Home Security Blog

The security industry is in a peculiar spot as of early 2021. Almost every manufacturer has a major question right now. Today, we thought it would be helpful to take a look at current industry questions and share our thoughts. These are the biggest questions for each security manufacturer.

Resideo: Can the PROA7PLUS regain the trust of DIY users?

The decision by Resideo to initially release the ProSeries 7" All-In-One Panel, also known as the PROA7PLUS, without end user programming is something that we still wholeheartedly disagree with. At the time of this writing in early February, the system still does not support local programming. Many DIY users have already jumped ship and switched to systems that leave them empowered, rather than at the mercy of their monitoring providers.

By all accounts, people love the PROA7PLUS System. It has an extremely attractive design, and it is loaded with great features that help it stand-out in a highly competitive market. But there are more users each and every day who instead choose a different option so that they can perform their own programming. It's funny to think that this same company was once seen as the champion of DIY security systems, as their Honeywell LYNX Touch and Honeywell Lyric Systems definitively proved that an end-user could easily install and program their alarm system on their own and save huge amounts of money.

Resideo says that local end-user programming will eventually be made available for the PROA7PLUS, and we are eagerly awaiting this update. But with an increasing number of users switching to manufacturers who never abandoned the concept in the first place, we have to wonder if it will be too little too late?

Qolsys: Is the IQ Hub a mistake?

When I think about any given company in the security industry, I usually start by considering where they are right now, and also where they are going. For years now, Qolsys has been riding the wave of their IQ Panel 2, and later their IQ Panel 2 Plus. No matter how you slice it, the IQ Panel 2 has been a highly successful security system. So when we first learned about the IQ Hub, which was nearly two and a half years ago, our initial reaction was excitement, followed by us scratching our heads, and then us oddly trying to block it from our memories. You can read more about our predictions regarding the IQ Hub here.

Every clue associated with the IQ Hub suggests that its purpose is to serve as a lower entry point, a "budget" system, if you will, in relation to the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. And while that's not inherently a bad thing, it's just that we're not really sure if the IQ Panel 2 Plus needs a lower entry point. If there ever was a true "one-size-fits-all" security system, then the IQ Panel 2 Plus might very well be that golden child. Additionally, the IQ Panel 2 has become the very "face" of Qolsys, and the company wouldn't have it any other way. Their premier system is well-known for being sleek, easy to operate, and extremely versatile.

Then you bring in the IQ Hub, and well, from aesthetics alone, it looks like an ugly stepchild. Pair that with the fact that we have now gone two and a half years with no major updates regarding the system, and we're starting to wonder if maybe Qolsys is trying to just sweep this one under the rug and hope we all forget about it? Granted, there was a serious pandemic in the past year, but we haven't even gotten a delay notice. We will give it a few more months before we call this system a total lost cause, but this might be a mistake that never sees the light of day. Or maybe it will make a big splash at a certain security tradeshow in the summer? Crazier things have happened.

2GIG: Is the 2GIG Edge a Hail Mary attempt?

It's no secret that Nortek, the parent company of 2GIG, is going all-in on their 2GIG Edge System. The associated website is bold, and the campaign surrounding the system seems to be far more aggressive than anything we have previously seen out of the company. If we're being honest though, 2GIG seems to be acting a bit wild right now. They're trying very hard to draw up hype for the Edge with "giveaways" and by posting particularly bold quotes from the system's beta testing cycle.

It kind of makes us wonder - why is 2GIG acting with such urgency? Not to mention, they tried to discreetly push back the system's "countdown timer" by a few weeks, as if nobody would notice. Meanwhile, behind closed doors, the company has just axed the only remaining touchscreen keypad option for their current flagship system. And speaking of that current flagship system, the 2GIG GC3e was only released less than two (2) years ago. Now they're already trying to generate hype for a new system?

We still haven't even asked why 2GIG feels the need to be so "artsy" and "revolutionary" with their Edge website. Why not just show us a full image of the panel and list some important features? That would be more helpful than telling us that we have "Reached the Edge", whatever that means. Actually, they're correct. I have reached the edge of my patience.

All of this seems fishy to me. 2GIG is desperate here. And to be fair, the panel looks like it has some great features. There is no reason why the Edge can't be a roaring success. We have always appreciated the exceptional build-quality associated with 2GIG Alarm Panels. And now it looks like 2GIG will finally have an option with all the fancy bells and whistles of their competition. Think a feature-packed system like the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, but with better build quality. If all goes well, then the Edge should serve 2GIG very well for many years to come. But we also get the vibe that this might be a do or die situation for 2GIG.

