Alarm.com Posts

Important Update: Alarm Grid has opted out of the two-factor authentication (2FA) requirement for Alarm.com. The post below was written before Alarm Grid opted out, and it was believed that 2FA would soon be required for all Alarm Grid monitored customers who receive access to Alarm.com.

Alarm Grid has received notice from Alarm.com that two-factor authentication (2FA) will soon be required for all Alarm.com users. Alarm.com is making this requirement to protect user accounts against unauthorized access. Users can set up 2FA for Alarm.com through email or text message.

At the time of this writing in late January 2021, 2FA for Alarm.com is optional, but it is recommended for keeping accounts as secure as possible. However, starting on Monday, February 15, 2021, any user who has not yet set up 2FA will be required to do so upon logging into their Alarm.com account. According to Alarm.com, the goal is to have every Alarm.com user set up with 2FA by Spring of this year.

When setting up 2FA for Alarm.com, you can choose to have codes sent via text message or email. Once the feature has been set up, you will need to perform 2FA upon logging into Alarm.com on an unsaved device. After you provide your ADC username and password, Alarm.com will send you a secret code via text or email. You must provide this secret code to verify your identity. Only then will you gain access to your Alarm.com account. Alarm.com will then allow your to "save" that device so that you don't need to perform 2FA the next time you use that device.

For most users, this will only mean performing 2FA when logging into Alarm.com through the mobile app on a new phone or through the Alarm.com website after clearing cookies. It's good that Alarm.com allows you to "save" trusted devices, as it would be very inconvenient to be required to perform 2FA every single time you go to access the Alarm.com service. However, it's a nice extra layer of protection for those times if you ever access Alarm.com through a public computer or some other computer that you don't normally use. While we are a bit surprised to see Alarm.com requiring 2FA for every user, we understand their rationale in wanting to keep accounts as secure as possible. Remember, anyone who is able to access your Alarm.com account and disarm your security system basically has full access to your property. Therefore, any extra protection is appreciated!

You can enable 2FA for your Alarm.com account at any time through the website. Simply login to your account through the website, and then select the Settings option on the left-hand side of the screen. From there, choose Login Information, and then Two-Factor Authentication. Then choose to set up the feature through text or email by following the on-screen prompts.

If you have any extra questions, or if you are interested in starting new monitoring service for use with Alarm.com, please email our team at support@alarmgrid.com. We're here to check your emails and provide support from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you get started with Alarm.com.

A recent article indicated that 52 publicly traded companies dealing in smart home automation experienced an average stock price increase of 34.5% in 2020. This is yet another indication that the smart home industry is stronger than ever, as expectations are being set high for 2021.

Of the 52 publicly traded smart home automation companies followed from January 2020 to January 2021, 38 saw their stock price increase, compared with only 14 that experienced a decline in stock price across the same time frame. For comparison, a similar study of 52 smart home automation companies from the year prior reported that only 8 companies saw stock price declines in 2019, while the other 44 companies had their stock prices increase. Because of this, we can't say that the smart home industry was stronger in 2020 compared with 2019. But 2020 was still a fairly successful year. And as the economy looks to recover following the COVID-19 pandemic, we expect that things will only get better in 2021.

One company in the list that had a particularly strong showing was Alarm.com. They enjoyed a fantastic 141% stock price increase, as their price of $42.97 in January 2020 was up to $103.45 in January 2021. Johnson Controls, the owner of Qolsys and DSC, experienced a more modest gain of 14%, as their stock price rose from $40.71 in January 2020, to $46.59 in January 2021. The same can be said for Silicon Labs, the operator of the Z-Wave Alliance. Their January 2020 stock price was $115.98, and it rose to a January 2021 stock price of $127.34, for a nice 10% increase.

Alarm Grid was happy to see some of the companies and manufacturers we work with have a successful 2020 year, despite all of the global challenges involved. If you are interested in starting alarm monitoring service with Alarm Grid so that you can take full advantage of great equipment from companies like Alarm.com, Johnson Controls, and Silicon Labs, please feel free to email us at support@alarmgrid.com for more information. We're here to check your emails from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Alarm.com has announced that some of their most popular security cameras will soon be receiving important over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates. The models receiving firmware updates include the ADC-V523 Indoor Camera, the ADC-V723 Outdoor Camera, and the ADC-VDB770 Doorbell Camera.

