iSmartAlarm
Latest
iSmartAlarm rolls out new devices and features
I looked at the iSmartAlarm system last year and found it really useful and easy to install. I appreciated that, unlike most security systems, there was no subscription or recurring charges. Buy the gear, add more devices if you want them, and you're done. Now the iSmartAlarm system has been considerably enhanced, most notably with a new camera called the iCamera KEEP, a smart switch for remotely controlling electrical outlets, and a new smoke alarm system. Functionality I was sent a sample system to set up, which was easy enough to do. An attractive cube (called the CubeOne) is the central unit. You plug it into a router port, and configure it via an iOS app. Then various smart devices can be added, including motion detectors, window sensors, cameras, and the new iSmartAlarm Smart Switch. As you activate each device it is recognized, and you can add a label, like 'Kitchen Camera' or 'Front Window'. The new camera, iCamera Keep, is quite sophisticated. It's designed to work with the iSmartAlarm Home Security System or as a stand-alone Wi-Fi device. It has 1280x720 resolution, motion and sound detection, and free on-demand streaming video control and cloud-storage, all with no fees or contracts. The motorized unit allows for wide range pan-tilt, night vision, multiple user support, as well as multi-iCamera support. Users will receive text, phone call, email, and push notifications on their smartphones in case of emergency or user-defined rules and conditions. The new Smart Switch allows users to remotely control their electrical outlets, see when their lighting is turned on or off, ensure potentially dangerous appliances are turned off when not in use, and monitor energy usage. Automated schedules can be set up to secure the premises, to create the impression of a family at home, and provide physical safety so the user will never have to walk into a dark home again. Multiple Smart Switches can cross-communicate with other devices in the smarthome ecosystem to automatically turn on lights or other devices in case of a break-in. All these new components worked well, and were easy to set up. Current users of the original iSmartAlarm system can add these new components, although a quick firmware update may be required. Other new features I didn't test are the new smoke alarm which works standalone or can be integrated into the full system. The company has also announced compatibility with Z-Wave devices, allowing even further monitoring and interaction. Cost Pricing of the system depends on what components you add. A starter system that includes one CubeOne, two Door/Windows Sensors, one Motion Sensor, two Remote Tags, and iSmartAlarm stickers for added protection is US$199.00. A Premium package with an iCamera is an additional $149.00. Other devices can be bought a la carte. The new iCamera KEEP ships this month for $149.99, and the new smart switch is $39.99. Conclusion The already excellent iSmartAlarm system has been considerably advanced with new devices and services. It is simple to set up on your own, and the lack of recurring fees is a real plus. Everything is controllable remotely with an iOS app. The iSmartAlarm system can provide real piece of mind when you are home and are away. The fact that the software keeps getting updated for new features and new hardware like remote controlled AC outlets is a real plus.
iSmartAlarm updates its iOS-friendly home security system
I took a look at the iSmartAlarm security system some weeks ago, and now the company has pushed out an update to the hardware controller and the iOS app that lets you interact with the system. Among the changes: Give users the ability to change arming delay time (from instant up to 5 minutes) Give users the ability to change alarm delay time (from instant up to 10 minutes) Give users an arming countdown (beep beep beep, so you know how long you have to get out of the house) Quicker login and auto-login options Allows an audible disarming countdown (beep beep beep, so you know how long you have to disarm) Add siren volume adjustment to fit user needs Set the CubeOne and notifications to use your phone's time zone if you want (if you're traveling to other timezones, for instance) Enhanced Family Member page - will allow profile pictures and remote logs Provide online recovery of data Save alarm pictures automatically to your local album Remove requirement to do a manual reboot after recovering data from the cloud When I tested the iSmartAlarm system, I found it stable and useful. I especially liked the optional camera that lets you pan and tilt it by dragging your finger on your iPhone screen, so you can look around your house from a remote location. The changes made were the result of user feedback, and the company expects to add some new hardware and new capabilities to the system soon.
