If Apple made home security systems, we imagine they'd look something like this. The Kit is an internet-connected home-monitoring system. The cuboid hub receives signals from an array of wireless sensors and accessories. It's the first product we've seen to use ZigBee wireless technology, which is a low-power, low-cost alternative to Bluetooth.
The hub has only two connectors: network and power. However, in an emergency it can manage without these. A built-in battery will run the hub for up to two hours in the event of a power cut. Should your broadband go down, a SIM card in the base of the unit provides GPRS as a backup connection.
The Kit contains a range of sensors and accessories, including door/window sensors and motion sensors, both for detecting intruders. Alarm sensors pick up noise from existing alarms such as smoke alarms and relay this information to the hub. Keyfobs are included for activating and deactivating the alarm system. The button can act as a doorbell or an alarm buzzer for an elderly relative. Finally, there's The Lamp, which relays and boosts the ZigBee wireless signal and changes colour based on the system's current status.
Everything apart from the hub and the lamp is powered by the CR2 Li-ion batteries included. AlertMe claims these will last for two years, and can be replaced at a cost of £24 including VAT for 10. The sensors are all mounted using sticky pads and are easy to reposition if needed. Setting up the system is incredibly easy thanks to an online wizard, which guides you through the physical and technical installation of each sensor. The wizard asks you to name your sensors and keyfobs appropriately - 'front door' or 'Anna's fob' for example.
You can set up profiles for At Home, Away and Night. Decide which sensors you want active in each circumstance. If a sensor is triggered, the hub creates an alert. This will be an intruder alert for the motion and door/window sensors, or an alarm alert if the alarm sensor is triggered. The hub then sends you a text message or an email detailing which sensor has been triggered. Meanwhile, the hub loudly and repeatedly announces that the homeowner has been alerted. You can easily add other alert recipients such as your neighbours or family members.
The hub also detects which keyfobs are in its vicinity, and can send a message informing you when members of your family have arrived home; this is useful for keeping tabs on kids after school. The service is still being developed, and extra features such as these were being added during our testing period.
The obvious downside is price, and the £12 monthly subscription charge seems steep. Our experience of AlertMe's customer service was very good, but we still can't see how it justifies such a high monthly charge. You do get 15 per cent off your home contents insurance if you use AlertMe's recommended broker. It's hard to put a price on peace of mind, but if you're happy with the cost then this alarm system is well thought out, attractive and easy to use.
System Specifications
Hub control unit, lamp, button, 3x door/window sensors, 3x keyfobs, 2x motion sensors. Requires a broadband internet connection and a router with one free Ethernet port
Author: Seth Barton
Computer Shopper Online