End users will not need to take any special action to receive the automatic firmware updates. The updates will be pushed down to the cameras from the Alarm.com servers throughout the coming weeks. As long as the device is online and connected with Alarm.com, then it should receive the update successfully.

The ADC-V523 Indoor Camera and the ADC-V723 Outdoor Camera are both receiving Firmware Upgrade Version 0.6.1.151. The update will provide support for the recently released Onboard Recording Schedules Feature. Users can also expect general stability fixes and device performance improvements.

The Alarm.com ADC-VDB770 is receiving Firmware Upgrade Version 02088. As the Alarm.com Doorbell Camera was only released a couple of months ago, this is believed to be the first significant firmware update for the device. The update will primarily focus on improving WIFI connectivity and overall network stability for the doorbell camera. Users should notice fewer streaming disruptions as a result.

If you are an Alarm Grid monitored customer with questions about these upcoming firmware updates, or if you are interested in starting new alarm monitoring service so that you can use Alarm.com Security Cameras, then please email our support technicians and alarm system planners at support@alarm.com. We check email and respond to inquiries Monday thru Friday from 9am to 8pm ET. We look forward to hearing from you!

Alarm.com has a new security camera available, the ADC-V515. This is an entry-level camera for use in homes and small businesses. It supports virtually all of the same great features as the higher-end cameras from Alarm.com. The camera is available for purchase on the Alarm Grid website.

The Alarm.com ADC-V515 is set to replace the existing Alarm.com ADC-V522IR, which will remain available until the existing stock is exhausted. What's great about the new ADC-V515 is that it offers nearly all of the same excellent features and strong performance of earlier Alarm.com Camera models, but at a lower price point. We recommend this camera for anyone looking to set up video monitoring inside their home or business on a budget.

For an entry-level camera, the ADC-V515 certain boasts some impressive specifications. It offers full 1080p recording and High Dynamic Range (HDR) functionality for more luminous video captures. Its viewing angle of 110° is only 7° less than the higher-end ADC-V523. You can also effectively use the ADC-V515 at nighttime or in a dark environment thanks to its IR Night Vision feature, which works from up to 15 feet away. You will also love the ability to adjust images through Flip, Brightness, Contrast, Saturation, Sharpness, and Exposure.

One restriction with the ADC-V515 is that it can only be used with WIFI connectivity. The camera does not support wired ethernet connectivity, and it cannot be set up with Power over Ethernet (PoE). This is important to keep in mind if you are accustomed to wiring your security cameras for PoE. Instead, the ADC-V515 gets its power from a plug-in transformer, which comes included. Additionally, you can only use 2.4 GHz WIFI networks with the camera. It does not support 5 GHz WIFI networks.

Remember that the ADC-V515 is for indoor use only. If you need an outdoor camera, then you might consider the Alarm.com ADC-V723 instead. Also keep in mind that you will need Alarm.com Video Monitoring service to use the ADC-V515 or any other mainline Alarm.com Camera. You can get Alarm.com Video Monitoring service with a Platinum Plan from Alarm Grid. Both our Platinum and Self-Platinum Plans are viable options. Click here to learn more about our monitoring plans.

If you are interested in starting new monitoring service, upgrading your existing service, or if you just want to learn more about the ADC-V515, then please email our support and planner teams at support@alarmgrid.com. We're here to help you from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

We have learned that Alarm.com has updated the video timeline used with their Streaming Video Recorder (SVR) devices. The changes were made to accommodate for the end of life of Adobe Flash, and to introduce the new Smart View feature. You can see the changes on the Alarm.com website.

With support for Adobe Flash ending after 2020, Alarm.com has updated the SVR Timeline on their website to now use native in-browser streaming. The most recent versions of recommended web browsers will provide the proper resources needed to support the feature. Alarm.com recommends using the latest version of Chrome, FireFox, Safari, or Edge with their services. Please note that the Microsoft Edge Legacy Browser cannot support the SVR Timeline if the browser version is less than Version 79. Alarm.com no longer recommends the use of the Microsoft Edge Legacy. Please see this post for more.

