Alexa in control: Crazy convenience or just plain crazy?

Last week’s Trending Tech update unpacked the 7 ways in which a Smart Alarm system will change your life. Homes in the US have taken this level of convenience one step further by integrating their Alexa with their home security systems. Crazy convenience or just plain crazy?

Who or what is Alexa?

For those of you that don’t know, Alexa is a virtual assistant (similar to Apple’s Siri) developed by the multinational technology company Amazon. This virtual assistant works through a speaker-like device and responds to voice commands, typically used to call friends, play music, check the weather, or order in food. However, Alexa’s capabilities extend way beyond a weather report as Amazon has enabled a Security Panel Controller framework that lets you control your home security system, all through voice commands.

So, what does your Alexa device actually let you do?

Well, everything your Smart Alarm system lets you do – with the added convenience of being voice-operated and as the technology advances the possibilities are endless. Connecting your security appliances, such as smart locks, smart cameras and your smart alarm system to your Amazon account means you no longer have to rely on your mobile app. Simply command Alexa to lock the door, arm the alarm and turn off the lights, all from your bed as you drift off to sleep.
Beyond the Smart Alarm functionalities, Amazon has introduced some incredible security features. By simply announcing “Alexa, I’m leaving” the away mode – dubbed Alexa Guard – will listen for the sound of glass breaking, smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms. In the event these sounds are detected an alert will be sent to you, allowing you to play the detected sound or remotely listen to what’s happening in real time.
Where as a smart alarm system lets you create the illusion that people are home by allowing you to remotely turn lights on and off, Alexa automates this process for you, using machine learning to choose the right lighting activity for away mode.  This same machine learning helps Alexa learn your specific behaviours and just like a proper assistant – remind you when you’ve forgotten to do something. She won’t make suggestions without being asked, but say “Alexa, Do you have any hunches?” or “Goodnight” and she might remind you to turn off the lights or arm the alarm system.

A security risk or revelation?

The link between Alexa and home security is a bit of a controversial one, given that the product has been referred to as a privacy risk since it is ‘always listening’. Not to mention that Amazon is putting a lot of faith in their own security measures, including their user-specific voice recognition. Homeowners need to ensure that all smart home devices are completely secure and although some of the older hardware may be compatible it is much more prone to vulnerabilities, making it vital to keep all hardware up to date.
Let us know what you think -is the convenience of Alexa worth the risk? What else would you like to read more of? Send through your comments by replying to the Siren Newsletter email.