Interlogix has announced at CES 2018 that it will be adding in voice controls and LTE connectivity to its UltraSync smart home solution, among other new features. The voice controls will be on the software side of things and will be powered by Amazon’s Alexa, allowing owners of current kits to reap the benefits without buying any new hardware, so long as they already own an Alexa-enabled device like the Amazon Echo or compatible smartphone. The same update that brings Alexa compatibility will bring compatibility with the Z-Wave IoT communication standard. The LTE compatibility, on the other hand, will come via a module that can be added to an existing setup. The UltraSync family is also getting three new members; two high-definition cameras that come in a desktop form or an outdoor bullet form and complement existing UltraSync camera setups, and a smart doorbell that can be synced with existing setups, or used on its own.
The two new cameras are an upgrade in resolution and capabilities over the existing UltraSync mini wedge camera, and are made to complement it, rather than supplanting it entirely. Video is recorded in high-definition and can be saved to supported memory cards. The upcoming smart doorbell, meanwhile, syncs up with the UltraSync system and features a camera, speakers, and a microphone. Users can receive an alert when somebody is at their door and remotely speak with them regardless of where they are. There is no screen on the device, so while the user can see their visitors, they can’t see the user while they’re chatting.
For the time being, no release date or pricing have been announced for the new hardware unveiled at CES. The software update, however, is available immediately to current system owners who will need to check with their security dealer in order to get it. If an owner purchased and installed the system independently, they should have access to install the update to the main hub. The update is compatible with both the screenless and 7-inch versions of the UltraSync Hub. An accompanying update is on its way to the mobile control app for the home security hardware on both Android and iOS.