Additionally, Alarm.com has recently redesigned the SVR Timeline to accommodate its new "Smart View" feature. Smart View is an interactive video player that allows users to playback Alarm.com Camera recordings for up to four (4) cameras at a time. Users can also filter content to find important footage faster. Smart View also introduces a new activity timeline that shows system-wide events, such as doors and windows being opened, alarm panel arming and disarming, Video Analytics events, plus more. Keep in mind that the updated SVR Timeline is only accessible through the Alarm.com website. It cannot be accessed through the Alarm.com Mobile App. Current Alarm.com Streaming Video Recorders include the ADC-SVR122 and the ADC-CSVR126.

If you have any questions about the Alarm.com SVR Timeline, or if you are interested in starting new alarm monitoring service for use with Alarm.com, please email our team at support@alarmgrid.com. We check our email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Alarm.com now offers an integration for Lennox iComfort WIFI Touchscreen Thermostats. This will allow you to control your compatible Lennox Thermostat from the Alarm.com platform using the website or mobile app. The integration offers the same control as other supported thermostats.

Please note that the supported models include those from the Lennox iComfort Lineup. These include the Lennox iComfort E30, the Lennox iComfort M30, and the Lennox iComfort S30. You can always reach out to us if you have any questions about smart thermostat compatibility for use with Alarm.com.

By completing the integration, you can perform a variety of functions for your Lennox WIFI Thermostat from the convenient Alarm.com Mobile App or website. The following features are listed as supported by Alarm.com:

• View Current Temperature
• View Current Mode
• View Current Setpoint(s)
• View Current Humidity
• View Current Fan Mode
• Change Setpoints
• Change Mode
• Change Fan Mode
• Request Status Update
• Complete Scene Integration

In order to get started, have your monitoring company apply the Lennox iComfort Integration to your Alarm.com account. Next, you need to pair your Lennox iComfort account with your Alarm.com account. This is what gives Alarm.com permission to control the thermostat. You must provide your Lennox username and password to complete the integration.

The process can be completed using the website or mobile app, though the steps are slightly different. If you are using the website, then you should choose Settings > Manage Devices > Add Device (upper right) > Thermostat > Lennox iComfort E30, M30, S30 Thermostat > Next > provide your Lennox login information > Login, and then follow the on-screen prompts.

If you are using the mobile app, then login to your account, and click the three (3) horizontal bars button > Manage Devices > + icon > Thermostat > Lennox iComfort E30, M30, S30 Thermostat > Next > provide your Lennox login information > Login, and then follow the onscreen prompts as instructed to complete the device integration.

Keep in mind that you will be required to accept the terms and conditions, which you can review on the screen. The device should successfully pair after the discovery process has been completed. Make sure that your thermostat is online and connected to the network before attempting the above steps.

If you have any questions about the Alarm.com Lennox iComfort Thermostat Integration, or if you are monitored through Alarm Grid and you need us to apply the feature to your account, or if you are interested in starting new monitoring service, please email our support team at support@alarmgrid.com. We are here to check your email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

We have received word that Qolsys has released Firmware Version 2.5.4 for the IQ Panel 2 and IQ Panel 2 Plus Systems. The main highlights for this latest firmware update include fixes with the Z-Wave S2 Encryption Protocol, plus fixes regarding the use of LiftMaster Garage Door Control.

We do have one thing to mention for users of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Solar Integration. If you are using the IQ2 Solar Integration then, DO NOT UPGRADE TO 2.5.4. Instead stay on 2.5.3. However, if you want to use the LiftMaster Garage Door Integration instead of the Solar Integration, then you should upgrade to 2.5.4, but you will LOSE the Solar Integration. On Version 2.5.4, it is IMPOSSIBLE to use BOTH the Solar Integration AND the LiftMaster Integration. Qolsys has said that this will be fixed in Firmware Version 2.6.0, which should hopefully be available in the coming months. For now, if the Solar Integration is more important to you than a LiftMaster Integration, then just STAY ON 2.5.3. This ONLY applies to users of the Solar Integration. If you do not care about the Solar Integration, or if the LiftMaster Integration is more important to you, then UPGRADE TO 2.5.4. All things considered, MOST USERS WILL WANT TO UPGRADE TO 2.5.4. Keep in mind that there is NO WAY TO DOWNGRADE TO A LOWER FIRMWARE VERSION AFTER UPGRADING.

