Tech
Abode Expands Into the New Age of Home Security With Unique Outdoor Sensors
As a home security editor, I consider Abode Home Security one of my top picks for third-party smart home compatibility. On Wednesday, the company announced its first entirely new sensors in some time, and they reflect a trend I’m only beginning to see in the security world.
Abode has released both an Outdoor Contact Sensor ($50) and a Garage Tilt Sensor ($35), available now to work with its security hubs, like the Abode Smart Security Kit, starting at $120.
The Outdoor Contact Sensor is very similar to the indoor door/window sensors found in virtually every security system.
It comes in two parts, one to connect to the door or window and one to attach to its frame. When the two parts are disconnected, the sensor can send a warning alert, sound an alarm or take other action.
The sensor has an IP66 weather-resistance rating, meaning it’s completely protected against dust and can withstand heavy rain and powerful water jets. That means you can use it outdoors (with the included adhesive strips) to guard gates, shed doors, fence entries and similar spots you may want to watch. It has a wider detection range than indoor models to accommodate the varying shapes of outside gates.
The garage version is even more interesting. It’s a single sensor with a battery that can last up to 10 years while measuring orientation. That means it can sense when a garage door, or a similar object, moves out of position, and notify you with an alert. I’ve tested plenty of smart garage systems, but this is one of the only sensors I’ve found that could offer similar functionality and replace them as part of a larger security setup.
Both sensors come with anti-tampering technology too, which means you’ll receive alerts if it appears someone is trying to remove the sensors. Both sensors are designed to work with an Abode hub up to 500 feet away. Keep in mind that most of Abode’s features are free to use, so you won’t need a subscription to take advantage of these new add-ons.
Multi-purpose, versatile sensors like this are becoming more common in the home security world this year. Notably, Aqara’s P100 sensor can detect open and closed states, tilting, vibration, tampering, and more without requiring any additional components.
Aqara’s sensor can also work with Matter hubs and connect to Apple Home, Google Home, or Alexa for some tasks, so it’s more capable than these sensors, but the technology is arriving in multiple ways.
“Break-ins usually don’t start at the front door. Unlocked side gates or garages present vulnerable access points often left unmonitored by homeowners,” Chris Carney, CEO and founder of Abode, said in a statement. “We built these sensors because the perimeter of a home deserves the same protection as the inside of it.”
A representative for Abode didn’t immediately respond to a request for additional comment.
A new engine for deeper smart home routines
Since Abode has broad support for third-party smart devices compared with other security systems and a hub that can handle routines, these new sensors also allow users to create their own customized automations. When paired with a smart garage device, the sensor could automatically close the garage door if it’s accidentally left open. With the outdoor access sensor, customers could also configure a visible smart light to turn red whenever the sensor detects an open state, providing a clear indication that a gate or shed has been left open or has been opened unexpectedly.
I’ll be testing these sensors soon to evaluate their performance in real-world conditions and share my findings. Both sensors are somewhat larger than typical security sensors, so I’ll be looking closely at how easily they can be installed and integrated into the average home environment.
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