Amazon integrates Scout Security system with Alexa Guard
The sound detection feature of Amazon smart devices can now work with the Scout Alarm system.
Home security provider Scout Security (ASX: SCT) has successfully integrated its system with online retail giant Amazon’s (NASDAQ: AMZN) Alexa Guard sound detection feature and is making the integration available to customers immediately.
The company revealed the news this morning then followed up with a clarifying announcement stating the integration is a free option for users and does not involve an individualised contract between Amazon and Scout.
“Scout does not charge customers for integrations; rather, the company includes integrated features to differentiate Scout’s offering from other providers and boost adoption of Scout’s platform,” it said.
While the integration is considered a positive development, the company claimed it has “no basis to project the number of users that might be compelled to purchase Scout because of the integration”.
An added layer of home security
Amazon’s Alexa Guard feature uses Amazon Echo smart devices to detect sounds of glass breaking, smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms. It can be configured to send users notifications when sounds are detected and can be integrated with Scout Alarm for police dispatch when an alert is received.
The supported Amazon devices in which Alexa Guard can be activated include the Echo, Echo Show, Echo Spot, Echo Dot, Echo Plus and Echo Input.
Now, consumers with a Scout Alarm system on an ‘Always On+’ plan can enable Alexa Guard to send a signal to Scout’s monitoring centre for dispatch, in a similar fashion to an alarm trigger from Scout Alarm sensors.
Scout chief executive officer Dan Roberts described Alexa Guard as an “unique capability that can offer another layer of security to [Scout] users and we’re excited to make it available to our customer base”.
“We believe that the Scout platform has some of the best-in-class integrations for smart home security and the integration with Alexa Guard further enhances our capabilities,” he said.
“The more deeply the devices integrate across the smart home ecosystem, the better the user experience becomes, and the more utility users gain, in our view,” Mr Roberts added.
Scout said the integration is now available to users through both the Amazon Alexa and Scout Alarm apps.
Smart device partnerships
Scout Alarm is a self-installed, wireless and app-based home security system with the ability to integrate with other Internet of Things devices.
Amazon is a shareholder and long-time partner of Scout, which is also officially partnered with Google’s Assistant and Samsung SmartThings.
In addition, Scout has recently extended its strategic partnership with Spanish listed multinational security company Prosegur (BME: PSG), announcing a five-year commercial agreement in July.