Before we get into all of the exciting new changes for IQ2 Firmware Update 2.5.4, we will first explain how to apply the firmware update to your Qolsys IQ Panel 2 or IQ Panel 2 Plus System. To get started, there are a few prerequisites to keep in mind. Your Qolsys IQ Panel 2 or IQ Panel 2 Plus must be on at least Firmware Version 2.0.1 or higher to apply the update. It must also be connected to WIFI, it should be receiving AC power from its plug-in transformer, and it should not have a low battery condition.

Now, this may get a bit confusing, but stick with us. Depending on which firmware version your IQ2 is currently running, it may be necessary to update in stages to get to 2.5.4. Start by considering which firmware version your system is currently running, and then take the appropriate action(s) based on what is outlined below. The important thing to remember is that your IQ2 must be already on 2.52 or 2.5.3 OR between 2.0.1 and 2.4.2 to upgrade directly to 2.5.4. If that applies to your system, then just go directly to 2.5.4.

For users on Version 2.5.0 or 2.5.1, things become a bit tricky. For these users, you need to upgrade to 2.5.2 or 2.5.3 first before you can get to 2.5.4. We recommend just updating to 2.5.2 and then going to 2.5.4, skipping 2.5.3. For information on updating to Version 2.5.2, please refer to this blog post. Once you are on 2.5.2 or 2.5.3, you can then follow the steps listed below.

Once you are on 2.5.2 or 2.5.3, or between 2.0.1 and 2.4.2, do the following:

• Start from the main screen of the IQ Panel 2 or IQ Panel 2 Plus.
• Swipe down the small grey bar at the top.
• Choose Settings > Advanced Settings.
• Enter your Installer Code. Remember that this code is 1111 by default.
• Choose Upgrade Software.
• Find Patch Tag, and enter iqpanel2.5.4. You must enter the patch tag EXACTLY AS DISPLAYED. Choose OK.
• Press Upgrade Using Network. If all the requirements have been met, the update will start.

Now, with that out of the way, we can start talking about what's new to 2.5.4. Here is a list of everything you can expect!

• An issue involving the 6.81.03 Z-wave Firmware Version, also referred to as the 6.81 Z-Wave SDK, has been fixed. The issue caused Schlage Z-Wave Plus Door Locks and the Honeywell T6 PRO Z-Wave Plus Thermostat to not function properly when S2 encryption was used. These devices should now work properly when enrolled using the S2 protocol.
• Corrections have been made to an issue that arose in Firmware Version 2.5.3 involving the use of LiftMaster Garage Door Control. The integration would not function properly from the panel UI. More information can be found in this document from Qolsys. Also, please see the message regarding the loss of the Solar Integration in 2.5.4 in the notes outlined above.
• An issue involving the LED status light on PowerG Smoke and Heat Detectors, namely the DSC PG9936, has been fixed. Previously, the status light would not reset after an alarm had been cleared when using Installer Mode or Test Mode on the panel. More information on the issue is available in this document released by Qolsys.
• The PowerG Radio Firmware has been upgraded to Version 80.34. This upgrade is designed to improve wireless communication, particularly when using multiple DSC PG9WLSHW8 PowerG Wired to Wireless Converter units.
• Z-Wave Plus 500-Series Z-Wave Switches from Cooper and Eaton are now supported by the IQ Panel 2. The newly supported switches include RF9601, RF9617, RF9640-N, and RF9642-Z.
• An issue involving PowerG Shock Sensors, namely the DSC PG9935, has been fixed. The issue occurred following a 15 minute placement test mode timeout. There have been further improvements made for false alarm prevention when shock sensors are paired as two (2) separate zones on the system.
• The 2.5.4 Update now allows PowerG Keypads, namely the DSC WS9LCDWF9, to sound Fire Alarms triggered in other system partitions, provided that the Global Fire Setting is enabled. Please see this FAQ for more information.
• PowerG Keypads, namely the DSC WS9LCDWF9, can now show special characters on their LCD screens if they are used as part of a Zone Description on the main Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System.
• The Energy Optimizer for the system is now available locally on the IQ Panel 2. This is used to set Z-Wave thermostats and Z-Wave Plug-In Switches to reduce their energy usage during peak consumption hours. This feature should NOT be used alongside Alarm.com Thermostat Schedules. It is also NOT compatible with the "Give Back, Get Back" program offered by Alarm.com.
• Certain improvements have been made to the Help Videos as part of the Easy Install Wizard for the system.
• There have been small changes to facilitate support of Canadian ULC-S304 for Level II Residential and Level II Commercial Listings.
• A new setting for ULC Commercial Power Restoration is now available.
• PowerG Image Sensors, namely the DSC PG9934P and DSC PG9944, now take a picture upon the activation of a Fire Alarm or a Carbon Monoxide Alarm, for EU IQ Panel 2 Systems Only. Most United States users will not have this change applied. Furthermore, image sensors learned into Sensor Group 25 will also produce pictures if triggered while the panel is armed.
• If the EN Grade 2 Security Settings is Enabled, then User Codes will be hidden with dots, rather than showing the entered numeric code.

