Tag: Amazon

SEATTLE and CUPERTINO, MOUNTAIN VIEW and DAVIS, Calif.—Amazon, Apple, Google and Zigbee Alliance announced a new working group that plans to develop and promote the adoption of a new, royalty-free connectivity standard to increase compatibility among smart home products. Zigbee Alliance board member companies are also onboard to join the working group and contribute to the project.Called the Connected Home over IP project, the project's goal is to simplify development for manufacturers and...

The security business is in the midst of upheaval, with tech giants like Google and Amazon offering consumers the tools to set up and operate their own secure smart homes. And, the rise of IoT gadgets is further redefining the industry. However, if the last several decades serve as a guide, change and upheaval are the norm for security professionals. New technologies shift solutions and business models, and give both installing dealers and consumers new opportunities and experiences.Nest, Ring and...

Anyone who has fallen victim to the dreaded “porch pirates” can understand why the current smart home trend of in-home delivery of packages continues to catch on. Nothing sucks more than having video footage — from a video doorbell or camera — of someone grabbing your goods off your stoop and having no power to do anything about it. It is this convergence of technology and convenience that is driving interest in, and spending on, security. In fact, nearly half of consumers...

According to urbandictionary.com, the somewhat “official” definition of “trippin'” means “when someone is overreacting or getting all 'bent out of shape' over something small.” And while most of the more popular IoT devices present themselves as a small physical footprint —for example, Google Home is only 3.79 inches in diameter, 5.62 inches in height and only 1.05 lbs. while on the other side of the ring, fighting for market share is the Amazon...

For the past few weeks, I have been rather intrigued with IoT devices, smart homes, and security and safety of people in this context. (After all, aren't our homes supposed to be our safe haven — our place of escape from the crazy, hurried world we live in?) After perusing the internet regarding this topic, I thought I had read about almost everything imaginable, but I was thrown a curve ball by a man, Geoffrey A. Fowler, technology columnist, The Washington Post, who literally made a song...

SEATTLE and SAN FRANCISCO—Amazon and eero announced they have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Amazon will acquire eero.“We are incredibly impressed with the eero team and how quickly they invented a WiFi-solution that makes connected devices just work,” Dave Limp, SVP of Amazon Devices and Services, said in the announcement. “We have a shared vision that the smart home experience can get even easier, and we're committed to continue innovating on behalf...

BOCA RATON, Fla.—ADT announced a new strategic initiative with Amazon where it will support integration of Amazon's new Alexa Guard feature with the ADT Pulse security system. Starting later this year, this partnership helps ADT customers enhance their home's security capabilities by detecting specific sounds via the customer's Echo device when they're away from home, ADT said. Once available, ADT professional installation and monitoring solutions will be offered to customers through the Alexa...

Amazon announced last week that it is jumping into the home security business—with both feet I might add—with the unveiling of five security packages for both homeowners and renters. What is most interesting about this announcement, though, is Amazon's go-to-market strategy, which involves no monthly fees, just an upfront cost for the equipment package. Plus, all five equipment packages include free installation and visits from Amazon smart home experts to go over what is the best fit...

SEATTLE—Amazon has agreed to buy video doorbell maker Ring, the companies announced on Tuesday, a move that makes sense for both Amazon and Ring on many levels. The deal, which Reuters was reporting at more than $1 billion, is Amazon's second acquisition in the security space in just the last few months, as the company purchased security camera provider Blink for $90 million in December. Amazon is expected to continue—and build on—the Ring brand, as it has with some of its other...

BERLIN, Conn.—Yale Locks & Hardware recently teamed up with Amazon on a new service exclusively for Prime members called Amazon Key, which enables in-home delivery and secure home access for guests and service appointments.“We're thrilled to be a part of this new innovation from Amazon,” Jason Williams, president, ASSA ABLOY U.S. Residential Group, which includes Yale Residential, said in the announcement. “Yale's years of expertise in security and smart lock technology and...