iSmartAlarm
iSmartAlarm is a do-it-yourself (DIY) smart home security system [1] controlled with a user's smartphone. The system and devices are designed and manufactured by iSmart Alarm, Inc, a start-up based in Sunnyvale, California. The system uses a hub connected to a home's router to allow users control of home security and home automation devices, including multiple wireless devices. Users can arm and disarm their system, and receive a push notifications, phone call, email, and text message if the system is triggered. The iSmartAlarm system is to be used as a self-monitored solution with no monthly fees and no contracts, as opposed to traditional monitored systems such as ADT or Vivint. iSmartAlarm is currently a closed ecosystem, only operating with its own devices. Announcements have been made for future integrations with Google Thread Group, HomeKit, and Z-Wave device support.[2] On August 10, 2017, iSmart Alarm, Inc. announced the integration with Amazon Alexa.[3] iSmartAlarm, Inc. stopped supporting the iSmartAlarm product line and services on January 10, 2021 citing the economic climate as the cause. A third party, meShare Inc. has agreed to continue supporting the ecosystem for free, for a period of 12 months following the iSmartAlarm, Inc. closure.[4]
Also known as | iSmartAlarm Home Security System |
---|---|
Manufacturer | iSmart Alarm, Inc. |
Type | Home Security |
Release date | June 28, 2013 |
Sound | 110dB siren |
Camera | iCamera (Generation One), iCamera KEEP, SPOT |
Connectivity | Radio Frequency, Wi-Fi |
Power | AC Power, Battery |
Backward compatibility | Android, iOS |
Website | ismartalarm |
Development
iSmart Alarm, Inc. first announced the development of the iSmartAlarm Home Security System at the annual Consumer Electronics Show in 2013.[5] Launching with an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign, the campaign was successful in raising $226,074 in pre-sales (against an original goal of $50,000).[6] After completion of the crowdfunding campaign, the iSmartAlarm began shipping to contributors on June 28, 2013.[7] iSmartAlarm also launched a new home security video camera on Indiegogo [8] September 30, 2014.
An IFTTT Channel was launched for the iSmartAlarm on March 18, 2015.[9]
iSmartAlarm user's systems went offline on September 8, 2020. Users had no access to the app and the system doesn't even work internally for camera access (so far, for all users). A customer contacted them immediately and they state they are having server issues. On September 10, 2020, their website went offline and their product forum went offline. By 15 September, everything was back online; the server issues do not seem to have been publicly identified.
Overview
iSmartAlarm currently manufactures and supports the following devices.
- The CubeOne is the hub of the system,[10] allowing devices to communicate through the user's home internet router. The CubeOne communicates wirelessly through a proprietary radio frequency. All users have the ability to monitor, manage, and control all devices from their iPhone and Android (operating system) devices.
- The Motion Sensor[11] allows users to identify movement in a 90° field of view from up to 30 meters
- Contact Sensors[12] operate as door and/or window sensors. If any sensor is separated from its counterpart by more than 3/4”, the system may be triggered if the system has been armed.
- Remote Tags[13] are basic control key fobs, allowing users to arm, disarm, and set off the 110 dB siren.
- iCamera (Generation One)[14] is the first video camera offered with the iSmartAlarm. The iCamera has pan and tilt controls, streaming on-demand video, night vision, and automated and manual still picture capture. (DISCONTINUED)[15]
- Satellite Sirens[16] are alarm sirens that can be placed throughout the home to ward off burglars and notify users in case of break-ins or emergencies.
- iCamera KEEP[17] is the second in the iCamera line offered by iSmartAlarm, with all features of the iCamera (Generation One) in addition to upgrades such as HD (1280x720) video, automated and free video storage, audio and motion detection, and the ability to operate independently of the CubeOne™ (similar to Dropcam and SpotCam).
- Spot[18] is the 3rd camera offered by iSmartAlarm, with all features of the iCamera (Generation One) and iCamera KEEP in addition to free local and cloud video storage, "Sound Recognition" to "listen" for smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm sirens, and the ability to create custom time lapse videos.