DSC: Are the days of DSC Residential Security Systems gone?

When we talk about DSC these days, it's usually for the PowerG Sensors that have become the go-to option for IQ Panel 2 Plus users. The only time a DSC Security System is brought up is if it's a commercial user considering a hardwired DSC PowerSeries NEO or DSC PowerSeries PRO. But while DSC is still highly regarded for its commercial security system offerings, its residential offerings are non-existent.

The DSC Iotega is a total flop of a system, and we can't imagine it ever being relevant. That's really no surprise, as the Iotega basically mirrors the Honeywell Lyric Gateway, which had its own product life cut short due to its poor performance. You will still come across DSC Impassa Systems in the field, and many users opt to upgrade them and extend their useful life. But really, nobody is actively seeking out a brand-new DSC Impassa to build around.

Every time we look at DSC, it just seems like they are inching closer to the likes of Napco and Bosch and becoming exclusively known for their commercial and industrial offerings. Again, it makes sense. Now that both Qolsys and DSC are under the Johnson Controls banner, the divide seems clearer than ever. Qolsys is for residential and small business applications, and DSC is for larger commercial and enterprise applications. Maybe a few of you out there have a fond memory of working on a DSC Impassa System. But we can't picture a new DSC System entering the residential market anytime soon.

Got your own alarm system questions? You can send them to us at support@alarmgrid.com. We're here to check your emails from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. This is also a great email to use if you are wanting to learn more about how you can get started with Alarm Grid monitoring services. We look forward to hearing from you!

We have learned that there is a new firmware update available for Alarm.com Honeywell VISTA SEM Communicators. Firmware Upgrade Version 1.61 is a free over-the-air (OTA) upgrade to ensure that SEM VISTA Panels running 187h or 187i firmware and 1.60 gateway firmware have the newest features.

In order to receive Firmware Upgrade Version 1.61, it must be pushed down manually by your alarm monitoring company. Your Honeywell VISTA Alarm System must be in a disarmed state in order for the update to go through. It is recommended that the system be kept in a disarmed state while the upgrade is completed. The entire process should take roughly 20 to 40 minutes. No action is needed while the update is being performed.

If you are an Alarm Grid monitored customer with a Honeywell VISTA System using an Alarm.com SEM Communicator, then you should email us to request the update. The best email to contact us at is support@alarmgrid.com. This is also a good email to use if you have a Honeywell VISTA Security System or any other alarm system that you are hoping to get monitored. We're here to check your emails from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

We have some exciting new products from Alarm.com now available on our site. The main highlight is the Alarm.com Slim Line II Doorbell Camera from SkyBell. We also have some great new accessories for the existing Alarm.com ADC-VB770 Doorbell Camera. These products are available now!

The SkyBell ADC-VDB105X (Satin Nickel) and SkyBell ADC-VDB106X (Bronze) refer to the new versions of the ADC-VB105 and ADC-VDB106. You may recall these as the "Slim Line" versions of the Alarm.com SkyBell Video Doorbells. The new models retain all of the existing features, while also offering some general improvements. While officially being titled as "SkyBell" devices, they are more commonly referred to as the Alarm.com Slim Line II Video Doorbell Cameras.

Some of the highlights for the Alarm.com Slim Line II Doorbell Cameras include their adjustable 720p recording resolution, their 1.3 MP full-color video camera, two-way voice functionality, WIFI connectivity, a 170° horizontal and 110° vertical field of view (FoV), IR night vision, an IPX4 weather-resistant rating, adjustable PIR sensitivity, real-time alerts, automation rules, an integrated battery heater for seamless operation in cold weather, doorbell-triggered and motion-triggered clips, and much more.

Since these are SkyBell devices, you can technically add one (1) of these devices to your Alarm.com account, even if you do not have true video monitoring service. If you do this, then you will be restricted to only one (1) SkyBell Doorbell Camera, along with 400 monthly clips and 400 total clips. This is a great option if you have an Alarm Grid Gold Plan, and you don't want to upgrade all the way to an Alarm Grid Platinum Plan for true video surveillance. More information can be found in this FAQ covering Alarm.com Clip Limits. Please note that if you want to use additional video devices or increase your clip limits, then you will need to upgrade to a full video monitoring plan. If you use one of these devices with a true video monitoring plan, such as an Alarm Grid Platinum Plan, then the doorbell will just count toward your regular Alarm.com Camera limits, as well as your Alarm.com Clip limits. Also keep in mind that since these are Alarm.com SkyBell models, they should not be used with any interactive platform outside of Alarm.com. They should also not be used with the native SkyBell App. Attempting to use one of these devices with the SkyBell App may make the camera completely incompatible with Alarm.com.

