From CNET: Startup Ecobee, maker of app-enabled smart thermostats, is now a home security company, too. Today it announced two new products -- a SmartCamera with voice control and SmartContacts for doors and windows. Along with the new hardware, Ecobee is launching a professional monitoring and cloud storage service called Haven. The SmartCamera, SmartContacts and a 30-day Haven trial are available now on Ecobee's online store.
The new Ecobee SmartContacts are supposed to work like typical door/window sensors, alerting you if a door or window is opened when your system is armed.
This is Ecobee's first foray into home security. Previously, it was known as a smart thermostat and thermostat accessory company. Its most recent thermostat, the $249 Ecobee SmartThermostat, is our current favorite model. Like the new SmartCamera, the SmartThermostat has an integrated Alexa speaker. The SmartThermostat is also sold with a SmartSensor accessory that detects occupancy and measures the ambient temperature.
The Haven service relies heavily on geolocation to operate. When you and your family members leave home, it's supposed to automatically arm the system -- and disarm it when you return.
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