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Within the next five years, 60 percent of U.S. homes will have a smart security system, according to a recent survey. Thats second to only connected thermostats, which will be found in 70 percent of homes. Lots of companies want to carve themselves a slice of that smart-home pie, and surveillance seems like a safe bet.

Until the rise of the DIY home security kit, cameras and motion sensors were generally within the purview of large companies that wanted to sell you the components and then charge you a monthly fee to monitor your home and they want to keep charging you. Companies such as ADT sign up users for a three-year contract, and this is a recipe for unhappy customers, Chris Carney tells Digital Trends. As a former director of finance at ADT, he grew frustrated during his 15 years there with the way the company addressed, or failed to address, customer needs. There would be talk but little action. I realized toward the end of my career there the industry and the company as a whole really didnt innovate off of what they were selling, both product and solution, to people, he says.

Related:MIT research may revolutionize structural engineering with a camera that sees sound

For the past 18 months, Carney has been working with a team to develop his own security system, Abode. I basically started Abode to eliminate all those pain points for people and really give a customer control of their system and their solution and really make something simple and seamless, he says.

The starter kit comes with the Gateway hub, two door or window contact sensors, a key fob, and a motion-sensing camera. Theres an optional streaming camera, as well. Built with infrared technology, the motion-detector camera is calibrated to ignore pets (and presumably children) under 60 pounds. Your cat wont set it off, but neither will your Dennis-the-Menace-esque neighbor. The hub is equipped with a battery and 3G cellular backup, in case your power goes out or Internet fails. Much like similar DIY systems, users can monitor everything themselves with the included app (iOS, Android, Web). Should something activate the sensor or camera, youll receive an alert on your phone, and you can check whether its just your spouse getting home early or an actual emergency. But if somethings going down, youll have to be the one to alert the police.

For those who want someone to dial 911 for them, Abode will offer a $30-per-month professional monitoring option. A third-party company will keep an eye on things for you, but if you get an alert from the camera and notice the robot vacuum just knocked over a houseplant, you should be able to call in the false alarm. The monitors wont have access to your streaming camera, unless you grant them permission while youre on vacation, for example. Its truly kind of a an on-demand service, says Brent Franks, Abodes co-founder. If you want to pick up the professional monitoring for a month during your trip then let it drop again, you can do so.

In addition to that optional service, what separates Abode from similar systems is its security and its openness, claim its creators. Every component of the system is fully encrypted, says Carney. Yet the Gateway will still serve as a hub for your smart home, as it works with Zigbee and Z-Wave devices. While the Abode is already ready to integrate with your Nest, the team is still making sure everything else will play as nicely. What were going to be very careful about is that its easy to add these things and integrate with some of these things, says Carney, but the key is to really get the control right on those devices. So it may act a certain way on its own, but we want to make sure to test and certify these things ourselves to make sure they work.

Despite all the planned integration, dont expect to see Abode locks or lights on the market soon. For us, we want to be the first smart security platform, Carney says.

In order to do that, Abode has turned to Kickstarter. The starter kit is going for $199. Thats $200 off its retail price, which the team thinks is more accessible than traditional systems, with the added benefit of automation.

The things that were working on really allow the customer to not only experience real security out of the gate but define the things that make their life simpler, says Franks.

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An ADT exec went rogue and created Abode, a contract-free security system

Sunnyvale, CA (PRWEB) April 01, 2015

iSmart Alarm, Inc., the US-based company revolutionizing DIY Home Security products, today announced the iSmartAlarm IFTTT Channel. The new IFTTT Channel allows iSmartAlarm to immediately and easily communicate with such IFTTT mainstays as Facebook, Nest Thermostat and Nest Protect, SmartThings, Google Drive, WeMo, and more. Users can also set schedules and rules, with almost unlimited options.

iSmartAlarm products offer users advanced smart home control, security and automation using their iPhone or Android devices at a fraction of the cost of traditional security companies. The company's flagship product is the iSmartAlarm, putting a 21st century spin on traditional security systems by offering a self-monitored, self-controlled home security system that is designed to be expandable, mobile and DIY, with no wiring necessary. There are no contracts and no monthly fees for customers Families and individuals can use and expand the system with ease.