If you have any questions about Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Firmware Update 2.5.4, or if you are an Alarm Grid monitored customer needing help upgrading to Version 2.5.4, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com for assistance. This email is also good to use if you are interested in starting new monitoring service with Alarm Grid. Our support and planner teams are available from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you.

This information has been updated in a newer blog post!

Alarm.com is phasing out support for the Microsoft Edge Legacy Web Browser. Anyone using the browser to access Alarm.com may soon notice a pop-up message suggesting that they switch to a more optimized web browser instead. Alarm.com access will be denied entirely starting in February 2021.

According to Alarm.com, the appearance of the warning pop-up message suggesting the use of a different browser will appear to anyone who logs into Alarm.com using the Microsoft Edge Legacy Browser on or after Monday, December 21, 2020. The user will then be able to access their account like normal. This is being done to prepare users for the eventual plan to drop support for this browser entirely.

Then, starting in February 2021, any user who attempts to log-in using the Microsoft Edge Legacy Browser will be denied access to the Alarm.com servers entirely. The user will still be able to successfully access their Alarm.com account by using an approved web browser or the Alarm.com Mobile App on an Android or iOS device.

Alarm.com recommends using the latest version of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Apple Safari to access their web servers. The latest version of Microsoft Edge is also supported and recommended for use with the Alarm.com website. Please note that Alarm.com dropping support for the Microsoft Edge Legacy Web Browser should not be confused with them dropping support for the Internet Explorer 11 Web Browser. Alarm.com dropped support for IE11 back in late June of 2020. You can read about that in this prior blog post.

Using a recommended web browser with the Alarm.com website will help ensure that you have the best possible end user experience. This includes optimized video viewing for Alarm.com Cameras and a better, smoother experience when using the Alarm.com website to control your security system. Alarm.com also promises fewer service disruptions when using the latest version of a recommended web browser, or the latest version of the Alarm.com Mobile App.

Alarm.com says that they will keep us informed regarding the upcoming Microsoft Edge Legacy Sunset, as well as the Adobe Flash Sunset. The Microsoft Edge Legacy Desktop App will reach its end of life on March 9, 2021. Adobe Flash is set to reach its end of life after December 31, 2020. We will update this blog if we learn any new important information regarding these respective sunsets.

If you have any questions regarding the use of Alarm.com, or if you are interested in starting new alarm monitoring service for accessing the Alarm.com platform, please email our team at support@alarmgrid.com. We're here to check and respond to your emails from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Today, we're discussing the upcoming Qolsys IQ Hub Security System to share our thoughts and feelings on the much-anticipated alarm panel. Qolsys has regularly impressed us during their young tenure as a system manufacturer. Can they continue their hot streak with the new IQ hub?

