AT&T begins offering smartphone-controlled home security system
AT&T, looking to take home security into the future, has begun offering “Digital Life,” a new service that allows AT&T customers to control various parts of their homes with their smartphones or tablets.
The AT&T “smarthome” service allows users to control their home’s security cameras, door locks, lights, thermostats, small appliances and other parts all from a mobile app that runs on Apple, Android and Windows Phone devices.
A YouTube video demonstrating Digital Life shows an AT&T representative unlocking her front door, turning on her fireplace, and even dealing with a water leak by remotely shutting off the valve with her tablet.
“People rely on their mobile devices more than ever, so Digital Life offers an easy and convenient way to secure their homes, protect their families and simplify their lives from virtually anywhere,” said Kevin Petersen, AT&T Digital Life senior vice president, in a statement Friday.
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AT&T has been demonstrating Digital Life since last year, but Friday marks the first time the company is making it available to consumers.
Customers in Los Angeles and Riverside, as well as those in San Francisco; Atlanta; Austin, Texas; Boulder, Colo.; Chicago; Dallas; Denver; Houston; Miami; Philadelphia; Seattle; St. Louis; and some parts of New York and New Jersey will be able to purchase the service. The company says it hopes to bring Digital Life to as many as 50 markets by the end of 2013.
AT&T’s Smart Security Digital Life package starts at $39.99 a month plus $249.99 for equipment and installation. The package comes with a variety of sensors, 24-hour home monitoring, an indoor siren and other components. If users want a more automated home, they have to pay more each month. For example, if users want to be able to shut off the water from their smartphone, they have to pay an extra $9.99 per month. If they want cameras installed, that costs an extra $9.99 per month.
AT&T is also offering a much more simplified version of Digital Life for $29.99 per month plus $149.99 for the installation.
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