IFTTT is a San Francisco based company founded in 2010 on a mission to change the way people make connections between services and devices they use every day. IFTTT allows devices and apps to communicate with each other through Recipes created by users and companies. Over 19 million Recipes have been created so far and they run more than 600 million times per month.

The iSmartAlarm IFTTT Channel is a wonderful opportunity to expand compatibility with devices and apps," said Raymond Meng, CEO and Co-Founder, iSmart Alarm, Inc. Customers and users constantly come up with new ideas and ways for their iSmartAlarm to benefit them and their families, and IFTTT allows them to put those ideas into action immediately.

Examples of iSmartAlarm Recipes:

The HD iCamera KEEP streaming and video-recording home security camera, with free automatic video storage, provides comprehensive home visibility with no monthly fees and no contracts. The motorized unit allows for wide range pan-tilt, IR lights provide high resolution night vision, and the system allows multi-iCamera support for comprehensive visibility and control. The Smart Switch allows iSmartAlarm users to control lights, electronics, and appliances. These products and services are part of the continued growth of the iSmartAlarm home control ecosystem, offering users a new level of control, security, and connectivity, allowing anyone to monitor, manage, and secure their home, property and family using their iPhone or Android devices.

About iSmart Alarm, Inc. iSmart Alarm, Inc. was founded in Silicon Valley in 2012 on the principles of safety, beauty, and intelligence. They designed and developed the best smartphone-enabled DIY smart home security and home control systems, winning multiple app and design awards. With high ratings and awards from CNet, PC Mag, TechHome, SecurityGem, and others, the iSmartAlarm continues to grow as a leader in the home automation space. Their products are cool, simple to use, and affordable to everyone.

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iSmart Alarm, Inc. Expands Internet of Things with IFTTT Channel for the iSmartAlarm Home Security System

DUBLIN, Mar. 30, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --Research and Markets

(http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/g72dw7/home_automation) has announced the addition of the "Home Automation Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2014 - 2020" report to their offering.

Global home automation market was valued at USD 4.41 billion in 2014, growing at a CAGR of 26.3% from 2014 to 2020.

This market research study analyzes the home automation market on a global level, and provides estimates in terms of revenue (USD million) from 2014 to 2020. It recognizes the drivers and restraints affecting the industry and analyzes their impact over the forecast period. Moreover, it identifies the significant opportunities for market growth in the coming years.

With technological advancements in several developing countries across the globe, home automation solutions are evolving continuously. Modern day home automation solutions utilize high end digital technology for providing better performance and efficiency. Home automation systems refer to all such systems, whether used as a single application or as integrated solutions that are used to automate processes. They are electricity powered and are manually controlled (such as turning on the AC, dimming lights, managing entrance gate and cameras, operating smart appliances in a house, and so on.

The home automation market is primarily driven by growing need for effective solutions in various domestic applications such as lighting, safety and security, energy management, entertainment (audio and video) and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning). High degree of internet connectivity and penetration in developed countries such as the U.S., the U.K., France, and Germany is also contributing to the growth of home automation market globally. Safety and security was the highest revenue generating application segment in 2013.

Factors such as rising awareness towards energy conservation and ability to manage energy consumption through automation technologies primarily influence market growth. Smartphone based home automation solution is also observing a significant growth in demand. Increasing usage of smartphone based home automation apps is also contributing to the growth of overall home automation market globally.

North America led the home automation market in 2014 and the region is expected to continue its dominance in 2020. The region's dominance is due to advancement in technology in countries such as the U.S. and Canada. Moreover, consumer awareness and affinity towards new technology is further contributing to the growth of home automation market in North America. Europe and Asia Pacific followed North America in the global home automation market to collectively account for more than forty percent of the global market revenue share.

Scope of the Report

Home Automation Market: By application

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Global Home Automation (Lighting, Safety & Security, HVAC, Entertainment & Others (Robots, Healthcare)) Market Report ...

(WOIO) - Alarm systems are supposed to keep you safe, but they also may make you a target for scammers. A woman wants to warn others after her elderly father-in-law was duped by con men who claimed he needed to update his home security system.

William Burnette said he feels safe in his home, but a recent knock at the door rattled his nerves. Men showed up claiming to be with his alarm company, but he later found out, none of it was true.

"Be careful who you let in your house," the 85-year-old said.