To start our discussions on the IQ Hub, we first want to consider what it is. From what we understand, the IQ Hub is not necessarily meant to serve as a replacement or a successor to the wildly successful and versatile Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. Instead, the widespread belief is that the Qolsys IQ Hub will serve more as a budget or entry-level system, while the IQ Panel 2 Plus continues to serve as the main panel.

This line of thought is not shocking. Security systems have gotten sleeker and more slimlined in recent years, as aesthetics have become more important than ever for a panel designed to be placed prominently on your wall. When comparing the IQ Hub and the IQ Panel 2 Plus, the IQ Hub is the larger of the two systems. And its design looks more like something to come out of the mid 2010s than fresh out of the early 2020s. Indeed, the IQ Hub is bulkier, more obtrusive, and less adaptive to its surroundings than the IQ2+. From that perspective alone, it would be odd to see something like the IQ Hub take the reins from the current Qolsys entry.

We don't have all the details on the specifications and capabilities of the Qolsys IQ Hub at this time. Our understanding is that many of the great features from the IQ Panel 2 Plus will return to the IQ Hub. These returning features include built-in WIFI and cellular connectivity, integrated automation capabilities, disarm photos, optional automatic Bluetooth disarming, and the ability to interface with Alarm.com. While these features are great, they aren't anything new from what the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus already offers.

We are also unsure of some more advanced features returning, such as Alarm.com Camera streaming, facial recognition, the wellness platform, partitioning, and the ability to perform Alarm.com Smart Scenes right from the panel. Users might not need these extra features, so Qolsys offering a stripped-down version makes sense. In that way, the IQ Hub might indeed fulfill an important role. Sometimes we forget the fact that not every installation requires a superpower or beast of a panel. Being able to offer end users something simple and basic without all the bells and whistles is good once in awhile. With that in mind, we totally appreciate what the IQ Hub is supposedly going to offer.

We're also not entirely sure what automation will look like on the IQ Hub. Will it use 500-Series Z-Wave Plus, or the new state-of-the-art 700-Series? Will we be able to control devices and scenes locally at the panel, or will we be restricted to using Alarm.com? Will there be any important limits or restrictions on the number of automation devices that can be paired, beyond the standard 232 device limit? All of these are important questions that have yet to be answered.

Sensor compatibility is also still a question mark. From what we hear, the IQ Hub will only support the PowerG frequency sensors. This means that your only options will be to use wireless PowerG Sensors, and/or wired sensors through the PowerG wired to wireless converter, assuming that support for the module is added. In other words, non-encrypted, legacy sensor support will be dropped for the IQ Hub. This probably won't matter much for users starting from scratch, but it may discourage users with older wireless systems from upgrading to the IQ Hub. They will probably choose the proper IQ Panel 2 Plus model instead. Also, there won't be any taking advantage of sweet deals or discounts on older, non-encrypted sensors with the IQ Hub.

But besides all of this, the single most polarizing issue with the IQ Hub remains the big grey speaker on the front. It's very in-your-face and almost impossible to ignore. When we ask other people their thoughts on the speaker, they either call it ugly, or they simply don't care one way or another. But almost nobody we have asked has called it attractive. With that in mind, we beg Qolsys - please put the speaker to use. If you're going to have such a polarizing, glaring design feature, then at least make it functional. Have the system double as a Bluetooth speaker. That would be a cool feature. You have your IQ Hub on the wall, you pair your phone, and you begin playing music. To us, that idea sounds neat. The line between security and entertainment is becoming increasingly blurred anyway. Why not make this possible for the IQ Hub. And yet, we keep hearing that Qolsys has little interest in turning the IQ Hub into a mini boombox. We really hope they change their tune.

One other thing we have heard about the IQ Hub is that it cannot be opened. The replaceable battery slides in using a side compartment, and the panel is never designed to be opened up or for the panel's interior to see the light of day. That's fine, especially with all the struggles users have had closing the IQ Panel 2 Plus, but we do question the inability of the system to have its inner components replaced if something goes wrong. Is the IQ Hub really being seen as that disposable? The system's build-quality and final price point should determine that. But Qolsys is clearly taking a risk there.

