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ALC Wireless Connect Plus home security system review

ALC Connect Plus 1

REVIEW – For many years, I have invested in several different home security systems aimed at providing safety for me and family that includes threats from human intruders, fire, carbon monoxide, etc. My current system works quite well with a few annoying features and failures, and a growing monthly monitoring charge. I was recently offered […]

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The Ring Alarm Home Security System may be the new standard for smart security and yet cheaper

Ring Alarm Home Security System e1530878183354

NEWS – With all of the gadgets and technology I have around my home, I always feel better when I have a nice and easy but effective security system that allows me to feel that much more satisfied that my “stuff” and family, of course, are well protected. In addition to the risk of a

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The Haven Lock Connect is the deadbolt that keeps you safe!

Haven Lock Connect

Over the past few months, I have written a few news stories about Bluetooth controlled door locks. Those locks either replace a part of an existing lock or install over an existing lock. In some cases, the installation can be a bit tricky and may require someone with a bit of experience to ensure that

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Now you can tell Alexa to unlock your Schlage smart door lock

schlage locks with alexa

Schlage announced on May 9, 2018 that their  Schlage Sense™ Smart Deadbolt and Schlage Connect™ Touchscreen Deadbolt can now be unlocked with Alexa via voice commands.  This new unlock function is an addition to the current ability to verbally lock or check the status of the Schlage door lock via Alexa-enabled devices. You’ll need to log

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Nest x Yale smart door lock is finally available for purchase

nest x yale door lock

Nest has finally added a smart door lock to their connected-home lineup.  Nest says:  “Yale knows secure locks. Nest knows the connected home. Together, we’ve made a tamper‑proof, key‑free deadbolt that connects to the Nest app.”  Our local Best Buy had one of the Nest x Yale locks in stock, but it was the wrong

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Coming soon, Swann’s completely wire-free smart video doorbell

swann video doorbell

For the past few years, affordable home security cameras have become very popular. Now the trend seems to be heading towards cameras that are wireless. That means no more hard wiring outdoor cameras for power because these new series of cameras have rechargeable batteries or even solar-powered batteries. One such camera that will be available

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Blink adds an affordable wireless video doorbell to their line up

blink doorbell

Today, Blink who make the popular Blink wireless home security camera system which I’ve reviewed and continue to use is announcing the addition of the new battery-powered Blink Video Doorbell to their selection of smart home products. The weatherproof Blink Video Doorbell features HD video alerts, motion-detection, live streaming video with 2-way audio, and infrared

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Hide and protect your handgun or other valuables with Covert Cabinets

covert cabinets gun safe

These cabinets aren’t like those huge metal gun safes weighing hundreds of pounds, but they protect your handgun in a cleverly disguised hiding place and make them more quickly accessible (when you know how to open them) than having to dial open one of those big safes.  When closed, the Covert Cabinets shelf looks like

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Schlage Connect Touchscreen Deadbolt door lock review

Schlage Connect 13

Keyless number pad door locks have been a familiar sight at airports and other commercial settings for years. These locks are especially useful for applications where multiple people must share access to a secure location, control of physical keys must be maintained, entry and security access must be logged, and tampering or unauthorized access must

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The Honeywell Smart Home Security System gives Alexa Eyes!

Honeywell SHSBS 01

The Honeywell Smart Home Security System was just announced on Indiegogo ahead of its official debut at CES 2018. This DIY,  self-installed, all-in-one security solution is centered around a camera base station with an integrated 1080p HD camera and 145-degree field of view. The system is self-monitoring but also serves as an Alexa enabled speaker, so it

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Samsung and ADT launch a DIY home security system with some extra tricks

ADT Home Security Starter Kit

Samsung and ADT have partnered to come out with an ADT-Monitored DIY Security and Home Automation Solution. The partnership brings together the best of both worlds – Samsung’s robust SmartThings smart home eco-system with ADT’s expertise in home security monitoring. Unlike ADT’s previous offerings, this new system is designed to be an easy DIY system

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ANNKE 1080P lite security system DVR review

annke dn81r 1

I think I’ve indicated before that I’m a bit paranoid when it comes to home security. I have several cameras in and outside my house, and I’m always considering adding more. Not only are the cameras great for deterring burglars, but they often help find toys my children lost. Recently I volunteered to review a DVR

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Netatmo Welcome Indoor Security Camera review

netatmo welcome 01b

I reviewed the Netatmo Presence Outdoor Security camera a few months ago and really, REALLY enjoy using it because it uses deep learning to tell the differences between people, animals, cars, and other motions thus virtually eliminating unnecessary motion detection alerts. In addition, there are no subscription fees because all the video is stored locally

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See people moving around inside your home without using security cameras

xandem 2

Most home security systems involve setting up cameras and a variety of sensors like motion detectors, door and window opening/closing sensors, temperature sensors and more. The Xandem system is more like something straight from a Mission Impossible style movie. Xandem uses a gateway and a set of modules to create a mesh network that puts a

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Blink adds home security products to their growing line up of monitoring gear

blink security

Only one month after announcing their new wireless outdoor camera, Blink is expanding further; this time into the home security products and services space. Later this week at CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas, the company will be showcasing their Blink Seecurity™ systems and monthly service plans which will be available this year in

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Vimtag Outdoor Security Camera and CloudBox review

VimtagCamera 2

Security cameras are nothing new. Even internet connectable cameras are pretty easy to find at this point. What can a new company bring to the table? Vimtag has put together a handsome weatherproof cloud-based IP camera that can be set up by most anyone. It offers 2-way voice, compatibility with a private cloud server, and

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