The men at the door claimed they were there to upgrade his existing system.

"What they were actually doing is taking the system I had out and putting their system in," he explained.

By the time he realized he had been fooled, the men had already ripped out his alarm system and installed their own. When his daughter-in-law, Susan, got word of what happened, she quickly started working to fix what had happened.

"From what I understand, this is a scamthat is done, especially with the elderly. Companies ride around the neighborhood and look for signs in the front yard for an alert system," Susan Burnette said.

Those con artists not only took out Burnette's system, they also got him to sign a contract. He had no clue what was going on.

His family hopes his story will be a warning to other seniors.

"Beware of signing any contracts if you are not sure about the company. Make sure you protect your identity and that you alert other people to this," Susan Burnette said.

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Consumer Alert: Scammers targeting home security systems

Frederick, MD (PRWEB) April 01, 2015

A new home energy savings solution developed with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is now available for the first time to many homeowners in central Maryland and southern Pennsylvania. Aeroseal is a breakthrough technology developed at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory that is 95% effective at sealing air duct leaks a major source of energy loss that is estimated to plague 90 percent of homes and buildings in the U.S. today. Earlier this year, Holtzople Heating & Air Conditioning became one of the first licensed Aeroseal service providers in the area, making the breakthrough technology available for the first time to many local homeowners.

According to independent studies, most U.S. homes lose between 30% and 50% of heating and cooling air through leaks in the duct system. Aeroseal seals these leaks through a unique process that locates and seals the leaks from the inside of the ductwork. Aeroseals impact on reducing home energy loss is so significant that it has been rated the single most effective means for increasing home energy efficiency in most homes today about twice as effective as insulating the basement and more than five times more effective than upgrading windows.

Before Aeroseal technology, leaky ducts could only be sealed using sealing tape or applying a compound directly to the exterior of the duct where each leak was located. In contrast, Aeroseal is applied as a non-toxic mist that travels throughout the interior of a homes entire duct system. The microscopic particles of sealant locate and collect around the leaks until a permanent airtight seal is created.

Its kind of like Fix-A-Flat for your heating and cooling system, said Jerred Holtzople, Owner of Holtzople Heating & Air Conditioning. Since it works from the inside of your duct work, it easily fixes all leaks even those hidden behind walls and under insulation. The entire process usually takes us just a few hours to complete and the results are immediate.

Aeroseal was selected as Popular Sciences Invention of the Year and was recently named to the U.S. Department of Energys Top 100 Inventions of the last 23 years. The technology was recently acquired by Aeroseal LLC., a company dedicated to making the technology available to home owners throughout the United States.

About Aeroseal Technology First developed in 1994 by researchers at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and funded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), The Department of Energy (DOE) and others, Aeroseal technology provides a highly effective method for sealing leaky ductwork in residential homes and commercial buildings. The Aeroseal process has proven to be the most effective, affordable and viable method of sealing leaky ductwork. More than 100,000 homes throughout the U.S. have been treated with Aeroseal.

About Holtzople Heating & Air Conditioning: Holtzople Heating and Air Conditioning is a division of Holtzople's Incorporated, a family owned and operated HVAC company in Frederick, MD. The company provides complete installation, repair and preventive maintenance agreements for residential oil and gas furnaces, boilers, heat pumps and air conditioning systems.

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Latest Home Energy Savings Solution by Aeroseal Now Available to Central Maryland & Southern Pennsylvania Homeowners

Indianapolis, Indiana (PRWEB) March 31, 2015

Williams Comfort Air knows people dont like waiting for a repair visit when their home comfort is at stake. In order to expedite the repair and make the visit fit into the customers schedule, a new online scheduling service promises to provide fast, quality repair at requested times.

To take advantage of the service, residential and commercial customers in the Indianapolis area can visit http://williamscomfortair.com/services-maintenance/schedule-online/, fill out the required fields, and request two preferred appointment times. As an added incentive, online scheduling customers receive a 10% discount on repairs and a free plumbing inspection.

For more information about Williams Comfort Air or to learn more about Indianapolis cooling and heating services, residents are encouraged to visit http://williamscomfortair.com/.

