abode systems - Experts & Thought Leaders

Abode Systems, the provider of DIY smart home security solutions, announces today the next evolution in smart home security camera offerings, the Abode Edge Camera. First wireless home security camera  Forged in partnership with Morse Micro, the leading Wi-Fi HaLow silicon vendor, and Xailient, the leader in edge AI for computer vision, this category-defining solution is the world’s first wireless home security camera supercharged with AI-at-the-edge capabilities, a transmission range of over 1.5 miles, and best-in-class battery life performance. The unique combination of these features has created a paradigm-shifting security solution that provides users with a plug-and-protect security camera capable of providing the optimal view of their property. Limitations with home security camera Technology constraints have limited home security cameras in two major ways" “Nearly every home security camera is facing the wrong direction,” said Chris Carney, Founder and CEO of Abode Systems. “Technology constraints have limited home security cameras in two major ways: a field of view that remains fixed and facing away from the home and rampant connectivity issues if the camera is deployed too far away. In nearly all of these cases, that leaves what matters most – the home completely out of frame or with an offline camera."  Abode Edge Camera "At Abode, we believe security cameras should keep an eye on what is most important. Together with our partners, we are breaking the chains that tether security cameras to an outdated viewpoint." "The Abode Edge Camera enables a new era of home security camera solutions capable of being deployed at edge-of-property to bring the home, and what matters most, back into focus.”   Going the distance Wi-Fi HaLow overcomes the limitations of traditional Wi-Fi by operating on narrow frequency bands The unprecedented range of the Abode Edge Camera is made possible via the integration of Morse Micro’s Wi-Fi CERTIFIED HaLow system-on-chip (SoC) solution, which offers unparalleled wireless capabilities. Wi-Fi HaLow overcomes the limitations of traditional Wi-Fi by operating on narrow frequency bands, enabling the technology to penetrate transmission obstacles and provide unmatched performance, even in noisy environments crowded by multiple devices and cameras. Wi-Fi CERTIFIED HaLow camera Combined, these benefits offer 10 times the range, 100 times the coverage area, and 1000 times the volume of traditional Wi-Fi technologies. Upon release, the Abode Edge Camera will be the first Wi-Fi CERTIFIED HaLow camera with plug-and-play features to seamlessly connect to your existing Wi-Fi home network. Best-in-Class Performance An integrated PIR motion sensor, in cooperation with AI detection, alerts the camera to meaningful activity Meticulously designed as a robust wireless home security camera, range performance is perfectly balanced with battery life. Featuring a massive 6,000 mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery, the Abode Edge Camera is capable of battery life performance up to one year on a single charge. An integrated PIR motion sensor, in cooperation with AI detection, alerts the camera to meaningful activity and triggers the recording of critical events. When motion is not detected, the camera automatically enters into a deep sleep mode, preserving the precious battery. AI and IP67-rated The unique combination of leveraging AI to transmit meaningful events with the power efficiency provided by Wi-Fi HaLow is an industry first. Furthermore, the fusion of a 1.5-mile transmission range and long-lasting battery performance makes the Abode Edge Camera a “deploy-anywhere” solution that excels specifically in outdoor environments. With weather-tight housing that is IP67-rated, this cutting-edge security camera is built to withstand the elements.   Advanced AI capabilities Advanced AI features combined with the ultra-long-range performance provided by Wi-Fi HaLow  Battery life and range accolades notwithstanding, the Abode Edge Camera is as intelligent as it is powerful and transformative. Seamless integration of state-of-the-art AI models and algorithms from Xailient pushes the boundaries of what is possible and enables the new camera to perform advanced tasks, such as object detection, facial recognition, and anomaly detection. Advanced AI features combined with the ultra-long-range performance provided by Wi-Fi HaLow enable real-time data processing, allowing for instantaneous decision-making and response, which is critical in security and automation applications. A new way to keep an eye The new Abode Edge Camera integrates effortlessly with any existing Abode home security system or can be deployed as a standalone solution. To support the launch of the new camera, Abode is also announcing today the introduction of a new, single-camera video plan designed to help users maximise coverage. The Abode single-camera Video Plan provides users with AI-enabled Smart Detect, on-demand live view, and up to 10 days of timeline from which captured video clips can be viewed and downloaded. The Abode single-camera video plan will be available to users for $3.99 per month. Abode Standard Plan To support Abode users who wish to deploy more than one camera, the Abode Standard Plan provides the same 10-day timeline to view and download recorded clips, live viewing, and AI-enabled Smart Detect across unlimited cameras for $6.99/month. The Abode Edge Camera is expected to launch later in Q1 2024 with an MSRP of $199.99.

