Abode Systems today announced the iota, an all-in-one security camera that's designed to offer security and integration with other smart home products.
The iota features a 1080p camera that can be used for home monitoring purposes, along with a built-in gateway that supports Z-Wave, ZigBee, and abode RF for connecting to hundreds of other devices. Native app support is included for many major smart home brands like Nest, ecobee, Philips Hue, and LIFX.
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Included HomeKit compatibility also allows the iota to interface with HomeKit devices, and it's also been designed to work with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Through the accompanying Abode app, users can get detailed alerts and notifications when notable events are recorded by the camera.
Live video streaming is available through the Abode app or through the Home app, and while saving recorded footage beyond three days requires an Abode subscription, in the event of an alarm, clips are automatically uploaded to the Abode timeline regardless of plan. Plans are offered on an on-demand basis and can be purchased in three or seven day increments, with longer monthly and annual plans also available.
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Design wise, the iota is cylindrical in shape and features a black and white fabric-covered design that allows it to blend with most decor. It connects to a home using Wi-Fi or Ethernet, and a built-in battery keeps it powered on for 10 hours even when the power goes out. There's also an option for backup LTE connectivity to make sure that the iota is always connected.
Abode plans to begin selling the iota during the first quarter of 2018 for $329. Existing Abode customers will be able to upgrade to the new iota gateway, with Abode to provide instructions and pricing for doing so at a later date.
Top Rated Comments
Edit: and yes, I know the company is “Abode” and not “Adobe”, but I was trying to be funny, lol.
Its one failing is lack of HomeKit support, and I don't have a live camera (just the still photo battery camera that comes with the base system), so this is pretty appealing as an upgrade without having to replace sensors.
Since the list price for the base system is already $330, if this comes with a couple of door sensors and motion detectors like the existing base does, then it's actually a really good deal--basically adding Homekit support and a live view camera at the same price as the existing system.
The question is, how much is the upgrade going to cost for existing owners. I can't really justify $330, but if it's reasonable enough (maybe with a trade-in of the base you've already got?), I'll probably go for it.
Aside: The Ecobee integration is neat. I can have my alarm automatically set itself and turn off the heater when I leave the house using geofencing, and have it disable itself and turn the heater back on when I'm within a few dozen yards of home.