In addition to the Alarm.com Slim Line II Video Doorbell Cameras, we are also now offering several new doorbell camera accessories. These accessories are not for the new Alarm.com Slim Line II Doorbell Camera, but rather they are for the existing Alarm.com ADC-VDB770 Doorbell Camera. This is the "higher-end" doorbell camera that we began offering late last year. It represents the ultimate option for Alarm.com users who are looking for the very best doorbell camera available.

The new accessories for the ADC-VDB770 include:

• ADC-VDBA-COVER - Touchless Doorbell Cover that lets guests know to not touch the video doorbell. Used in conjunction with the Video Doorbell Mat.
• ADC-VDBA-MAT - Video Doorbell Mat that lets guests know to activate the camera by standing on the mat. Used in conjunction with the Touchless Doorbell Cover.
• ADC-VDBA-PSU-PD - Video Doorbell Wall Power Supply Kit that is used if there is no existing chime circuit, or if the chime circuit is incompatible. Can be used with or without a power module. Device is rated at 16 Volts DC, 1.25 Amps, or 20 Watts.
• ADC-VDBA-TC - Temperature Collar Accessory that allows the doorbell camera to be safely used in temperatures as low a -40°F. Can be used with or without the Wall Mounting Plate.
• ADC-VDBA-WP - Wall Mounting Plate that hides blemishes such as missing paint or screw holes. Goes in-between the wall and the doorbell camera. Dimensions are 5.43"L by 3.43"W.

If you have any questions about the Alarm.com Slim Line II Doorbell Camera or any of the new accessories for the ADC-VDB770, please email our support team at support@alarmgrid.com. That is also a good email to use if you are interested in starting new alarm monitoring service with Alarm Grid. We're here to answer your emails from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

We have learned that Verizon has confirmed the sunset date for their CDMA Network for December 31, 2022. This is Verizon's equivalent of the 3G Sunset. Anyone with a security system using a Verizon CDMA Communicator is urged to upgrade to LTE ASAP to avoid monitoring service disruptions.

The 3G Sunset has been covered extensively on the Alarm Grid Blog. It refers to the phasing-out of old 3G and equivalent communicators, in favor of newer technology, specifically LTE. The Verizon CDMA Network is the Verizon equivalent of a 3G Network. While AT&T is known to be shutting down their 3G Network after January 31, 2022, the Verizon CDMA Sunset date it a bit later at December 31, 2022. While there was earlier confirmation by Resideo for the CDMA shutdown date, this time the confirmation is directly from Verizon themselves.

In preparation for this major event, Alarm Grid has been encouraging users to replace their old 3G and CDMA Communicators with newer LTE communicators. Users are strongly advised to upgrade to LTE as soon as they can. While it's understandable to wait until the last minute, especially if money is tight, you should realize that many other users will also try to wait until the final opportunity. Our support staff is limited, and we cannot upgrade everyone all at once. If you put-off the required upgrade as long as possible, then there's a chance you might get left behind at the deadline. Our goal is to prevent that from happening and ensure that all Alarm Grid customers with cellular monitoring service make a seamless and undisrupted transition.

We know that the 3G Sunset might still be a bit confusing, and you might still have some questions. That's okay, because we're here to help you. If you aren't sure about the LTE communicator replacement options available for your system, then you may want to check this post for some further assistance. If you have recently purchased a new LTE communicator for your system, and you need us to activate the unit, then head on over to the Alarm Grid Communicator Replacement Portal so that you can choose a time that works for you. And if you have any other questions, or if you are still confused about the 3G and CDMA Sunset, please email our support team and security system experts at support@alarmgrid.com. We're here to answer your emails from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

DSC PowerSeries NEO users should be pleased to learn that a new firmware update is available for their system communicators. Firmware Upgrade Version 191a offers improvements for Over-The-Air (OTA) connectivity and stability improvements. It also corrects some minor issues that were present.