Following the acquisition of Nortek Control in October 2021, Nice, a global manufacturer of smart home and building automation solutions, announces plans to form a single entity in North America by consolidating all its essential operations under Nice. Nortek Control will complete a transition to the Nice brand within the year 2022. 2GIG®, ELAN®, Linear®, Mighty Mule®, SpeakerCraft®, Proficient®, Furman®, Panamax®, Gefen®, Numera®, Intellivision®, Abode®, and HySecurity® will continue to go to market as brands of Nice. Single-source manufacturers The combination will create a powerhouse in North America, provides partners with access to the entire regional product portfolio, and demonstrate that all companies are stronger together. The move will position Nice as one of the largest single-source manufacturers of smart home and building automation solutions in the North American market. Integrators, dealers, and distribution partners benefit from access to greater opportunities Integrators, dealers, and distribution partners benefit from access to greater opportunities with a broader solutions portfolio of integrated smart and connected products. “The newly enlarged and strengthened presence of Nice North America further reinforces our commitment to our partners, customers, and the channel,” said Edoardo Malfè, President & CEO, Nice North America. High-security applications “The expanded portfolio created by our strategic acquisitions enables the delivery of solutions to partners and end-users from a single-source provider of a full suite of integrated solutions for residential, commercial, industrial, and government customers, from consumer DIY to custom and professionally-installed specialized products and high-security applications.” Joining Malfè at the helm, Luca Longhin, a veteran of Nice will co-lead Nice North America as Deputy CEO. Together, they have assembled an experienced and diverse leadership team to chart the course and achieve aggressive growth targets set by the consolidated organization. Smart home segment At Nice, it is the people, along with knowledge and experiences unique to each team member" “To fully align the businesses and best support our partners, we are pleased to announce several powerful additions to our dynamic leadership team,” said Longhin. “At Nice, it is the people, along with knowledge and experiences unique to each team member that remains core to how we do business. By uniting key businesses in North America, we have the opportunity to cultivate and grow a leadership team with unparalleled diversity and experience both from within and externally.” Combining new talent with long-standing internal executives forms one of the most knowledgeable, experienced, and diverse C-suites in the pro-install smart home segment. Industry veterans Paul Williams and Lisa Potok join the new leadership team, bringing unique perspectives and decades of experience to the group. Williams joins as Chief Product Officer and Potok joins as Chief Financial Officer. Industry-specific expertise Internal promotions within Nice and Nortek Control complete the executive leadership team bringing industry-specific expertise and experience to the table. Amanda Repp steps into the newly created role of Chief People & Diversity Officer. Jim Hardiman will take over as General Manager of the China Innovation Center. Jari Niemela was recently announced as Chief Technology Officer. Craig Copley becomes Chief Information Officer. Mark Owen Burson is named Chief Marketing Officer and Daniel Schatz will serve as General Counsel. The internal organization changes listed above are effective as of today.

