaroo’s designed to move with consumers - wherever that next chapter may be. Motion sensors, keypads and additional features can be part of the package to any Kangaroo system in place, anytime. Additionally, Kangaroo offers scalable protection plans with a variety of benefits ranging from 24/7 professional monitoring to expanded cloud storage, coverage for damage and theft. 3

  • Dinkle DKU Barrier Terminal Blocks

    Dinkle DKU Barrier Terminal Blocks

    New DKU screw type terminal blocks use a spring-guided system where the screws are integrated and captive within the terminal enclosure. These screws can be backed out so that ring- or U-shaped cable lugs can be inserted, without the possibility of losing the screw. 3