Previously, home security systems were expensive. However, thanks to the different smart home products For the consumer it has become a fairly accessible market. So much so that Amazon provides a private security system for smart homes called Alexa Guard. This allows your Echo device to listen for signs of a risk or emergency. It also serves as a subscription-based service that provides access to various premium features such as an emergency line.
In this sense, if you are one of those many people who find it difficult to spend holidays away from home, only because you worry about what can happen in your absence, This new application will help you live an unparalleled experience and be calm. In today's article we will tell you everything you need to learn about Alexa Guard.
What is Alexa Guard?
Alexa Guard is an app powered by Alexa that Take advantage of the remote microphones installed in Echo devices (one of the Alexa types (there is) to listen carefully for an unusual situation. This could be footsteps, broken glass, smoke or carbon monoxide detection alarms when you are away from home. Also, this security app will let you know allows you to manage smart lights, to make it look like you are going about your daily routines.
What is the Alexa security system for?
The Alexa security system acts as a pair of watchful ears to what happens in your home when you are not there. In this sense, You may hear sounds that indicate risk or danger in your home. to then alert you about the event in question. Alexa Guard is a system designed to listen for breaking glass, smoke detectors, among other signals. Once the long-range microphones hear these sounds send a notification to your mobile device to let you know that something is happening in your home.
On the other hand, with Alexa Guard You can manage the smart lighting of your home as you prefer.. So, if you go on a trip, you can turn the lights on or off, to make others believe that you are comfortable in your chair watching TV. Now, if you want to know what is happening in real time, you have the option of listening to everything. This will help you avoid returning home due to a false alarm or when the device detects activity from a known person.
Difference between Alexa Guard and Alexa Guard Plus
It is worth mentioning that Amazon Alexa Guard It is available for free for all users with Echo devices. However, Amazon offers a paid subscription to enhance some features that will make your home more secure.
- Alexa Guard Plus has a subscription of $5 per monthAlexa Guard, on the other hand, is completely free.
- Alexa Guard Plus gives you calls to an emergency line when something unusual happens, whereas, Alexa Guard does not provide you with this help service.
- Alexa Guard can only hear if glass is broken or carbon monoxide or fire alarms are triggered. Alexa Guard Plus, on the other hand, can only hear if glass is broken or carbon monoxide or fire alarms are triggered. listen to additional sounds, and plays noises to deter any intruders.
Alexa Guard compatible devices
Generally, Alexa Guard It is compatible with any modern Echo device of the last Alexa generations, as long as it has a microphone and is not portable. However, below we will point out the available models:
- Echo Plus.
- Amazon Echo.
- Echo Input.
- Echo Dot.
- Echo Show.
Now, a paid subscription to the app provided by Amazon has been created to allow its users more monitoring features of third-party devices compatible with Alexa. However, this service does not allow detecting sounds from speakers, screens, either any home equipment smart that is made by Amazon.
Likewise, the devices Echo Auto and Echo Buds cannot be added to Alexa Guard because they are portable and they don't stay connected to a power source in the home. Additionally, Alexa Guard doesn't work on devices like the Echo Glow, Echo Link, or Echo Wall, because none of them have a built-in microphone to detect sounds.
Alexa Guard Price: Price and How Much Does It Cost?
It is worth highlighting that Alexa Guard is a free appHowever, in the United States it is possible to upgrade the service by paying a subscription for Alexa Guard Plus. This has a cost of $4.99 per month or $49 per year, so you can get additional benefits.
Also, you have the option to try this Premium service for one month completely free.
How do I set up Alexa Guard?
Learn to Setting up Alexa Guard is very simple, and the process will generally take a few minutes depending on the type of functions you want to use. Here's how to get Alexa to add your home:
- Enter the latest version of the Alexa app.
- Go to the menu in the hamburger icon, and select "Configuration" among its different options, and press “Guard”.
- Add the functions you want: carbon monoxide, glass breakage, fire alarm, among others. If you add the absence lights, it will ask you to place the zip code. This is necessary, as the algorithms will be able to detect lighting patterns inside and outside the area.
- When leaving your home, say “Alexa, I’m leaving”, so you can enable Alexa Guard mode.
- When you return home, say “Alexa, I'm home,” and this way you will disable Alexa Guard mode.