abode systems, a provider of DIY smart home security, announced that abode Outdoor/Indoor Smart Camera, a versatile video camera developed in direct response to demand for robust indoor/outdoor and front door video protection. Modular by design, the new abode camera can be used indoors and outdoors and can be deployed using a number of included mounts to optimise installation flexibility and provide intelligent video coverage wherever customers need it most. Standalone video camera solution A first for abode, the Outdoor/Indoor Smart Camera can be used as a reliable standalone video camera solution or seamlessly integrated with all existing abode security systems. In either case, the camera provides valuable insight into what is happening inside and/or outside the home and has been designed to help deter crime including porch piracy, effectively communicate with couriers and other visitors, and provide a medium for visual verification when allowing or denying access to a home or residence. The camera provides insight into what is happening inside or outside the home and is designed to help deter crime With advanced computer vision capabilities built-in, abode customers can opt-in to have their Outdoor/Indoor Smart Camera understand when an authorised user is approaching or inside the residence vs. an unauthorised user, stranger, or intruder. This functionality is at the sole discretion of the user and can be toggled on or off at any time to manage a personalised database of known and unknown users. Advanced automation engine When integrated with an abode system, users can leverage CUE, abode’s advanced automation engine, to define and trigger smart home and security scenes using information provided by the abode Smart Outdoor/Indoor Camera including the advanced computer vision capabilities. Engineered into a compact package roughly half the size of a deck of playing cards, the new video camera features a PIR motion sensor to identify when someone is approaching, an IR LED for low-light vision, a built-in microphone and speaker for two-way communication, a light sensor, and a wide-angle lens capable of providing 1920 x 1080p video across a 152° field of view. To withstand the elements, the abode Outdoor/Indoor Smart Camera features an IP65 weather-resistance rating and can withstand a wide variation of outdoor temperatures. Traditional doorbell solution abode’s newest video solution can be installed in a variety of ways, giving consumers the freedom and flexibility to ensure they have robust video coverage of their home wherever they desire. The included doorbell mount allows the camera to be powered by existing doorbell leads and installed flush against the door or, a corded attachment can be used to mount the camera outdoors and be powered by a standard outlet. Indoor/outdoor camera fills the gap within the portfolio of robust smart home security offerings" The abode Outdoor/Indoor Smart Camera can be installed in either fashion and, abode will be releasing an additional form factor with a doorbell button built-in to provide users the option of a traditional doorbell solution. “Doorbell and external video cameras have become quintessential to surveilling and protecting the exterior of your home but they should not require a security expert to setup,” said Chris Carney, CEO and founder of abode. Live video stream “Our new indoor/outdoor camera is the final piece of the abode puzzle and fills the gap within our portfolio of robust smart home security offerings. We’ve always strived to put the power back into the hands of the user when it comes to monitoring and managing their home security needs and with these new solutions, which can be used on their own or integrated into our existing security systems for enhanced functionality, users have even more choice when it comes to creating a secure home on their terms.” To provide users with increased functionality, the abode Outdoor/Indoor Smart Camera has been submitted for Apple HomeKit Certification and will also feature Alexa Video support to view a live video stream from an Echo Show device and Google Video support. The abode Outdoor/Indoor Smart Camera will be available starting in Q1 2020 with an expected MSRP of $199. Additional video services abode video plans including event look back and additional video services will be available at launch. Shown for the first time at CES 2020, abode will demo capabilities of the new camera at Pepcom Digital Experience on January 6, 2020 and showcase the Outdoor/Indoor Smart Camera in booth #40724 during CES 2020 in the Sands. 

Security is more-than-ever linked to consumer electronics, especially in the residential/smart home market. CES 2018 in Las Vegas is therefore brimming with news that will have a direct impact on the security market, today and especially looking into the future. Products for the future of security   CES is a giant trade show for consumer electronics with 2.75 million net square feet of exhibitor space and featuring more than 3,900 exhibitors, including 900 startups - in contrast, ISC West has some 1,000 exhibitors. During the week-long show welcoming 170,000-plus attendees from 150 countries, more than 20,000 new products are being launched. The products incorporate ingredient technologies such as artificial intelligence and 5G that will also be familiar elements as the future of the security industry unfolds. Familiar players at security shows also have a presence at CES, and many consumer technologies on display offer a glimpse of what’s ahead for security The areas of consumer electronics and security are closely intertwined. For example, Apple recently expanded near-field communication (NFC) support to include the NDEF (NFC Data Exchange Format), which will likely