Firmware Upgrade Version 191a is applicable to both DSC PowerSeries NEO and DSC PowerSeries PRO Systems. For DSC PowerSeries NEO users, the firmware update is technically optional, but still recommended. In order to receive the update, you must have it pushed down manually to your alarm panel from the Alarm.com servers. Assuming that you have internet connectivity set up for your PowerSeries NEO Alarm System, you should not incur any fees as part of the updating process.

Alarm Grid monitored customers with PowerSeries NEO Security Systems can request the update by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. We will work on pushing the update down to your panel at our earliest convenience upon receiving your request. This is also a great email to use if you have any further questions about alarm systems, or if you are interested in starting new monitoring service with Alarm Grid. Remember that we are here to check your emails from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

A day after announcing the impending discontinuation of the ADC-SVR122, we bring more news of a product being discontinued without a replacement. This time, it's the 2GIG SP1 Touchscreen Keypad for the 2GIG GC3 and 2GIG GC3e. This leaves the GC3 and GC3e with no touchscreen keypad option.

This time, Nortek, the parent company of 2GIG, declined to give a reason for the discontinuation of the 2GIG SP1. All we know is that it's gone. It was very sudden and unexpected. And since the other touchscreen keypad option for the GC3 and GC3e, the 2GIG SP2 was discontinued late last year, users of the GC3 and GC3e are now left without an ideal secondary touchscreen keypad option.

With the highly anticipated 2GIG Edge set to release soon, it's possible that 2GIG will release a fancy new cutting-edge keypad for that system. Interestingly, a look at the 2GIG Edge Website, shows that its release has been pushed by roughly three (3) weeks. We're now anticipating a release date of mid-to-late March for the 2GIG Edge. No word on how the 2GIG Edge release will affect the existing 2GIG GC3e, but given that Nortek isn't bothering to provide the system with a secondary touchscreen keypad option, our guess is that the days for the 2GIG GC3e are numbered. Again, total speculation, but that's our best guess.

As for existing 2GIG GC3 and GC3e users who want a viable alarm keypad for their systems, the 2GIG PAD1-345 remains on the market. The 2GIG PAD1-345 is a numeric touchpad keypad without a display screen. While primitive, it is a good keypad for basic arming and disarming functionality. If you want to set up a dedicated secondary keypad by a back door, a garage door, a master bedroom, or any other location where you want to control your security system, the 2GIG PAD1-345 is currently the best option for GC3 and GC3e users.

If you have any questions about the discontinuation of the 2GIG SP1, the impending 2GIG Edge release, or if you are interested in starting new Alarm Grid monitoring service, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We're here to check your email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

We have learned that Alarm.com is planning to discontinue their popular residential streaming video recorder device, the Alarm.com ADC-SVR122. This device is used to store security camera footage so that it can be accessed locally at the ADC-SVR122 or remotely through the Alarm.com servers.

For now, Alarm.com recommends using their Onboard Recording feature as an alternative to using a dedicated streaming video recorder (SVR) device. The Alarm.com Onboard Recording feature allows you to store encrypted 24/7 recording footage locally onto a MicroSD card. It requires a compatible Alarm.com Camera, which includes the ADC-V515, ADC-V523, and ADC-V723. You may recall that these three (3) cameras also represent our current Top Picks for Alarm.com Security Cameras. You will also need the feature added to your Alarm.com account, as well as a compatible SD card. So make sure to your alarm monitoring company enables this feature. The SD card can be 256 GB maximum, and we have some compatible options listed below.

• Micron Industrial Memory Cards
• SanDisk High Endurance
• WD Purple Micro SD Cards

Alarm.com will also still offer the Alarm.com ADC-CSVR126 Streaming Video Recorder. This product, while being built to handle the needs of a commercial location, accomplishes essentially the same thing as the ADC-SVR122. It supports up to sixteen (16) total cameras, and it comes in 2 TB and 12 TB storage options, with the possibility of being upgradable to 16 TB storage. While this is honestly a bit of overkill for most residential applications, it does represent an option if you require a streaming video recorder for your Alarm.com Cameras.

For now, the Alarm.com ADC-SVR122 will remain available for purchase in the 500 GB storage variant only while supplies last. Once we run out of stock, it will no longer be available. If you are an Alarm Grid monitored customer wanting to set up the Onboard Recording feature, or if you are interested in starting new alarm monitoring service with Alarm Grid, send us an email at support@alarmgrid.com. We are here to receive your emails from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

We recently came across an article from Bonka Bird Toys expressing their satisfaction with Alarm Grid and their new security system and security camera setup. Bonka Bird Toys is a local business, located right down the road from Alarm Grid. Thank you Bonka for your continued support!

