Nest and Ring went from surveillance cameras to traditional alarm and home-automation systems, so why wouldn’t Arlo follow? The newly public company (Nasdaq: ARLO), spun out of from Netgear last year, is launching the DIY-friendly Arlo Security System at CES 2019.
Anchored by the Arlo SmartHub, the system includes a new Arlo Multi-Sensor, Arlo Siren and Arlo Remote (three-button keyfob), and of course an app.
Oddly, the lightweight devices communicate to the hub via ArloRF, a proprietary two-way RF technology that provides “extended battery life and superior long-range wireless coverage, enabling hassle-free communication between the SmartHub and Arlo devices,” according to the company.
We’re asking around, but have yet to learn what RF technology Arlo is using, or even the frequency. A spokesperson does say it’s the first time Arlo (or Netgear) has used this particular wireless technology.
The SmartHub used for the new security system is the same one required for the new Arlo Ultra 4K surveillance camera announced last November, creating a tidy ecosystem of surveillance, security and home automation.
Arlo says the hub will get Z-Wave and ZigBee capabilities later this year, which allow …
allow Arlo users to control a wide-range of “Works with Arlo” certified third-party smart home devices via the Arlo app, giving them one central monitoring and controlling touchpoint for a simplified smart home experience.
That’s right, Arlo is rolling out a “Works with Arlo” program, aiming to become the home-automation hub and app for all, competing with the likes of Nest (Protect), Ring (Alarm), Samsung (SmartThings), Wink, Amazon (Echo Plus), Google Home (Hub), and countless others.
The company says initial Works with Arlo partners include Bose, Danalock, Jasco, Leviton, LIFX, Philips Hue, Schlage, Sonos and Yale.
Arlo Security: Still In the Dark
We still want to know:
- What is the proprietary ArloRF technology? It's a lightweight protocol, right? To support sensors and keyfobs?
- Will there be any local communications among ArloRF devices, or all hub/cloud-based?
- Will “Works with Arlo” be a cloud-to-cloud designation? Will anyone else be using ArloRF?
- And what about the Arlo Security Lights, which use Bluetooth (BLE)? How do they fit into the ecosystem?
- So ZigBee and Z-Wave are coming? That means the SmartHub has 802.15.4 and 900 MHz radios?
- Can the alarm system be professionally monitored?
- Is there an option for cellular commuications?
Arlo Security Sensor and Sirens
Arlo’s first security components include a Multi-Sensor and Siren. The sensor does more than most sensors … and even most multisensors.
The product “detects windows and doors opening and closing, motion, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, water leaks, temperature changes and more for the ultimate piece of mind.”
The sensor doesn’t actually have built-in smoke and CO detectors, but it does recognize their distinct sounds and can trigger events if a third-party detector blares.
Arlo says the device can be programmed to “cross-trigger other Arlo devices, for example signaling Arlo cameras to start recording,” but it is unclear if the sensors can communicate directly (locally) with the new Arlo Ultra camera, or if they must be processed in the SmartHub or cloud.
Ditto on the Siren. It does more than the typical siren, with its outdoor rating and red strobe lights, and does double-duty as an annunciator, for example, beeping if a door is opened.
The Arlo Remote is a standard alarm keyfob with two buttons that can be customized through the app.
So if the new Arlo Security and Arlo Ultra cameras require the new Arlo SmartHub, will the new ecosystem have to go through the cloud to communicate with other Arlo devices, including the new doorbell and chime?
Also, can this system be monitored by a professional alarm monitoring center?
It would be a good question to ask Arlo at CES 2019, but they are only holding private meetings in suites that I can't get to.
See all the Arlo press releases on the next page.
{pagebreak}
Arlo CES 2019-related press releases below:
- Arlo Ultra (camera)
- Arlo Security
- 'Works with Arlo'
PRESS RELEASE
ARLO ANNOUNCES BREAKTHROUGH 4K HDR WIRE-FREE SECURITY CAMERA SYSTEM
Next-generation Arlo Ultra delivers ultimate level of protection with 4K Ultra HD resolution, integrated spotlight with color night vision, 180-degree viewing angle, and dual, noise-canceling microphones
SAN JOSE, California — November 30th, 2018 — Arlo Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: ARLO), the #1 network connected camera brand 1 , unveiled today its new flagship wire-free security camera system, Arlo Ultra. Designed to provide the ultimate level of protection for the people and places that matter most, Arlo Ultra features 4K Ultra HD resolution with high dynamic range (HDR), color night vision and advanced image processing, all in a sleek, compact design built for outdoor and indoor use. Arlo Ultra also includes a one-year subscription to Arlo Smart Premier, giving users a more personalized, intelligent smart home security experience, powered by Arlo’s sophisticated AI and computer vision technologies. The new Arlo Ultra 4K HDR wire-free security camera system is slated to roll out to the market in the first quarter of 2019.
