Amazon Echo, the Alexa equipped smart speaker from Amazon has come a long way since its release three years ago. Amazon keeps adding a number of smart features to the device every few months. If you’ve just unwrapped an Amazon Echo hub this festive season, you might already know what it is capable of. You can use the device and its digital voice assistant, Alexa, in almost every aspect of your routine. Now let us tell you that you can also connect Amazon Echo to your home security system. Here’s how.
Setting up Amazon Echo as smart home security hub
First things first, to make Amazon Echo the head of your home security, you’ll need an Echo-compatible security system to integrate. Devices like the Scout Alarm and Vivint security systems work perfectly with the Echo and Alexa. Once connected, you can control almost every aspect of your home security system using voice commands.
Alarm systems
When it comes to home security, alarm systems become the primary requirement. In this fast-moving world of technology, smart alarms are replacing the traditional alarm systems rapidly. Smart alarms like those from Scout or Vivint work perfectly with Alexa, making it easier to control them. The command list is for these devices is so big that many natural voice commands like “Send help!” work just fine.
Security cameras
After alarms, security cameras are the next thing you need to make your home more secure. They allow you to keep track of unexpected visitors using your smartphone or your office computer, granting peace of mind when you’re out of the house.
The security cameras’ technology is evolving rapidly, with machine learning and person detection being among the latest developments. Amazon’s own Cloud Cam uses motion detection and person detection to record video and send alerts whenever it detects unexpected motion in the house. The company is planning a software update this year to bring machine learning to the Cloud Cam. This will give the Cloud Cam the ability to automatically review clips and determine whether the motion detected is actually a threat. This means the Cloud Cam should be able to recognize pets. Sounds perfect! And yes, you can voice control all your security cameras from your Amazon Echo.
Smart locks
The next thing you need to make your home smart and secure is smart locks. With smart locks, you never run to the risk of leaving any door open. You can lock and unlock your home doors using your smartphone. This comes very handy for letting in family, friends, or pet sitters when you’re not at home.
There are numerous Alexa-compatible smart locks on the market. Install them in the doors at your home and control them with your voice when you’re home. When not around, you can do so from your smartphone.
Smart light bulbs and thermostats
Though not much of a security feature, smart light bulbs still gives added security to your smart home. With Alexa-compatible light bulbs, you can just shout “Alexa, turn on the lights!” when something goes bump in the night. These smart bulbs can also imitate your lighting habits when you’re away, discouraging would-be thieves.
Smart thermostats can secure your home from other threats, like a fire or gas leak. Alexa-compatible thermostats make adjusting the temperature more convenient. Just say “Alexa, set the thermostat to 75 degrees” and she’ll do so.
Should I go install Amazon Echo as a smart home hub?
Alexa has a two-year head start over the rest of the digital assistants in the market and its repertoire of skills and compatible products is incredibly vast. There’s an almost endless selection of Alexa-compatible devices. The smart home market moves fast, and new Alexa-compatible devices are released almost every week. This makes Amazon Echo the ideal hub for your smart home security system. But make sure that you spend your hard-earned money wisely, on the right products.