Bonka Bird Toys has quite an intricate setup, centered around a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Security System. It is a dual-path system, complete with encrypted PowerG Sensors, and four (4) IQ Remote Keypads. Bonka says that they opted to not mount their IQ Remote Keypads, and instead carry them around loose like small tablets, and keep them at their desks. They particularly love being able to check their security cameras right from their IQ Remote devices. Having an IQ Remote at each workstation is really convenient!

According to Bonka Bird Toys, their favorite part of their setup is their security cameras. They used two (2) types of commercial grade Alarm.com Security Cameras, including the Alarm.com ADC-VC736 and the Alarm.com ADC-VC836. They even added the Alarm.com ADC-CSVR126 Commercial Streaming Video Recorder to facilitate a continuous 24-hour recording schedule. In addition to their IQ Panel 2 Plus and their IQ Remote Keypads, Bonka also set up a dedicated monitor that shows their camera feeds. They placed it up in a prominent spot where they can check it any time. We think this is a fantastic example of what kind of setup you can achieve with a security system and Alarm.com Cameras!

Bonka Bird Toys also set up a complete automation network of Z-Wave Plus devices, including lights, door locks, and thermostats. They love being able to control these devices locally from their alarm panel and keypads, and remotely from the Alarm.com platform on their phones and computers. Bonka Bird Toys also states that it was really easy to install their equipment. It took them just a single afternoon to get everything ready and going, and they saved thousands of dollars by doing it themselves rather than hiring a professional installer. This is the same type of robust setup that you can achieve for your home or business. And you can easily install everything yourself to save money,

If you are looking for the best bird toys, birdcages, aviaries, and accessories, then be sure to check out the Bonka Bird Toys website. And if you have any questions about how you can get started with Alarm Grid monitoring service, then reach out to us by emailing our support team and security system planners at support@alarmgrid.com. We're here to check your emails from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

For Alarm.com Cameras, it can be a bit overwhelming with all of the great options available. Today, we're going to keep things simple by checking out the three (3) cameras that provide the best features and ease of use for the typical homeowner. Here are the top picks for Alarm.com Cameras.

The cameras we are checking out today are all built for residential use. However, you should have no problem using them to monitor a small business if needed. These cameras are differentiated from the Alarm.com Commercial Cameras because they do not have an extra C in the SKU, or name. Any Alarm.com Camera with a SKU of ADC-V###, with the ### representing a three digit number is a residential camera. They should not be confused with the cameras with SKUs in the ADC-VC### format. That extra C after the V indicates Commercial. And while the Alarm.com Commercial Cameras are fantastic, and they can certainly be used in the home, most residential users will have an easier time getting started with the corresponding residential cameras.

As far as what makes the residential cameras different from the commercial cameras, there is one feature that really stands out. The Alarm.com Residential Cameras are WIFI cameras that connect wirelessly to the local WIFI you already have set up in your home. But the Alarm.com Commercial Cameras are typically Power Over Ethernet (PoE). A PoE camera will not connect wirelessly to WIFI. Instead, you will need to run an ethernet cable to the camera, which will supply both internet and electrical power. A non-PoE WIFI camera will instead have its own plug-in transformer that you can just plug into any outlet. While many users appreciate the ability to set up a camera with PoE, most homeowners will have an easier time just connecting the camera to WIFI and finding a nearby outlet to use. Therefore, when it comes to residential cameras, WIFI is considered supreme.

For any Alarm.com Camera, you will need a monitoring plan that includes video surveillance to start using them. If you already have a security system that uses Alarm.com, such as a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus or a 2GIG GC3e, then you will likely just need to upgrade your existing monitoring plan. If you are new to alarm monitoring and plan on setting up a security system as well, then the Alarm Grid Platinum Plan is a great option that combines top-of-the-line alarm monitoring service, including central station coverage, with the video surveillance features that you and your family need. Or if you don't have a security system, and you just want to use Alarm.com Cameras, then you may explore the Alarm Grid Video Only Plan, which offers affordable video surveillance for users who just want that service.

Of course, for any video monitoring plan, you will need some cameras, so let's get into the three Alarm.com Cameras we intend on checking out today!

