For several years now, home alarm systems have slowly advanced beyond providing just security and alarm monitoring.
Manufacturers are constantly adding new features to keep up with the rapidly expanding home automation market. It is not unusual now to see alarm system touch pads that (when not in use) can display digital photos, surveillance cameras, clocks, or even the weather forecast. Beyond those simple features, alarm systems can now be used to control lights and even lock your doors.
Slowly but surely, home security systems are becoming more complex, making alarm monitoring merely a component of a complete home automation solution.
Thermostat industry comparisons
The thermostat industry was once on a similar path to the home alarm industry. With pressure from the home automation market, manufacturers developed overly complicated products with features that only a small fraction of users wanted and even fewer actually used.
The trend was steady until late 2011 when it was suddenly disrupted by Nest, a thermostat that broke all the rules by simplifying the thermostat down to what users really needed, an intelligent device that thinks for its users and makes decisions for them.
It is so simple, in fact, that it only has one button and an easy-to-use dial.
Though Nest keeps sales statistics confidential, it is undoubtedly the most publicised thermostat in over a decade. Customers are praising its simplicity, and Nest is changing the direction of an entire industry. While traditional thermostat manufacturers were heading north, Nest went south.
Without sacrificing features, Nest managed to create a shockingly simple thermostat that anyone could use. Not to mention, it is the most aesthetically pleasing thermostat on the market. It does have an exorbitant price tag, but analysts say it does not matter. They believe the Nest thermostat is so unique, it has no competition.
Competition in the alarm industry, however, is still driving manufacturers to add new and more advanced features that few home owners actually use.
Alarm systems can now control many components of your home and even replace your thermostat. However, with true home automation systems capable of so much more, are alarm manufacturers just competing to become the worst home automation system?
Manufacturers appear to be losing sight of the current trend towards simple, intuitive, smart electronics. Do we really need the weather forecast displayed on a system that is meant to protect our homes?
There is room in the market for a Nest-inspired alarm system. Studies show that up to 41 per cent of alarm system-fitted homes that are broken into have those systems disarmed at the time of burglary.
That 41 per cent is a big problem looking for a smart solution. The users who fail to arm their systems do not need another digital photo frame or touchscreen thermostat — they need a smarter alarm system.