In short: SimpliSafe announced today that it is adding Google Assistant support its all-new home security system that was just announced not too long ago. This is going to allow users to control their home security system using their voice, via the Google Assistant. According to SimpliSafe, Google Assistant can be used to arm or disarm the system (set for away or home modes) as well as verify the state of the security system. The functionality is pretty limited, which is to be expected here, there’s not a whole lot that it could really do with Google Assistant, but it is great to see it available here.
Background: Back at CES earlier this year, SimpliSafe announced that it had added support for August Smart Lock, Amazon Alexa, and the Apple Watch. Allowing you to control this security system with many other products. The August Smart Lock integration was pretty significant, as users could also have the system lock the door, without having to deal with the August Smart Lock. SimpliSafe is continuing to add more integrations to its system, so that it has support for everything that its customers may want. Setting up the Google Assistant integration is pretty simple, you’ll just need to link your SimpliSafe account to your Google Home, and from there you can talk to Google Assistant on your Google Home, smartphone or anywhere else Google Assistant may be.
Impact: This is going to make it easier for users to secure their home before heading out for the day. For example, if you are running out of the house with tons of stuff in your hands, you could quickly say “OK Google, set the security system to away” and it’ll arm your home for you to keep intruders out. This is definitely a nice feature to have, and since it is included for free, there’s really no reason not to use it.