Also in limbo is the release date for the IQ Hub. Originally, it was set for a Q1 2020 release. But with the pandemic, that date came and went. We (along with the rest of the world) had bigger things to worry about. Now our best guess is that it will hit the market early in 2021, roughly a year and a half after we first spoke of it in September 2019. Qolsys insists that it's still coming whenever we bring it up, and they seem genuinely enthusiastic about it. Here's hoping that we see it soon. And hey, with the 2GIG Edge also set for an early 2021 release, we expect that next year could be an ultra-competitive time for the security industry. Do you think we're excited? You bet we are!

Overall, there is a lot to look forward to in regard to the Qolsys IQ Hub. If all goes well, it could definitely become the Qolsys System we recommend for users on a budget or in an apartment or starter home. Even if it doesn't become the new flagship Qolsys Panel, there are still plenty of things to like. Email us at support@alarmgrid.com with any questions or thoughts you have about the IQ Hub. We would love to hear what you have to say. Our team is here to check email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you.

If you recall last week, we put out our 2020 holiday buying guide for smart home automation. Today, we wanted to focus on a very small aspect of that buying guide and explore some quick possibilities on how your can use some smart automated plug-in modules around the holiday season.

Plug-in modules couldn't be more convenient. You simply plug one into your standard outlet, enroll it with your smart home network (we like Z-Wave Plus), and connect the device(s) you want to control. And just like that, you can take virtually any connected device, and turn it into a smart device. The possibilities around the holiday season are particularly cool.

But before we get into some creative ways to use your plug-in modules, let's take a look at a few of our favorites. You should recall all of these from our buying guide if you read through that, but it never hurts to reintroduce them.

• Linear PS15EMZ5-1 Z-Wave Plus Plug-In Appliance Module
• Resideo Z5SWPID Z-Wave Plus Plug-In Smart Switch
• Qolsys IQ Smart Plug Z-Wave Plus Plug-In Module

And we also want to give an extra special shout-out to the Resideo Z5SWPIO Z-Wave Plus Outdoor Plug-In Switch. Unlike the other three plug-in modules mentioned here, the Resideo Z5SWPIO is the only one that can be used OUTDOORS. This can certainly come in handy around the holiday season with lighting displays set up outside for the world to see. We can imagine many of you out there will want to bring smart automation to the holiday lights you've worked so hard on. You may as well do things right with an outdoor smart plug-in switch!

But across the board, the name of the game here is scheduling. If you want to have your lights turn ON and OFF automatically on a set schedule, then Z-Wave Plus plug-in modules are the way to go. Sure, you could rely on traditional timers and relays, but this makes things so much easier! And assuming you have your plug-in modules set up with your monitored security system, then all of this can be conveniently done through Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com. All you need to do is build a smart scene that sets a time for your devices to turn ON, and another for them to turn OFF later on. It's that simple.

Now, let's think about what you can include in these scenes. We'll start simple. How about your Christmas tree? Turn it into a Z-Wave Plus Christmas tree! This can be very nice if you are away from home for the holidays. By having your Christmas tree turn ON and OFF automatically, you can make it appear like someone is home, even if not a creature is stirring. If you have some other electronic holiday gear, then there's a great chance that it can be included in this setup as well.

If you really want to make things extra special, then get that Resideo Z5SWPIO Outdoor Module we talked about earlier, and use it to put your home's entire holiday lighting display on a schedule! Even if you're away seeking warmer weather, you can still have the best holiday display on the block. With Z-Wave Plus technology, you can ensure that your home lights up the cul-de-sac at night, and then safely powers down once morning arrives. You can even set specific scenes for sunset and sunrise to make scheduling a bit more customized.

And you don't even have to stop with the lights. If you have one of those giant inflatable outdoor snowman, then put that on your plug-in module too. As long as you don't exceed the load limit, then you're good to go! A few plug-in modules will really allow you to get wild. And it's all super easy to set up! If you have any questions about automation, then forward them over to support@alarmgrid.com, and we'll be happy to help. Our team is here from 9am to 8pm ET M-F to answer your questions. We look forward to hearing from you!