Fun new residential products, such as video doorbells and digital voice assistants, were on the radars of readers this year, as evidenced by the top-ranked stories of 2017 that were presented in a special year-end edition of smartHOME e-newsletter and compiled for this blog. Readers also were drawn to the big-impact stories about business trends, partnerships and acquisitions, such as Honeywell’s introduction of a DIY system and ASSA ABLOY’s acquisition of August Home. We hope you enjoy this look back at 2017.
Video Doorbells Increase in Popularity
It started out as a great concept. Maybe you remember walking up to certain porches that had large panels with dated speakers and a red button, announcing the fact that this home was equipped with Jetsons-like technology of a doorbell intercom.
Honeywell to Introduce DIY Home Security System
Honeywell, which has offered thermostats, security cameras and professionally monitored security systems, has sent emails to its existing customers teasing an upcoming DIY home security system, according to a CNET article. The product is slated for a Nov. 1 release and it will reportedly debut in partnership with crowdfunding site Indiegogo, according to CNET.
With mounting pressure from huge cable and telephone companies and the explosion of DIY IP cameras and alarm systems, the cold reality is that if we do not change our product and service offerings, our share of the low-end residential and light commercial alarm market is going to shrink if not disappear within the next 10 years.
Security Dealers Are Ready for Home Voice Control
Digital voice-controlled assistants such as Amazon’s Echo and Dot offerings and Google Home were a hot item this past holiday season — and they will begin playing an increasingly important role in controlling security systems this year.
Alarm.com Closes Acquisition of Business Units From Icontrol Networks
Alarm.com, a platform solution for the connected home and business, has completed its previously announced acquisition of two business units, Connect and Piper, from Icontrol Networks.
These are the stories that rounded out the top 10:
Vivint Smart Home Introduces Vivint Smart Properties for Property Developers and Managers
PERS & Medical Monitoring: The Coming Convergence
Best Buy Partners With Vivint Smart Home to Launch Smart Home Service
ASSA ABLOY to Acquire August Home
ADT Customer Uses Home Security System to Help Save Her From Violent Attack