accelerate the adoption of smartphones for access control credentialing. In another recent development, Amazon acquired Blink, a home security camera startup that offers wireless home security systems. The acquisition aligns with Amazon’s effort to offer more home devices. Key security technologies at CES 2018 Familiar players at security shows also have a presence at CES. For example, Bosch is highlighting its “Simply. Connected” portfolio of smart city technology to transform security as well as urban mobility, air quality and energy efficiency. Many consumer technologies on display offer a glimpse of what’s ahead for security. Are Panasonic’s 4K OLEDs with HDR10+ format or Sony’s A8F OLED televisions a preview of the future of security control room monitors? At CES, Johnson Controls is announcing support for Apple HomeKit now offered in their DSC iotega wireless security and automation solution. Consumers can manage both their security system and also other home automation abilities using Apple’s Home app, or Siri on their iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch. Interlogix is announcing new features and components of its UltraSync SmartHome system, including hands-free voice control, high-definition cameras, an LTE cellular module and soon-to-be-released doorbell camera. The areas of consumer electronics and security are closely intertwined Developments in crime awareness ADT has a high profile at CES, including the launch of its ADT Go mobile app, equipped with 24/7 emergency response from ADT’s live monitoring agents and backed by Life360’s location technology, providing emergency response, family connectivity, safety assistance and crime awareness.  ADT is also unveiling a video doorbell and expanding its monitoring to cybersecurity. IC Realtime is introducing Ella, a cloud-based deep-learning search engine that augments surveillance systems with natural language search capabilities across recorded video footage. Ella enables any surveillance or security cameras to recognise objects, colours, people, vehicles and animals. Ella was designed using the technology backbone of Camio, a startup founded by ex-Googlers who designed a simpler way to apply searching to streaming video feeds. It’s a “Google for video:” Users can type in queries such as “white truck” to find every relevant video clip. Smarter homes and smarter computers Do-it-yourself smart home security company Abode Systems announces iota, an all-in-one system giving customers more freedom and flexibility to build out and monitor their smart home. The new form factor has a built-in full-HD resolution camera enabling customers to see and hear what’s going on in their home 24/7 while a built-in gateway supports hundreds of devices to make homes more convenient, safer and more secure. There is also support for Apple HomeKit. Highly programmable and high-performance platforms will no doubt play a role in the future of video surveillance systems in our market  The Z-Wave Alliance will host 30-plus leading smart home brands in the Z-Wave pavilion at CES. A full walk-through home will demonstrate different brands working together to create one cohesive smart home experience. Sigma Designs unveils its 700-Series Z-Wave platform, including numerous performance and technology enhancements in energy-efficiency and RF performance. Personal protection in attendance Self-defence product company SABRE will debut a combination pepper spray with dual sound-effect personal alarm that “alternates between the traditional wailing sound and a primal scream, while a strobe blinks 19 times per second to disorient assailants.” SABRE’s Modern Fake Security Camera includes “sleek, realistic design to deter would-be thieves.” Chip maker Ambarella is introducing the CV1 4K Stereovision Processor with CFflow Computer Vision Architecture. The chip combines environmental perception with advances in deep neural network processing for a variety of applications, including video security cameras and fully autonomous drones. At CES, applications will focus on automotive uses, including advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), self-driving, electronic mirror and surround view systems. The highly programmable and high-performance platform will no doubt play a role in the future of video surveillance systems in our market. A full walk-through home will demonstrate different brands working together to create one cohesive smart home experience Extending home security and efficiency  The Ring whole-house security ecosystem creates a “Ring of Security” around homes and neighbourhoods. Products include “Stick Up” indoor/outdoor security cameras, integrated LED lighting, a “Ring Alarm” integrated bundle for $199 including a base station, keypad, contact sensor, and Z-Wave extender. “Ring Protect Plans” include 24/7 professional monitoring. The “Streety” phone app, from Vivint Smart Home, extends home security into the neighbourhood. Streety makes it easy for neighbours to monitor neighbourhood activity through a network of shared residential cameras. They can keep an eye on kids, cars and property through live video feeds and use recorded video clips to investigate incidents. A new device making its debut at CES is the Walker “commercialised biped robot,” from UBTECH Robotics, which provides a complete home butler service and is designed to ease the day-to-day operations of a busy home or office. The varied of functions includes video surveillance monitoring, security patrol monitoring, motion detection and “instant alarm,” as well as dancing and playing games with children. The company says Walker will “bridge the gap between technologies that were once only available in scientific research institutions and everyday people.”