Nest Labs has introduced a DIY home security solution – Nest Secure – that includes an alarm system, video doorbell, outdoor security camera, and corresponding software and services. Additionally, MONI Smart Security has announced that it will provide professional monitoring service for the systems; in fact, MONI says it will be the only major security company to offer Nest Secure with professional monitoring direct to residential security customers.
“In partnering with Nest, MONI has a unique opportunity to expand our addressable market beyond traditional homeowners and drive greater penetration into the $80 billion and growing connected home market,” MONI CEO Jeff Gardner said in a statement. “MONI continues to evolve with our customers’ needs, and we look forward to the opportunity to set a new standard for our industry.”
Nest Secure is expected to be available to consumers this fall. As an added layer of security, a professional home alarm monitoring service is expected to be available to Nest Secure customers through MONI later this year. MONI will also provide Nest equipment and monitoring packages directly to customers.
“Nest is delivering on the next phase of our strategy to create the thoughtful home,” Nest CEO Marwan Fawaz said in a statement. “Today we’re disrupting yet another product industry: home security.”
Following Nest’s introduction of the Nest Cam IQ indoor camera, the Nest Secure alarm system starter pack includes: an all-in-one security base that provides the alarm, keypad and a motion sensor, along with a friendly voice; a sensor that detects both motion and open or close movement in one compact, battery-powered product; and a fob that can attach to a keychain for arm/disarm functionality.
“When we looked at the home security market, we saw a similar landscape to when we entered the thermostat market,” Matt Rogers, Nest’s founder and chief product officer, said in a statement “Just as people tend not to use programmable thermostats because of their complexity, the current home security offerings are also a huge pain to live with – whether it’s bulky hardware, false alarms or loud and stressful countdowns. That’s why 43 percent of people with alarm systems don’t ever arm them.”
According to Blake Kozak, principal analyst, security technology at IHS Markit, the release of Nest Secure shows that the company is beginning to take charge of its product ecosystem and perhaps laying the groundwork for a whole home automation solution.
“Prior to Nest Secure, Nest relied on integrating cameras and other Nest products into ecosystems – such as ADT Pulse, SimpliSafe, Scout Alarm, and Xfinity Home – to meet consumer demand for security products that are more than just cameras,” wrote Kozak in a research note. “Although the initial marketing around Nest Secure is security, these sensors are the building blocks for a complete home automation system, and other use cases such as elder care. Despite the many unique features that accompany these product announcements, it was a necessary step for Nest to launch these products in order to remain competitive in a constantly changing market.”
In addition, Kozak said that Nest’s partnership with MONI on the monitoring aspect of the system was significant because it shows the growing prevalence of month-to-month contracts in the industry.
“IHS Markit expects that the flexibility of month-to-month contracts from professional providers and DIY purchases/installation combined with no contract monitoring will begin to challenge the traditional model of paying for two year, three year or even five year contracts,” Kozak adds. “The primary reason is cost and return on investment. As smart home evolves, the devices will get smarter, cheaper and easier to install. And for consumers who do not travel and are not away from a mobile device for extended periods of time, the DIY partnership with no contact monitoring could win out. IHS Markit will be comparing these costs in detail in its upcoming report that compares professional service providers.”
Security Product Integrations
Nest also announced several product integrations with the system, including the option to add the Google Assistant to the indoor security camera – available via software update this winter.
As previously announced, Nest has been working with Yale on a secure deadbolt, which is set to be available early next year. The company is also working with lighting companies such as Lutron, LIFX and Philips; and garage door opener provider Chamberlain.
Paul Rothman is Editor in Chief of Security Dealer & Integrator (SD&I) magazine. Access the current issue, archives and subscription links at www.secdealer.com.
