French smart home vendor Somfy presents the Outdoor Camera-- a security offering complete with P54 certification for weather resistance, an integrated 110dB siren and compatibility with multiple home automation solutions.

First seen back at CES 2018, the outdoor camera can not only be integrated with Somfy's own TaHoma home automation system, but also with WorksWithNest ecosystems, IFTTT, Amazon Alexa and Google Home. It also features AI algorithms able to identify intruders, before automatically triggering the siren and notifying the homeowner on the Somfy Protect companion application.

Arlo announces a 4K UHD version of its wireless security camera system-- the Ultra, a security camera complete with HDR, advanced image processing and even a built-in spotlight for colour night vision.

According to the company the 4K sensor inside the Ultra provides additional detail and clarity, allowing users to further zoom into videos to check license plates, clothing and other telling details. The panoramic 180-degree field of view is the widest in an Arlo camera yet, and allows for more flexibility when placing the camera.

Crestron announces ekey Biometric Systems, a leading provider of fingerprint access solutions, is an official integration partner-- meaning the sleek wall-mounted ekey finger scanners integrate seamlessly with Crestron 3-Series control systems.

Thus, Crestron installers can add convenient one-touch door entry to smart home designs. Fingerprint door entry also enhances security by eliminating hackable 4-digit codes, as well as the possibility of key or access card forgery. ekey adds the system can even detect the growth of children's fingers, minor injuries and habit changes, and allows building control systems to keep track of who is coming in.

Smart home security vendor Abode launches the Iota-- an all-in-one security device bringing together a 1080p security camera, motion sensor and home security gateway in a single devices.

First seen back at CES 2018, the Iota is designed to enable more flexibility in security system design. It works as either a standalone device or as part of a wider Adobe security system, with support for Z-Wave, ZigBee and RF connectivity support allowing it to pair with compatible devices, as well as products from the likes of Nest, Ecobee, Philips Hue and LifX, among others.

DoorBird announces the D2101KV-- an IP door intercom solution incorporating a one-call button, a doorbell and a multifunctional keypad, making it ideal for both residential and commercial properties.

The one-call button is backlit, helping users easily find the product, and users can set the button to operate as either a call button or automatic door opener within individually set time windows. The keypad features 12 backlit buttons, while a companion app provides means to view visitor history, push notifications, PIN codes, scheduling and permissions for users to operate the keypad.

According to JD Power integration with smart home technologies is key for home security, with such functionality not only meeting the needs of customers, but further adding to convenience.

The analyst's 2018 Home Security Satisfaction Study-- a survey of 1983 owners of professionally installed and monitored home/residential security systems-- points out overall customer satisfaction is at 834 out of 1000, a 3 point increase over 2017. It also makes home security the 4th highest-scoring product industry in all service industries JD Power evaluated in 2018.

"Sleek touch-screen control panels and the ability to operate the system through mobile devices have become the two most popular home security system interfaces for consumers and they are playing a key role in driving higher levels of customer satisfaction because they simplify the use of the system," the analyst says. "When compared with other connected services that come into the home-- such as cable TV, telephone and utilities-- home security is far and away the leader in customer satisfaction, indicating that this industry understands the needs of consumers and is evolving quickly to address changing preferences."