The iSmartAlarm system gives you an effective home security system controlled by your iPhone
You can spend a fortune or a pittance on a home security system. There are wired systems that contact the police or fire department for you, webcams with motion detection, systems with monthly fees, and systems that are DIY and cost you only for the hardware. Mostly, you get what you pay for, but the new iSmartAlarm system that has just launched is a reasonably priced security solution with wired and wireless components, and it can all be controlled with an iOS app. That makes it very competitive with other, more expensive solutions. Design The system is attractive, and has a sort of retro Mac look. The central component is called the CubeOne, which looks a bit like the old Power Mac G4 Cube. There are 2 key ring controllers, a motion detector, and two contact sensors that can be connected to a door or window. An optional add-on is the iCamera -- more about that in a minute. You can add more sensors individually if you want to expand the system. The components are all glossy white and very attractive and the CubeOne lets you know it is functioning with a very Mac-like white LED that 'breathes' on and off. Problems with the device show a red warning light. Setting Up I received an iSmartAlarm system for review, and I can happily report that setup is simple. You unbox the components, hook up the CubeOne to your router and AC power, and that's it. iSmartAlarm boots itself up, and in under a minute it is on your network. The wireless components already have batteries, so you pull a plastic strip out that protects the battery contacts, the device flashes red, and then use your iPhone you register each device. You can also name the location for the device, like 'kitchen' or 'garage' or 'great room window'. There are two key ring controllers, so you can arm and disarm the system, or activate a panic button when you are home. The panic button results in a loud siren that could frighten off an intruder. The system can keep track of when you leave your house, and when you are back home. The optional iCamera was a breeze to set up. You plug it into AC power and your router, and then through the iOS app the camera asks for your WiFi network password. I've seen some reports that the process is not so easy on some routers, but it was a breeze on my ASUS. When the camera is registered, it can be unplugged and placed anywhere in the house. This is a big improvement over many of the WiFi cameras I have tried, many of which need PC-based software. Using the system Once things are set up, there's little effort required. When you leave your home, arm the system. You'll get a beep from the CubeOne, and you have 90 seconds before the system is 'hot'. When you get home, you press the 'home' button on the key ring or on the iOS app, and the sensors will still let you know if doors or windows are opened but the motion detector is disabled. If you are away, and a sensor is triggered, you'll get a text message and an automated phone call reporting what the problem is. If you have the optional camera, a snapshot will be taken and sent to you. You can have up to 3 people on the call list. If the first person does not answer, a voice mail will be left and the next person you designate will be called. The iCamera is quite sophisticated. When you are away from home the live image comes up very quickly even on a 3G network. You can pan the camera up-down and left-right by dragging your finger across your iPhone screen. The camera can't to a full 360 degree rotation, but it looks like it covers about 300 degrees. The ICamera responds very quickly to my commands when I am away from the house. It provides a bright picture, even in darkness when it uses infrared lighting. I tried unplugging the camera a few times to see if it remembered its settings and my wireless password, and it always did. Cost The iSmartAlarm system comes in 2 packages. The Preferred Package (US$199) includes the CubeOne, 2 door/window sensors, 1 motion sensor, 2 remote key tags, and a sign for your window to warn would-be burglars away. The Premium Package ($349) adds the iCamera. My thoughts The iSmartAlarm system is well thought out and worked perfectly out of the box. A non-technical person will have no trouble setting it up. There are no monthly or subscription fees, so you get a sophisticated system at a reasonable price. The iSmartAlarm product will not call the police for you; it calls you or others you designate. If you need that feature, there are other options in the marketplace. I have a few suggestions. I'd like the camera to allow for motion detection -- t's just a matter of software. There is no audio, which I think would be handy. The camera appears to have an audio input, but I don't see any option for a microphone on the company website. I asked the company about its privacy policy, which can be found here. I also asked about the camera feed, and if anyone can see it. The answer is only the users within the network can view or control the camera feed. You can buy the iSmartAlarm system direct from the company, on HomeSecurityStore.com and from Amazon. It's coming to the Apple Store soon. Some buyers in the home security market will want a full-blown system with monitoring by a professional company, and there are plenty of solutions out there. But there are lots of people who are unprotected, and who want something that is relatively inexpensive and reliable. The iSmartAlarm system meets that need, and does it well. I want one.
iSmartAlarm uses a WiFi camera and iPhone app to warn you of potential burglars
iSmartAlarm is a home security alarm, but not the kind that uses a shrill sound to send burglars scrambling. The alarm system, currently a project on Indiegogo, is a $79 WiFi camera that sends alerts to a corresponding iPhone app. Essentially, when the camera detects someone in the home, it will send a notice to your phone in the form of a text, email or phone call. The camera itself has a series of LED lights around the lens, so it will still work even if you've turned off all the lights. Once you do get an alert you can dig into the app itself, where you can see a screenshot of the potential culprit, and choose to either ignore the alert or dial 911. For now, the app is for iOS only, though a company rep told us an Android version is in the works. Until then, check out our hands-on photos below and a quickie demo video after the break.
