What’s new in smart homes and residential security systems?

The latest technologies play an outsized role in two categories: control and access. Voice-controlled assistants are now a near-ubiquitous way to interact with home security devices. Additionally, wireless options like near-field communication and smart home solutions like Apple Home make it simpler to use security devices like smart locks with just the tap of a phone or watch, a substantial departure from physical keys. Similarly, advanced mobile app solutions like the Schlage Home app makes managing and monitoring Schlage smart locks remotely simple and improves accessibility for people who lead busy lives. Enabling the shift to wirelessly controlled locks and other IoT devices are ever-improving wireless networking technologies. Homes equipped with powerful routers and expansive mesh networks make it possible to connect disparate IoT security devices around large homes and have them work seamlessly together. This cohesion provides homeowners with better convenience, efficiency, and peace of mind. 

The smart home and residential security space video and water categories are driving new behaviors like using the latest video AI to reduce false alarms. Video doorbells are popular but the indoor motion viewer has opened the eyes of many dealers. Security dealers are seeing new interest from insurance providers that are offering policy discounts to holders with water-leak detection devices in their homes. Some are requesting certain features around water-leak detection before the company will even write a policy. Water claims are one of the most common and costly insurance claims adding a whole home smart water management system to a security offering helps redefine what a security system can do. There are larger-than-ever rebates for energy-efficient smart home devices that give security dealers the opportunity to offer connected thermostats as part of a security system. This helps offset the homeowner's energy costs and drive higher RMR.

Smart technology has revolutionised how modern homeowners live, connecting users with various devices designed to entertain, save time and save pennies on their ever-rising energy bills. In recent years, much has changed in smart home technology and residential security systems too. More than ever, the use of smart security devices has connected users to their home security systems, with areas such as the front door becoming a focal point for innovative hardware products. Smart lever sets and smart pull handles have followed in the footsteps of former smartphone technology for example and are now capable of housing fingerprint recognition features improving security and ease of access for users. Comparably, the introduction of video camera remote function smart locks and face detection locking systems has taken residential security systems one step further, providing the most bespoke home security options yet.

The advancement in smart home technologies and residential systems is accelerating at a rapid rate. The tendency towards broader integration is on the rise, paving the way for better interaction among devices from varied manufacturers. This level of interoperability fosters advanced automation within homes. AI's role within smart home ecosystems is also anticipated to become more pivotal, offering heightened personalisation, predictive capabilities, and intuitive user experiences. This technological evolution offers a multitude of opportunities for monitoring providers like NMC. We are perpetually honing our systems and making notable investments in staff training to remain at the forefront of these trends. We have the capacity to delve into new service offerings such as remote management and smart home device supervision, thereby uncovering additional avenues for revenue generation.