Home security is an industry which is constantly experiencing innovation and enhancement, through the development of new and more effective techniques for safeguarding households. Some of the top trends in home security are identified below.
Multi-purpose sensors
The more capable sensors being developed now don’t perform a single function as they did in the past, for instance detecting motion. The more advanced sensors being developed now measure all kinds of things like environmental conditions, air quality, sound, lighting, and more. All this information makes it easier to react more effectively to security breaches.
Smart video surveillance
Video surveillance today is capable of recognizing faces, analyzing motions, and detecting changes in temperature. Highly capable video surveillance can see through fog, fire, and even solid walls. Not much escapes the watchful eye of modern, high-powered video surveillance.
Neighborhood watch
Some surveillance systems are being sold today which include apps and alerts that neighbors can use to coordinate their surveillance efforts, and to inform each other of information which is made available.
App-based security systems
Since many homeowners prefer to exercise complete control over their security systems, it was a natural that app-based security systems be developed. This allows homeowners to do things like unlock doors for children arriving from school, while retaining other safety features in place.
Increased service from home security firms
In the past, security systems were completely installed and managed by companies which made that their business. A trend which is growing quickly today, is for DIY-systems such as those offered by Nest and Google, to allow homeowners to manage their own security. This in turn, has resulted in significantly increased services being provided by home security firms, as a way of competing with the DIY products.
Child safety features
A big trend in home security is the addition of many child safety features, which has resulted from situations where children arrive home from school before parents get out of work. One of the most important features in this area, is for parents to have the ability to monitor their children at home, right from the office or the workplace.
Security coupled with automation
Many security systems now are being coupled with features that automate other systems in your household, for instance thermostat management, lighting, door locking and unlocking, and even the activation or deactivation of some electrical outlets.
Voice activation
Homeowners can now set home security options by using voice commands, so that systems can be armed or disarmed simply by issuing instructions from recognized personnel. This is usually carried out in conjunction with smartphones, making it even more convenient.
Integration with the cloud
Many home security systems these days are being integrated with the cloud, so that information gathered by the system can be analyzed on the backend, to improve performance on the front end. One of the most useful aspects of this is that motion detected at home can trigger live feeds sent to a mobile device.
Machine learning
Better known as artificial intelligence, machine learning is taking security beyond the level of simple triggering of events. Trends in machine learning are allowing sensors around the home to monitor activity, and actually learn when household members come and go, and at which times. This can make it easier to identify changes in patterns, some of which may constitute breaches of security.