Home Security SmartPhone Apps: iPhone, Android, Blackberry, Palm
Alarm.Com:
In May of 2009, Alarm.Com introduced its "in-house" designed home security app for the iPhone and iPod Touch. Since then, additional apps have been developed for the Android and Blackberry operating systems. Versions for the iPad and Palm operating system are in development.
During your research, you may have noticed that some of the larger national alarm chains in the U.S. and Canada have very similar smartphone apps available to their customers. The similarities shouldn't be surprising, since these companies actually use the Alarm.Com app with minor design and branding changes. Many of Alarm.Com's over 1,000 dealers, large and small, have a similar arrangement. Therefore, the services and features that are available to you can largely depend on which one of Alarm.Com's dealers you choose to do business with.
For example, Vector Security's version works hand in hand with its MyVectorSecurity and MyVectorVideo services. Right now, Vector customers can control alarm functions, surveillance cameras, lights, and their home's thermostat remotely. Remote door locking/unlocking should be available by the end of 2010. Expect to pay $9-$25 extra per month for these services, plus a one-time charge for each required z-wave module (see below, right). If you prefer to purchase and install your own alarm system, you can contact Alarm.Com and they will refer you to one of their "DIY" dealers (Safemart, for example).
You may be surprised to learn that Alarm.Com's app does not need an internet connection for its basic functions to work. This is because information from your alarm system and any automated devices is sent directly through the GSM (cell) network to your dealer's central station. It is here where your data is stored and accessed. However, applications requiring a large amount of bandwidth (e.g. wireless surveillance cameras) definitely require a broadband internet connection and wifi network to operate properly.
You can obtain the iPhone version from the Apple App Store, the Android version from the Android Marketplace, and the Blackberry version from your Alarm.Com dealer.
In May of 2009, Alarm.Com introduced its "in-house" designed home security app for the iPhone and iPod Touch. Since then, additional apps have been developed for the Android and Blackberry operating systems. Versions for the iPad and Palm operating system are in development.
During your research, you may have noticed that some of the larger national alarm chains in the U.S. and Canada have very similar smartphone apps available to their customers. The similarities shouldn't be surprising, since these companies actually use the Alarm.Com app with minor design and branding changes. Many of Alarm.Com's over 1,000 dealers, large and small, have a similar arrangement. Therefore, the services and features that are available to you can largely depend on which one of Alarm.Com's dealers you choose to do business with.
For example, Vector Security's version works hand in hand with its MyVectorSecurity and MyVectorVideo services. Right now, Vector customers can control alarm functions, surveillance cameras, lights, and their home's thermostat remotely. Remote door locking/unlocking should be available by the end of 2010. Expect to pay $9-$25 extra per month for these services, plus a one-time charge for each required z-wave module (see below, right). If you prefer to purchase and install your own alarm system, you can contact Alarm.Com and they will refer you to one of their "DIY" dealers (Safemart, for example).
You may be surprised to learn that Alarm.Com's app does not need an internet connection for its basic functions to work. This is because information from your alarm system and any automated devices is sent directly through the GSM (cell) network to your dealer's central station. It is here where your data is stored and accessed. However, applications requiring a large amount of bandwidth (e.g. wireless surveillance cameras) definitely require a broadband internet connection and wifi network to operate properly.
You can obtain the iPhone version from the Apple App Store, the Android version from the Android Marketplace, and the Blackberry version from your Alarm.Com dealer.
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It should be noted that most alarm companies offer a basic web portal and/or email notification service for their customers. They enable you to see the status of your alarm, or will automatically contact you by email to report an alarm event (you can usually access these services through the company's standard or "designed for mobile" website). But these services usually do not allow you to use interactive services such as arming and disarming your alarm remotely, or home automation. The services and apps listed below can potentially give you complete control over your security system, surveillance cameras, lights, thermostat, and/or door locks. What you can control depends on the company, and any extra charges you're willing to pay....
ADT "Pulse":
ADT has a relatively new service called "Pulse" that enables you to access your security system, cameras, lights, thermostat, and door locks (available in late 2010) remotely. You can access this service on a pc or laptop via a standard web interface, or a specially designed app for smartphones. Information is accessed by your mobile device through your required broadband connection. You can learn more about ADT Pulse in our article about high tech keypads.
ADT has a relatively new service called "Pulse" that enables you to access your security system, cameras, lights, thermostat, and door locks (available in late 2010) remotely. You can access this service on a pc or laptop via a standard web interface, or a specially designed app for smartphones. Information is accessed by your mobile device through your required broadband connection. You can learn more about ADT Pulse in our article about high tech keypads.
e-Secure For Protection One:
Before the introduction of e-Secure, Protection One customers used the company's online e-Suite service to access alarm and customer data, pay bills, or request a service call. Unfortunately, customers could not arm and disarm their system remotely using this system. The introduction of e-Secure addressed this issue and more, giving customers complete control over their alarm system, lights, and surveillance cameras (if installed). Control over thermostats and locks are still in the "experimental" stage.
Protection One's free iPhone app first became available in Apple's App Store in September of 2009, soon followed by apps for the Android and Blackberry operating systems (both available from your cell phone provider). Apps for Palm and iPad are still in the works, with no definite release dates available yet. The apps are designed "in-house" by Protection One, in cooperation with Honeywell.
