AI Gives Your Home a Virtual Security Guard

You used to have two options when it came to home security system monitoring: professional monitoring or self-monitoring. Now, there's a third option. Home security system companies are using AI to provide homeowners with their own security guards. In October 2024, SimpliSafe introduced a new AI option for their customers called Active Guard Outdoor Protection.

Active Guard Outdoor Protection uses AI to determine if there is a threat around your home. Then, it will contact a SimpliSafe agent, who will talk to the person through one of the security system's cameras. If the potential intruder doesn't leave, the agent will turn on the system's sirens and spotlights and call the authorities.

SimpliSafe isn't the first company to offer AI-assisted security guards. Deep Sentinel provides similar services. While this is a great innovation, adding this type of security to your home has some pros and cons.

Having your home monitored by AI 24/7 has one major perk. It can get you help faster than traditional security systems. Another benefit is that having AI vet threats can also reduce false alarms. No more getting security notifications for a tree branch or your neighbor's cat. 

On the other hand, these AI services can be pretty expensive. SimpliSafe's 24/7 plan costs around $80 per month. Deep Sentenal plans are even more expensive, at around $100 per month. The average monthly cost of a home security system is around $30, so adding AI to your security package can really jack up the cost.

Another problem with AI is that it has a massive environmental impact. Training an AI can use thousands of megawatt hours of electricity, emitting hundreds of tons of carbon into the atmosphere. That's hundreds of times more carbon emissions than your household would create in a year.

No matter which way you look at it, when deciding on AI security services, you're balancing increased safety with affordability and environmental concerns.

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