Featuring a new 4K image sensor with HDR image processing, Arlo Ultra is capable of capturing and outputting 4K video quality from the lens to the user. This feature not only provides additional detail and clarity to videos but allows users to zoom in on their video clips to uncover critical information, such as license plates, clothing, or other telling details in suspicious activity. With an expansive panoramic 180-degree diagonal field of view, Arlo Ultra delivers one of the widest viewing angles in the wire-free security camera industry, providing users more flexibility when placing their camera for property, home or business monitoring. In addition, Arlo Ultra includes an integrated spotlight that can illuminate the night with a powerful LED light, giving users the ability to see color in the dark rather than traditional black and white night vision.
READ THE MAIN STORY & ANALYSIS, PAGE 1
“Arlo Ultra pushes the boundaries of image and audio quality with an incredibly compact form factor that’s true to Arlo’s heritage of simple setup and ease-of-use, marking a massive leap forward in surveillance for the do-it-yourself smart home security market,” said Pat Collins, senior vice president of Arlo products. “Our new flagship wire-free camera represents major advancements in video, audio, software, AI, and computer vision capabilities. Arlo Ultra is a complete solution for users who desire the best possible protection for their home or business, as well as the most ideal experience for connecting remotely with loved ones for maximum peace of mind.”
With a fast and easy wire-free setup and weather-resistant design, Arlo Ultra cameras can be installed nearly anywhere outdoors or indoors. The newly designed magnetic mount allows users to conveniently mount their camera from ceilings, walls, eaves, or place their cameras on tables or counter surfaces. Arlo Ultra includes a newly designed rechargeable battery and comes with a weather-resistant, magnetic charging cable for indoor and outdoor use. Arlo Ultra also features a built-in siren that can be automatically triggered by motion, audio detection, or manually activated remotely from the Arlo App for added protection.
In addition, Arlo Ultra comes with the new, advanced Arlo SmartHub which connects to the user’s router to provide extended Wi-Fi range to Arlo cameras, manages data traffic to and from the camera out to the user’s cloud account and offers a more secure dedicated IOT network for the devices connected to the Arlo SmartHub. The Arlo SmartHub features a microSD Card for local storage of recorded clips from Arlo cameras.
To complete the solution, each Arlo Ultra system includes a one-year Arlo Smart Premier subscription (a $119.88 value), to provide added peace of mind and convenience for Arlo Ultra owners. The subscription service utilizes powerful AI and computer vision technology to deliver customized notifications regarding people, animal, vehicle and package detection 2. These deeper insights about detected activity, paired with e911 access to emergency services local to the camera’s location instead of the user’s location, enable Arlo subscribers to not only monitor, but also take swift action in urgent situations. Arlo Smart Premier also includes cloud recordings of video clips at 1080p or lower resolution for up to 30 days 3. Premium video recording for cloud storage of 4K clips is available as an add-on subscription, or users can store 4K clips locally at no added cost using the SmartHub’s microSD card slot.
PRESS RELEASE
ARLO EXPANDS PORTFOLIO AT CES 2019 WITH INTRODUCTION OF COMPREHENSIVE SECURITY SOLUTION
Powered by the Arlo SmartHub and controlled through the Arlo App, the Arlo Security System features all-in-one multi-purpose sensor for window, door, motion, smoke alarm, carbon monoxide alarm, water leak detection and more
SAN JOSE, Calif. and LAS VEGAS, Nev. — January 7, 2019 — Arlo Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: ARLO), the #1 network connected camera brand1, announced today the Arlo Security System. Designed to complement Arlo camera monitoring capabilities, Arlo’s latest solution provides users with the ability to create a seamless home or small business DIY security system. The system includes the breakthrough Arlo Multi-Sensor as well as the Arlo Siren and Arlo Remote, all powered by the Arlo SmartHub and managed by the Arlo app, which instantly notifies users of important events or emergencies2. The Arlo Security System will be available in the second half of 2019.
The cutting-edge Arlo Multi-Sensor is a critical component of the Arlo Security System. Unlike traditional security and existing DIY solutions that require users to purchase single-purpose sensors for specific applications, Arlo’s advanced all-in-one Multi-Sensor provides users with a compact, versatile solution that can be placed nearly anywhere to help families and business owners protect what matters most. Easy to setup and control through the Arlo app, the Multi-Sensor detects windows and doors opening and closing, motion, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, water leaks, temperature changes and more for the ultimate piece of mind. The Multi-Sensor can also be programmed to cross-trigger other Arlo devices, for example signaling Arlo cameras to start recording.