Like Alarm.Com's app, an internet connection is not required if you only wish to control your alarm system and basic devices such as lights. This is because all data is sent via GSM (i.e. cell network) to e-Secure's servers. Your SmartPhone then communicates with these servers to control your alarm system and any connected devices. However, a residential wifi network is required for surveillance cameras, since these applications need much more bandwidth to operate effectively.
Extra monthly charges will vary depending on what you wish to control. Basic functions such as alarm and lighting control will add $9.95 to your monthly monitoring rate. Surveillance cameras would add another $5 monthly, whether you add one camera or the maximum four available. Wireless Z-Wave modules are required for each device, available for less than $100 installed.
Before the introduction of e-Secure, Protection One customers used the company's online e-Suite service to access alarm and customer data, pay bills, or request a service call. Unfortunately, customers could not arm and disarm their system remotely using this system. The introduction of e-Secure addressed this issue and more, giving customers complete control over their alarm system, lights, and surveillance cameras (if installed). Control over thermostats and locks are still in the "experimental" stage.
Protection One's free iPhone app first became available in Apple's App Store in September of 2009, soon followed by apps for the Android and Blackberry operating systems (both available from your cell phone provider). Apps for Palm and iPad are still in the works, with no definite release dates available yet. The apps are designed "in-house" by Protection One, in cooperation with Honeywell.
Like Alarm.Com's app, an internet connection is not required if you only wish to control your alarm system and basic devices such as lights. This is because all data is sent via GSM (i.e. cell network) to e-Secure's servers. Your SmartPhone then communicates with these servers to control your alarm system and any connected devices. However, a residential wifi network is required for surveillance cameras, since these applications need much more bandwidth to operate effectively.
Extra monthly charges will vary depending on what you wish to control. Basic functions such as alarm and lighting control will add $9.95 to your monthly monitoring rate. Surveillance cameras would add another $5 monthly, whether you add one camera or the maximum four available. Wireless Z-Wave modules are required for each device, available for less than $100 installed.
Above:
Alarm companies offering home security apps need to install wireless control modules (those pictured are available from z-wave) to enable remote operation of lights, locks, etc.
Alarm companies offering home security apps need to install wireless control modules (those pictured are available from z-wave) to enable remote operation of lights, locks, etc.
Above:
The iPhone interface for ADT's SmartPhone app, designed for its "Pulse" service.
The iPhone interface for ADT's SmartPhone app, designed for its "Pulse" service.
Below:
Screenshot of Protection One's "e-Secure" SmartPhone app.
Screenshot of Protection One's "e-Secure" SmartPhone app.
Alarm Companies That Use Modified Alarm.Com Apps:
APX (Now Vivint) (Go!Control)
Platinum Protection (Platinum Interactive)
Protect America
Frontpoint Security
CPI (CPI inTouch)
Monitronics
Vector Security (MyVectorSecurity & MyVectorVideo)
Silverline Security
APX (Now Vivint) (Go!Control)
Platinum Protection (Platinum Interactive)
Protect America
Frontpoint Security
CPI (CPI inTouch)
Monitronics
Vector Security (MyVectorSecurity & MyVectorVideo)
Silverline Security
More Home Security Resources On Alarm System Reviews.Com:
Lifeshield:
Lifeshield released their own custom-made app on September 28, 2010, compatible with iPhone, Blackberry and Droid SmartPhones. The app allows you to remotely control your alarm and/or camera system, and be notified of any alarm, fire, and water events. A maximum of eight surveillance cameras can be added, using Lifeshield's proprietary software. You can use the software to take a "snapshot", or to view live streaming video. As with their basic security systems, Lifeshield's monitoring is IP based, with a standard land line used as backup (cell backup is planned, but not yet available).
Using the app does not affect your monitoring rate - it is still $19.99 per month for "self" monitoring, and $29.99 for central station monitoring. The biggest difference between the two is that central station monitoring notifies emergency services, while "self" monitoring only notifies your cell phone, pager, etc. There are no extra charges for wireless modules, because they are not necessary for this system to work.
The free app is available for download at Apple's app store, the Android marketplace, and Lifeshield's website.
Lifeshield released their own custom-made app on September 28, 2010, compatible with iPhone, Blackberry and Droid SmartPhones. The app allows you to remotely control your alarm and/or camera system, and be notified of any alarm, fire, and water events. A maximum of eight surveillance cameras can be added, using Lifeshield's proprietary software. You can use the software to take a "snapshot", or to view live streaming video. As with their basic security systems, Lifeshield's monitoring is IP based, with a standard land line used as backup (cell backup is planned, but not yet available).
Using the app does not affect your monitoring rate - it is still $19.99 per month for "self" monitoring, and $29.99 for central station monitoring. The biggest difference between the two is that central station monitoring notifies emergency services, while "self" monitoring only notifies your cell phone, pager, etc. There are no extra charges for wireless modules, because they are not necessary for this system to work.
The free app is available for download at Apple's app store, the Android marketplace, and Lifeshield's website.
Above:
Screenshot of Lifeshield's home security app.
Screenshot of Lifeshield's home security app.