ADT announced its new ADT Plus smart security system, which features new hardware and more integration possibilities with Google Nest cameras and video doorbells. It also allows you to set up trusted people to enter your ADT-protected home without your intervention.
Trusted Neighbor seems to be one of the best ADT Plus features
Google invested in ADT in 2020, buying 6.6% of the company in a long-term partnership. This explains why it received integration with Google’s smart security products. The Mountain View giant probably also collaborated on the development of new features. The new ADT Plus system includes features like “Trusted Neighbor” which works by combining the security recognition systems of smart locks, facial tech, and custom parameters.
Let’s say you go on a trip and leave someone in charge of your pet while you’re away, but that person can’t stay at your house, and neither can they have the dog in their home. Well, the Trusted Neighbor feature allows that particular person to enter your ADT Plus-protected home. According to the company, the system will unlock the door for that person, re-locking it once they leave. So, you don’t have to disarm the entire security system before you leave, keeping your home safe.
The ADT Plus system allows you to set multiple parameters for the Trusted Neighbor feature. The other party can use a code, an app, or even time or events. For example, you can set a certain person to be able to access your home if you receive a package at your door or if a particular sensor (like humidity or smoke sensor) is activated.
ADT wants more integration with partner security products
Wayne Thorsen, ADT’s chief business officer, said the company is pushing to integrate ADT systems with more platforms. Thorsen mentioned that, currently, the ADT system can work alongside Yale and Google’s security hardware. The first smart lock product compatible with the Trusted Neighbor feature is the Yale Assure Lock 2.
If you’re interested in the ADT Plus smart security system, you should know that it’s mandatory to pay for one month of monitoring along with the hardware. However, you can stop paying the next month if you want to switch to self-monitoring for free.