About Williams Comfort Air Williams Comfort Air and Metzlers Mr. Plumber have been serving the Indianapolis area for six decades: Williams Comfort Air since 1966 and Metzlers Mr. Plumber since 1946. Our team is homegrown from our owners to our 90+ team members and committed to our clients and community. We have 65 lime green trucks on the move around Indy, Carmel, Fishers, Zionsville, Noblesville, Westfield, Avon, Brownsburg, Greenwood, Lapel and many other Central Indiana towns.

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Williams Comfort Air Launches Online Scheduling Tool to Indianapolis-Area Home and Business Owners

Dallas, Texas (PRWEB) March 31, 2015

As a family owned and operated HVAC company, Metro Express Service knows the value of a good teacher when it comes to raising their children. In an effort to thank local area educators for their instrumental service to the community, Metro Express Service is launching a special Educator Discount Program so that during the summer, all area teachers can be too cool for school.

We support the hard work our DFW teachers and educators put in to help our children get a head start in life, says Metro Express Service.

Starting now, any teacher or educator in the Dallas Fort Worth area can present their teacher identification card and reference the code TEACH10 for 10% off any HVAC service. For more information, educators are encouraged to visit https://www.mes-ac.com/discount-landing-page/index.html.

To learn more about the services offered for heating and cooling Dallas, homeowners can visit https://www.mes-ac.com/.

About Metro Express Service Metro Express Service was founded in 1987 and is the premier choice for HVAC services in the Dallas and Fort Worth area. We specialize in providing quality heating and air services including: air conditioning and heating installation, repair and maintenance, heat pumps, furnaces, duct cleaning, and insulation. Our contractors licensed, insured and receive extensive training.

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Metro Express Service Launches Educator Discount Program to DFW Teachers

BLOOMINGTON The last couple weeks have been like Christmas morning for Danny Rice.

Rice, circulation and outreach services supervisor for Bloomington Public Library, beams like a kid with a new toy as he climbs into the front seat of the new Bookmobile that will hit the streets April 13.

BPL's 1999 Bookmobile will be put out to pasture, replaced by a $250,000 vehicle funded 80 percent by the library and 20 percent by Golden Prairie Public Library District, a collection of townships that pay to use BPL services and donated additional money to help buy the vehicle.

The new Bookmobile comes with a bunch of improvements, including on-board wireless Internet, better heating and cooling systemsand a backup camera. But Rice, a driver for two years, is most excited about what it shouldn't have: electrical issues that led to canceled stops and extra repair costs.

"It still serves us well when it works correctly, but it's time to move on," he said of the previous Bookmobile that recently crossed 100,000 miles."This will be less expensive because of fewer maintenance issues."

Rice hopes the new vehicle and increasing public awareness will make Bookmobile service more popular than ever. It currently averages about 25 patrons per stop the vehicle visits each stop every three weeks for between 45 and 90 minutes, most for about an hour.

The basics of the operation will stay the same with the new vehicle: six BPL employees will take turns driving the Bookmobile around those 40 locations across Bloomington and in Arrowsmith and Ellsworth, serving as a librarian while it's stopped. A full schedule is available on the library website.

The new vehicle also has about the same capacity as its predecessor. It will be stocked with about 6,500 books, magazines, Blu-ray movies, DVD's and video games selected from BPL's most popular and available for checkout, and it will deliver other items patrons have put on hold online.

Rice said there's a perception the Bookmobile is intended for children the 1999 model has a rainbow of colors painted on the side, versus clean gray, green and blue stripes for the new one or for people who can't afford the time or money to go to the library. But he said any patron is welcome.

"It has less to do with finances and more with convenience," he said of why patrons visit the vehicle that has been on the street in some form since 1930. "If the Bookmobile is two blocks from your house, it's easier than driving 20 minutes downtown."

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On a roll: New Bookmobile to hit streets April 13

Handyman in Ohio - Winnen Handyman Services
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Handyman in Ohio - Winnen Handyman Services - Video

Evansville Handyman - Local Services For Electrical, Plumbing, Roof, Kitchen, small repairs
Local Handyman Pros (1) Serving the Evansville Area. (866) 462-0824 Show Banner Handyman Services WebsiteMore Info 1. Evansville Handyman Services (2) TIARA LnEvansville, IN 47711 (812) ...

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Evansville Handyman - Local Services For Electrical, Plumbing, Roof, Kitchen, small repairs - Video