First up we have the Alarm.com ADC-V523, which is honestly the go-to Alarm.com Residential Camera for standard, indoor use. It is the gold-standard of Alarm.com Cameras, offering all of the features and performance you could possibly want. It has a premium image sensor (1/2.7” CMOS, 2.1 MP, 1920 x 1080, HDR) and camera lens (3.0mm, F2.0) to capture activity around your home in true 1080p quality, with High Dynamic Range (HDR). Also included is IR Night Vision, which effectively captures video at night or in an otherwise dark setting from up to ~15 feet away. And a viewing angle of 117° ensures that no action is missed, providing a wider coverage area and field of view (FoV) for when you need it most. Simply put, if you need an indoor camera, and you don't want to sacrifice anything in terms of quality, then the Alarm.com ADC-V523 is for you.

But if you don't need quite all the bells and whistles, then you might instead consider the new budget camera from Alarm.com, presenting the Alarm.com ADC-V515. This camera offers all of the same features as the premium ADC-V523, with a slightly toned down image. You still get the 1080p quality and High Dynamic Range (HDR), but the image sensor is a bit reduced (1/3", 2.12 MP, 1920x1080, HDR), and the lens is just a bit smaller (3.19 mm, F2.2). Also viewing angle FoV is 7-degrees reduced at 110°. But otherwise, this is pretty much the same camera. You still get the ~15 Feet IR Night Vision and all of the other great features. Quite frankly, most users will not notice any bit of difference with this camera. If you want an outstanding camera at the best price Alarm.com can offer, then the Alarm.com ADC-V515 is for you.

Last but not least is Alarm.com's best offering for a residential outdoor camera, the Alarm.com ADC-V723. This premium outdoor model brings the same features and performance as the ADC-V523, but presents it in a package that can withstand the harshness of an outdoor environment. Returning is the same fantastic image sensor (1/2.7” CMOS, 2.1 MP, 1920 x 1080, HDR), camera lens (3.0mm, F2.0), and wide viewing angle FoV (117°), but there are two (2) things that separate this camera. First, the ADC-V723 has an amped up IR Night Vision range of ~40 feet, compared with just ~15 feet of the indoor model. This is important if you have a big backyard and need to capture night prowlers in the act. And the second change, making the camera perfect for ourdoor use is the ingress protection, IP66. You can trust this camera to work perfectly even with exposure to rain, snow, wind, heavy sunlight, and heavy dust. It will keep on recording strong and monitoring your home for suspicious activity. If you want a tremendous 1080p HDR outdoor camera, then look no further than the Alarm.com ADC-V723.

If you have any questions about the Alarm.com Cameras we presented here today, or any of the other cameras offered from Alarm.com, please send an email to suppor@alarmgrid.com. We are happy to help you find the perfect cameras to use around your home. Our hours for checking email run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F, so keep that in mind when contacting our support team. We look forward to hearing from you!

We have been covering the 2GIG Edge quite a bit recently, but only just now have we gotten a look at what features we expect the panel to bring. The award-winning, yet still unreleased, alarm panel promises to be the cutting-edge system that we have been wanting from Nortek for years.

This list of features comes from an informative PDF regarding the 2GIG Edge Beta Test. While we cannot show the actual document quite yet, we can go through the list and give our thoughts as to what they likely mean. Again, none of these features are promised or guaranteed to be supported by the 2GIG Edge in its official release.

When looking at the list of features, there's nothing in here that sounds unreasonable. In fact, most of this is pretty standard stuff that we would expect out of any capable system in 2021. But it does help confirm our expectations for the 2GIG Edge as a feature-filled, high-end alarm system. And if the panel delivers in terms of intangibles like build-quality and user interface, then the Edge can still go down as an all-time great security system.

Here's what the 2GIG Edge looks to bring:

• Face Recognition: The integrated camera is used to recognize faces. This may involve receiving alerts regarding an "unexpected face" disarming the system. But the documentation suggests that the feature may be used to activate personalized smart home features based upon the detected face.
• Data Privacy: The 2GIG Edge will use "on-the-edge analytics" to process facial recognition without sending it to "the cloud". Other data will also be kept protected. Really, this is just 2GIG's way of saying "we won't expose you". Still, it's good to see that 2GIG is doing what they can to protect end-users and their personal data.
• Bluetooth Disarm: This will involve pairing your phone with the system for automatic disarming upon detecting the return of your phone (and presumably you along with it). Some timer settings will likely be involved to prevent the feature from being abused. It will likely be optional, as some users may not feel comfortable using it.
  
