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


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 break-in, there are also risks like fire and flooding. My current security system works well, but the monthly monitoring cost that started below $30 monthly, is now above $30 and keeps climbing. For a DIY system, I was hoping for a much lower monitoring fee, and also the ability to integrate my smart home devices that are either currently installed or any new devices that I add as smart technology continues to “explode”.

Today, as I was browsing around the web, I came across the new Ring Alarm Home Security System. This system is an easy to install DIY security system, at a relatively reasonable cost. What is more attractive to me is the promise of expansion to many smart devices, and integration with Alexa. Since I currently own Alexa and a few integrated Alexa devices, this would be great. To add to the benefit, the monthly monitoring cost is only $10, which makes sense since my alarm has only required a monitoring response about 4 times in the past year. My current monitoring cost adds up to almost $400 for the year.

The Ring Alarm Home Security System provides instant alerts for open windows or doors, and motion detection, and allows you to monitor your property from any Android or IOS phone or tablet. It includes a 24-hour backup battery and a 110-decibel siren and can be linked to any existing Ring doorbells or cameras. With the starter kit, you get the base station, a keypad, a contact sensor, a motion detector and a range extender, and the system is entirely wireless.

If you are interested in purchasing the Ring Alarm Home Security System, you can pick one up on Amazon for $199 for the starter kit.

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The Ring Alarm Home Security System may be the new standard for smart security and yet cheaper originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 6, 2018 at 8:00 am.

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

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 it is installed correctly. Since we live in a world where security should always be one of the priorities on our minds, I am always on the lookout for new and innovative security products.

The Haven Lock Connect is exactly such a device. It is installed on the floor at the base of your door, and according to the manufacturer, it is made of steel, nylon, and industrial strength polycarbonates, and is 10 times stronger than a deadbolt. It can be powered by either the included wall adapter or by batteries, and it can be controlled by the included key fob or a Smartphone app. Both the key fob and the app use Bluetooth to connect to the lock. Its features are similar to other Bluetooth locks, and it allows you to create temporary digital keys for visitors.

If you would like more information on the Haven Connect Lock, you can check it out on the Haven Lock website. You can also purchase one via their website for $349.

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The Haven Lock Connect is the deadbolt that keeps you safe! originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on May 28, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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

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 in to your Alexa app to enable the voice-unlocking feature (disabled by default for security), and you’ll need to create a unique PIN while you’re in the app.  Afterwards, you’ll be able to unlock the Schlage lock by speaking the PIN; three incorrect attempts will disable the voice-unlock feature.

Of course, the Schlage locks will need to be connected to the internet for Alexa to unlock them.  The Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt will require the Schlage Sense Wi-Fi Adapter (no monthly fee required). The Wi-Fi Adapter allows iOS and Android smartphone users to gain remote access to their lock through the Schlage Sense app. The Schlage Connect Touchscreen Deadbolt requires a Samsung SmartThings or Wink hub for connectivity.

The Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt and Schlage Connect Touchscreen Deadbolt were graded Best in Residential Security, Durability and Finish from the Builders Hardware Manufactures Association (BHMA).  These locks enable homeowners to never worry about losing, hiding, carrying or forgetting keys.  Features include:

  • Create and delete up to 30 unique access codes so trusted friends and family can enter using their code at the lock’s touchscreen
  • Schedule access codes so guests can only enter when you allow
  • Pair with a smart-home hub (Schlage Connect) or Wi-Fi Adapter (Schlage Sense) to check on the lock’s status from anywhere, so you never have to wonder if the front door was left unlocked
  • View past activity to see which codes have been used and when
  • Update settings and check battery life

Rob Martens, futurist at Allegion, the maker of Schlage locks says:  “Schlage has been at the forefront of the Internet of Things industry since launching the Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt.  This new integration and functionality is a testament to our ongoing commitment to raise the bar for innovation, convenience and security.”

Visit the Schlage website to learn more.  The Schlage Sense ($229), Schlage Connect ($188.95), and Schlage Wi-Fi Adapter ($69.99) are available now on Amazon.

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Now you can tell Alexa to unlock your Schlage smart door lock originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on May 13, 2018 at 3:00 pm.

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Hide your valuables in plain sight

There are lots of ways to protect your valuables in your home, from wall safes to small lock boxes to ziplock bags in the freezer.  I’ve seen hollowed out books and fake canned veggies used as small safes, but I’ve never seen a hairbrush used as a safe.  You could even take the hairbrush with you when you travel, which would look a lot less suspicious than traveling with a can of peas and carrots, for example.

The Diversion Safe Hair Brush from Stash-It has a screw-off top that conceals a 1.25″ diameter, 4.5″ deep storage area that can hold 30 rolled US bills.  It comes with a smell-proof bag that can be used in the safe, too.  Best of all, you can actually use the hairbrush, which will help it blend in with your toiletries.

The Stash-It Diversion Safe Hair Brush is $13.45 from Amazon.

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Hide your valuables in plain sight originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 1, 2018 at 10:00 am.

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Nest x Yale smart door lock is finally available for purchase

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 color, so I ended up ordering one directly from Nest.  It was delivered quickly, and I installed it today.

Installation of the Nest x Yale lock took me about 10 minutes, including removing the existing lock.  It worked on the first try.  Of course, the deadbolt lock is battery operated, and it came with its first set of four AA batteries.  The lock doesn’t connect directly to WiFi, so you’ll need either a Nest Guard (base unit of Nest’s security system) or a Nest Connect unit to connect the lock to your home WiFi network.  You can buy the lock with or without a Nest Connect included in the package.

Once installed on your door, you add the lock to your Nest app, and then you add unlock codes.  You can assign codes to each family member, to guests, dog walkers, cleaning services, and others.  The codes can be deleted or modified at any time, which makes it easy to give a temporary code to someone.  You can also lock or unlock your door from the Nest app on your cellphone from anywhere.  The app keeps a list of the times the door was unlocked or locked and by whom, and the app notifies you if someone tries to tamper with the lock.  And for extra security while you’re home, you can set a privacy mode that restricts anyone from unlocking the door from the exterior keypad.

The Nest x Yale deadbolt lock is truly keyless – there is no backup key for this unit.  You don’t have to worry about a dead battery keeping you out, though.  You’ll get warnings as soon as the batteries start to weaken so you can replace them before they die.  And if they do die before you replace them, you can hold a 9V battery to contacts on the bottom of the keypad to provide enough power for you to unlock the door.

It’s been on my door for less than a day, but I’m pleased so far with the look and functioning of the Nest x Yale door lock.  It’s quiet, attractive, and easy to use and monitor.

You can buy the Nest x Yale lock at various retailers; you’ll get both the lock and the Connect for $279.  If you order directly from Nest, you can choose to purchase the lock only for $249 or the lock plus Connect for $279.  It’s available in satin nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, or polished brass finishes.  Learn more at Nest and Best Buy to order one.

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Nest x Yale smart door lock is finally available for purchase originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 26, 2018 at 8:00 am.

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