“The Arlo Security System will provide consumers the ability to elevate and customize the security measures they deploy to protect their homes or small businesses,” said Pat Collins, senior vice president of Arlo products. “Our new multi-purpose sensor will be a game-changing component of the system. From identifying if a door or window is open, to detecting a leak under the sink, the Multi-Sensor communicates with other Arlo products and certified third-party smart home devices via the Arlo SmartHub, offering an intelligent security solution all managed by the Arlo app.”
The Arlo Siren further expands the Arlo Security System. Both outdoor-rated and battery-operated, the Siren can be placed anywhere in range of the SmartHub. A loud siren accompanied by a red strobe light deters intruders, alerting property owners and surrounding neighbors of an emergency situation. Users can also enable presence simulation to emit audio sounds, such as dog barking or TV audio, to make their house less attractive to intruders. A built-in melody can be activated to notify users of specific events, such as the Multi-Sensor detecting a door opening.
The Arlo Remote provides users with the convenience of arming and disarming their system, for themselves or for others they would like to grant access without using the Arlo app. The Remote also features two customizable buttons that can be programed to perform specific actions, such as turning on compatible third-party lights or activating the Arlo Siren in a panic situation.
The Arlo SmartHub will serve as the nucleus of the Arlo Security System. Engineered with ArloRF™, a proprietary two-way radio frequency technology, the SmartHub provides Arlo devices with extended battery life and superior long-range wireless coverage, enabling hassle-free communication between the SmartHub and Arlo devices. In the second half of 2019, the SmartHub will also become Zigbee and Z-Wave capable3. This compatibility will allow Arlo users to control a wide-range of “Works with Arlo” certified third-party smart home devices via the Arlo app, giving them one central monitoring and controlling touchpoint for a simplified smart home experience.
PRESS RELEASE
ARLO ANNOUNCES NEW “WORKS WITH ARLO” PROGRAM AT CES 2019, ENABLING SEAMLESS SMART HOME INTEGRATION VIA ARLO SMARTHUB AND ARLO APP
Users will be able to wirelessly connect compatible third-party smart home devices through the Arlo app for simplified monitoring and control
SAN JOSE, Calif. and LAS VEGAS, Nev. — January 7, 2019 — Arlo Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: ARLO), the #1 network connected camera brand1, announced today the introduction of its new “Works with Arlo” compatibility program, designed to enable a cohesive smart home experience. In the second half of 2019, “Works with Arlo” connected devices, such as smart locks, lights, speakers and more, will wirelessly connect through the recently announced Arlo SmartHub. Users will then be able to easily control and manage all their “Works with Arlo” connected devices, including Arlo security cameras, through the Arlo app. Initial “Works with Arlo” partners include Bose, Danalock, Jasco, Leviton, LIFX, Philips Hue, Schlage, Sonos and Yale, with additional partners to be announced at a later date.
“While there are an increasing number of internet-connected devices in the marketplace, security cameras are often viewed as the core of the smart home. Seeing a need to help consumers streamline the way they control their Arlo products and other smart home devices, we set out to create a solution designed to grow as our users expand their ecosystem,” said Pat Collins, senior vice president of Arlo products. “The ‘Works with Arlo’ program not only assures users that certified products will integrate with their Arlo system, but also allows for simplified smart home management through one central interface – the Arlo app.”
When creating a smart home ecosystem comprised of “Works with Arlo” devices, automated events can be created within the Arlo app to execute various repetitive tasks. For example, connected devices can cross-trigger one another, enabling Arlo to secure a user’s home for the night by arming the outdoor cameras, locking doors and turning off lights. If any one of the connected devices detects unusual activity that deviates from the user’s settings or automated events, the Arlo app will immediately deploy an alert to the user’s smartphone, allowing them to take action.
The Arlo SmartHub will power the “Works with Arlo” program by serving as the nucleus of the smart home. Engineered with ArloRF™, a proprietary two-way radio frequency technology, the SmartHub provides Arlo devices with extended battery life and superior long-range wireless coverage, enabling hassle-free communication between the SmartHub and Arlo devices. In the second half of 2019, the SmartHub will also become Zigbee and Z-Wave capable2. This compatibility will allow Arlo users to control a wide-range of “Works with Arlo” certified third-party smart home devices via the Arlo app, giving them one central monitoring and controlling touchpoint for a simplified smart home experience.
When third-party devices complete the compatibility program, Arlo validates the product with a “Works with Arlo” badge to assure users that the device is compatible with the Arlo SmartHub and Arlo app. On an ongoing basis, products will be continually audited based on product star ratings, customer feedback, service latency and device cloud up-time.
If you enjoyed this article and want to receive more valuable industry content like this, click here to sign up for our digital newsletters!
