You can’t always be on guard, 24/7, protecting your house from break-ins, fire or weather damage. And unless you’re a pro at creating boobytraps à la Kevin McCallister in Home Alone, it’s time to up your game and embrace smart technologies that work together to make your home more secure.
Google Nest Doorbell
Ding dong — even your doorbell can have brains! Part doorbell, part communication device and part video surveillance, this may be the most useful tool for protecting your home and receiving contactless deliveries. A smart doorbell like the Nest Doorbell alerts you if there’s someone or something at the door (take that, porch pirates!), shows you who’s dropped by and gives you the opportunity to talk with them — whether you’re home or not. It can even recognize family and friends and send you a customized alert. Never again open the door to a cold caller when you thought it was a cookie-selling Girl Guide!
*Some features, including mobile notifications, remote control, video streaming and video recording, require working internet and Wi-Fi.
Nest x Yale Lock
Locking doors may sound like a ridiculously basic recommendation. It is. But gone are the days when we can leave our door agape and hand out keys to neighbours whenever. We’ve come a long way since deadbolts and door jams. Meet the Nest x Yale Lock. It’s not just tamper-proof, keyless and stylish, you can also lock it by voice command (oh, the power!) and give unique passcodes to family and guests. When you’re out (or too, ahem, “tired” to walk downstairs), use the Nest app to check if you forgot to lock the door.
*Some features, including mobile alerts, remote control and custom schedules, require the Nest app, working internet and Wi-Fi, and Nest Connect or Nest Guard.
Smart Lighting
Lighting fixtures installed around your home, garage and property act as a first line of defense. Motion-sensored lights activate when there’s movement nearby, and lights set on timers turn on and off at predetermined intervals. But the real deal are smart lightbulbs connected to your Nest Hub. Use the app to turn on, turn off or dim the lighting at scheduled times to mimic your daily routine while you’re away or light up rooms willy-nilly to really throw them off.
Nest Indoor & Outdoor Cam
Although there are hacks available that turn old cellphones into security cameras, a smart security camera system is light years ahead in terms of efficiency, functionality and coverage. A smart security camera like the state-of-the-art indoor or outdoor Nest Cam will not just send you alerts when there’s movement around the property, it can also decipher between friends, foes and felines and acts as a two-way communication tool from your phone — so you can either prank your family or scare the bejeezus out of anyone breaking-and-entering your home.
*Some features, including mobile notifications and remote control, video streaming, and video recording, require working internet and Wi-Fi.
Nest Protect Smoke & CO Detector
This smart device isn’t just for those of us who’ve ever tried to turn off a low-battery smoke detector in the middle of the night with a broom handle. The Nest Protect is a must-have for all homeowners who want to combine home protection with ease of use. Not only can it differentiate between burnt popcorn and a slow- or fast-burning house fire, it also uses both light and sound alerts, sends notifications to your phone in case you’re out, tests its own battery life and nags you if they need changing, and can be silenced from your phone using the Nest app.
Nest Hub
Sure, you can Netflix and chill with Nest Hub and Nest Hub Max, but when connected to the other smart devices in your home — locks, lights, cameras, doorbell, and smoke detector — the hub becomes the brain and brawn of home security. You can connect and control them all from one single dashboard with a simple tap or your voice. Smart home devices give you the most security coverage with the least amount of effort. It means you can have eyes and ears on your home, even when you’re not there.
*The Nest Hub and Nest Hub Max require a Wi-Fi network, a nearby electrical socket, and a compatible (Android, iOS) mobile device. A Google Account is required for full access to features. Minimum OS requirements are available at g.co/home/req.
Want to learn more about our range of smart home products? Be sure to visit our Ultimate Smart Home Guide!
Contact a Reliance® Smart Home Advisor for a free consultation to help you choose the right network of products and services for your home.
Google, Nest Doorbell, Nest Hub, Nest Hub Max, Nest Protect and other marks are trademarks of Google LLC.
Did You Know?
In an emergency when fire or carbon monoxide is detected, Nest Protect can tell your Nest Thermostat to turn off the heat or forced air systems. And your Nest Hub camera can record a clip so you can go review your videos.
*Mobile alerts require working internet and Wi-Fi.
Want to learn more about our range of smart home products? Be sure to visit our Ultimate Smart Home Guide!
Contact a Reliance® Smart Home Advisor for a free consultation to help you choose the right network of products and services for your home.
Google, Nest Doorbell, Nest Hub, Nest Hub Max, Nest Protect and other marks are trademarks of Google LLC.
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