Home security cameras go part and parcel with security companies, but Australia’s Swann is going for a more personal approach to security this year.
As the home evolves, so to do the gadgets that go inside it. Lighting can be controlled by your phone these days, and so can your air conditioner if you go for the right setup. Washing machines can send a message that they’re done to your phone, rather than simply wait for you to come home, while a video doorbell can act as a virtual doorman and let you talk to who’s delivering something when you’re not even there.
In short, modern technology can make the home more switched on and far more connected. Whether you call this “smart” or not comes back to your own connection with the word, but for many people today, the smart home is becoming a reality because our houses are connected to the online world.
One of the more logical additions to make it smart happens at the outside, or just behind the windows and doors leading to it. Security cameras can provide a sense of guard, providing peace of mind and a way to ensure the outside of a home has eyes on it at all times, but it turns out that’s not the only security we may need.
Australian home security specialist Swann has been working on some additions that could change how we view security in our lives, and while cameras are definitely a part of what it plans to bring this year, there’s more that may surprise.
Swann will have some security cameras, such as the solar-equipped MaxRanger 4K and updates to its other wireless security kits, much of which boost the video capabilities from 2K to 4K, but some of the most interesting additions to the line-up this year include personal security both in the form of a physical device and a virtual AI-enabled style.
First there’s the Swann ActiveResponse Personal Safety Alarm, a little cylinder of tech you’d ideally wear that pairs with your phone and can alert friends and family when something is wrong.
When you’re in a position where you need help or you’re not comfortable, you’d trigger the button on the alarm to tell friends and family where you are using the app.
If the situation requires more extreme action and you need to tell someone to leave, such as if you’re being attacked, you can pull the pin from the ActiveResponse alarm and it’ll fire a 110 decibel siren to push people away.
Powered by a CR2 battery that you could replace, Swann says the personal alarm comes with a long battery life, making it one of those things you might just want to carry with you.
Back home, Swann is hoping some AI can help you deal with protecting the home by bringing together all the smarts normally there. The idea is to use a virtual concierge, and one that is voice-enabled. Called “HomeShield”, it’ll work with Swann’s cameras and doorbells to be able to respond at the door, talking to visitors, deliveries, and even screening guests and family members.
As for releases for any of these, Swann hasn’t exactly said when, but given the growth of home security in Australia, we’d say they’re on the way, and we’ll let you know when they do turn up.
