How Technology Has Changed the Way We View Home Security

Technology How Has Changed The Way We View Home Security Until about 5 years ago, home security was a pretty static industry. Boxes, sensors, lights, and alarms were the industry standard and, while you had a few ways you could customize your solution, you were mostly stuck with a conventional system. Fast forward a few years and we've entered the age of the smart home. The challenge is no longer helping to keep your home safe, it's making your home work for you. Suddenly, instead of clunky systems that lack customization or imagination, homeowners and renters alike are flocking to everything from traditional systems with more high tech flair to complete DIY solutions that can be operated 100% from a smartphone. As tech has evolved over the past five years, we've also seen some immense evolution in the home security industry. These are the three biggest changes we've seen in recent years: Security Got Smart Home security systems are now as smart as your phone and as technological as your computer. The evolution just over the past couple of years has been incredible'. Video monitoring Motion sensors Lighting control Energy management System control from your phone, tablet or computer Interactive door locks? A new trend we're seeing is home security is becoming more of an add-on instead of the core service offering. IMS Research Senior Analyst, Black Kozak, says: "There is a portion of the market that has a greater demand for energy, management, video monitoring and lighting control than demand for security, so with bundled services and more flexible offerings, life safety and security can be a simple add-on." Video Monitoring Got a Facelift Remember the old, grainy, black-and-white surveillance footage you'd see in the early 2000's? That died a quick and painless death with the advent of affordable, high-definition cameras. Today, homeowners are no longer using video surveillance just in case a burglar happens to break a window. Recently, homeowners are focusing more on being proactive with this type of technology. By attaching their home video monitoring to their tablets or smartphones, they're able to monitor who's coming and who's going. This means that they can see their kids get home safely from school, the maintenance guy fix the garbage disposal, and any potential intruders who may want to visit while they're away. Did You Know? 6:00 AM 65% of burglaries happen between 6 AM and 6 PM, when homeowners are at work.3 6:00 PM Today, we have access to self-monitoring solutions and professionally monitored solutions, but it's entirely possible that we could see more options evolve over the next five years. From video algorithms to computer monitoring, the future is bright for video surveillance technology. The Owner's Club Got the Boot Before the advent of high-speed internet, it was nearly impossible to justify the cost of a security system for an apartment or rental property. Renters tend to move more frequently and often have to notify their landlord if they're going to have substantial work done on the property. Thanks to Wifi, Bluetooth, and the Internet of things, security providers are finally able to make home security a viable option for homes of any shapes and size, especially for renters! Did You Know? Apartments are 85% more likely to fall victim to burglary than any other type of housing. Why Home Security is Important for Renters:5 No home insurance means no reimbursement in the event of a robbery. Apartments are more prone to burglary. It helps provide peace of mind for renters. Technology has paved the way for a new era of home security. For more tips and tricks on how you can help protect your home, visit protectyourhome.com/blog! If you're interested in upgrading the security on your home, make sure to give us a call at 1.800.580.1342 Sources 1.http://www.securityinfowatch.com/news/10771475/telecommunications-firms-and-utilities-have-turned-security-into-part-of-bundled -home-technology-offering 2. http://www.calgarysun.com/2014/08/28/hi-tech-home-security-ensures-peace- of-mind 3. http://emcsecurity.com/blog/tag/home-security-statistics/ 4. http://ncpc.typepad.com/prevention_works_blog/2012/10/lock-crime-out-of-your-home.html 5. http://besthomesecuritycompanys.com/ultimate-guide-to-renter-home-security