- iCamera KEEP Pro[19] is the 4th camera offered by iSmartAlarm, with all features of the Spot model in addition to motion tracking capabilities to follow movement in case of an event.
- The Smart Switch[20] is an AC outlet controller, with the ability to schedule events (such as turning lights on automatically) and control small appliances and electronics remotely.
Recognition
The iSmartAlarm Home Security System has received the Editor's Choice Award from PCMag,[21] cited as “Best DIY Home Security Kit” by CNET in their review of best smart home devices of 2015,[22] and positive marks and reviews from SecurityGem,,[23] TUAW,[24] and MacWorld.[25] iSmartAlarm has also won prestigious design and program awards from Red Dot,[26] the Mark of Excellence Home Technology App of the Year from the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) TechHome Division in 2013,[27] a finalist for the Residential Security Product of the Year,[28] and featured on Coldwell Banker’s “25 Smart Home Technologies that Matter Most to Home Buyers.” [29]
References
- Do-it-yourself home alarm system changes the security game
- Crist, Ry (January 7, 2015). "iSmartAlarm gets ambitious at CES 2015". CNet. Retrieved March 13, 2015.
- PRWeb. "iSmartAlarm Integrates with Amazon Alexa to Add Voice Control Capabilities to Smart Home Security." Aug 10, 2017. Retrieved Dec 13, 2017.
- "ISmartAlarm". isa-web-1.s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com. Retrieved 2021-02-04.
- "TechCrunch Home Security Demo - TechCrunch CES". Retrieved March 16, 2015.
- "iSmartAlarm - iPhone-controlled home security system". Retrieved February 28, 2015.
- "iSmartAlarm Indiegogo Updates". Retrieved March 16, 2015.
- "The iCamera KEEP - HD Video from iSmartAlarm". Retrieved March 16, 2015.
- Wollerton, Megan (March 19, 2015). "IFTTT helps iSmartAlarm finally talk to other devices". CNet. Retrieved March 19, 2015.
- "User Manual and Specifications" (PDF). Retrieved March 18, 2015.
- "User Manual and Specifications" (PDF). Retrieved March 18, 2015.
- "User Manual and Specifications" (PDF). Retrieved March 18, 2015.
- "User Manual and Specifications" (PDF). Retrieved March 18, 2015.
- "iCamera (Generation One) Product Details". Retrieved February 28, 2015.
- "iCamera (1st Generation) Product Details". Retrieved January 7, 2018.
- "Satellite Siren Description". Retrieved May 2, 2016.
- Thibodeaux, Rose (December 26, 2014). "iCamera KEEP Plays Alone or as a System". SecurityGem. Retrieved March 18, 2015.
- "Spot - The Coolest Smart Home Security Camera EVER". Indiegogo. January 17, 2016. Retrieved May 2, 2016.
- "The 1st Motion Tracking Smart Home Security Camera". Indiegogo. December 17, 2016. Retrieved February 2, 2017.
- "Smart Switch Product Details". Retrieved February 28, 2015.
- Delaney, John (April 14, 2014). "iSmartAlarm Premium Package Review & Rating". PCMag. Retrieved March 13, 2015.
- Crist, Ry (January 13, 2015). "Best DIY home security kit". CNet. Retrieved March 13, 2015.
- Thibodeaux, Rose (December 15, 2014). "iSmartAlarm Hands On Review". SecurityGem. Retrieved February 28, 2015.
- Martin, Mel (January 6, 2015). "iSmartAlarm rolls out new devices and features". TUAW. Retrieved February 28, 2015.
- McGarry, Caitlin. "iSmartAlarm secures your home with help from your phone". Retrieved March 10, 2015.
- "Red Dot Global Design Directory". Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved February 24, 2015.
- "CEA Mark of Excellence Award Winners". Archived from the original on March 2, 2015. Retrieved February 24, 2015.
- "CEA Mark of Excellence Award Finalists". Archived from the original on March 2, 2015. Retrieved February 24, 2015.
- Listanski, Lindsay (March 11, 2015). "25 Smart Home Technologies that Matter Most to Home Buyers". Retrieved March 13, 2015.