• Geofencing: The panel can arm/disarm and have scenes activate automatically based upon the location of the user. This will likely involve tracking the user's phone to determine their probable location. It is also likely that Alarm.com will be used in this feature, though that has not been confirmed.
  
• Smart Home Controls & Scenes: This is likely a cover-all for the smart home automation features of the system. Again, it is likely that Alarm.com will play a role in this feature. It is fair to expect that scenes will be able to be performed both locally at the panel and remotely using the Alarm.com Mobile App.
  
• Slideshow & Video Playback: This is a feature seen on many wireless panels. You can have the screen default to show images and have the system operate as a digital picture frame when it is not in use. Our hope is that the 2GIG Edge makes it easy to add photos, as other panels tend to make this simple feature absurdly difficult to use.
  
• Video Live View: Up to eight (8) cameras and video doorbells can be live-streamed from the panel. You can stream up to four (4) camera feeds at once. Again, our hunch is that Alarm.com will be used to facilitate this feature. This has been one of the best features for the IQ Panel 2 Plus, so we're very excited to see it available on the Edge.
  
• Photo Snapshot: The onboard camera will take disarm photos. No word on whether these photos will be available on Alarm.com for quick and easy access on the go. We have seen this feature on other panels, and it can be fairly useful when set up well. A photo to go along with a notice that your panel has been disarmed can come in handy.
  
• Encrypted and Non-Encrypted Sensors: The 2GIG Edge will support encrypted sensors, and also be backward compatible with older 2GIG Sensors. No word on whether the encrypted sensors refer to the existing 2GIG eSeries Sensors, a new lineup of encrypted 2GIG Sensors, or both.
• Smart Area: This refers to the return of Smart Area Partitioning for the system. Users can section off the system into different partitions for greater flexibility and control. It's a great feature for multi-family homes, businesses, and households with "secure" rooms. Up to four (4) Smart Areas will be supported. It's no surprise to see this return.
  
• Built-In Glassbreak: The 2GIG Edge will operate as a glassbreak detector for detecting broken windows. This is a really cool feature that we have seen work great when configured on other panels. The feature will likely require that the panel be installed with a direct line-of-sight to a window in order to function properly.
• LTE Communication: Both AT&T LTE and Verizon LTE options will be available. No surprise here, as virtually every current security system has LTE connectivity. We were almost expecting a 5G option here, but it seems like that technology just hasn't arrived yet. Still, LTE is excellent for future-proofing a security system.
• Dual-Path: You can use both WIFI and LTE cellular connectivity with the 2GIG Edge. Alarm.com will most likely require that cellular connectivity is used. WIFI connectivity will likely be optional, but it's also fair to assume the features like camera streaming will require a WIFI setup. Again, no surprise here. Dual-path connectivity is expected.
• WIFI Access Point: You can use the 2GIG Edge as a wireless access point for other WIFI devices. As Nortek puts it, the Edge Panel "becomes a router". Again this is a fairly common feature. Most users will not need to bother setting their alarm panel as an access point, but it can help you overcome WIFI range issues in certain situations. It can also be helpful when the panel is used in a secondary home where a constant internet connection is not available, but some WIFI capability is needed, such as for secondary keypads.
• Mobile System Control: This refers to the ability to control the 2GIG Edge System remotely using an interactive platform. We assume that the feature is referring to the Alarm.com platform, but we do not see specific mention of ADC. Being able to control a system remotely through Alarm.com is standard for any system that uses ADC.

And there you have it, the features specifically mentioned by 2GIG and Nortek in the 2GIG Edge Beta documentation. We honestly expect all of these features to make their way over to the final release. Nothing is too surprising, but it's still really cool to see some features like local panel camera streaming, optional automatic Bluetooth disarm, and an integrated glassbreak detector. And the facial recognition feature should also not be overlooked, as it could really offer some cool options if set up properly. Just imagine being able to arm your system by simply staring at it, rather than entering a command. That's about as close as we can get to just using mind control to operate a system!

If you have any questions about the 2GIG Edge, please email our support team at support@alarmgrid.com. We're here to check email questions from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We still have a little over three (3) weeks to go until the 2GIG Edge is released, so stay tuned to our blog for more content. We look forward to hearing from you!