Taken from Europa Press
360-degree mobile cameras, smart keys, various types of detectors, and services for protecting yourself outside your home are just some of the technologies and trends shaping home security. The alarm sector is constantly evolving, offering cutting-edge technology to suit all kinds of needs and budgets.
In this regard, the experts from Movistar Prosegur Alarmas, the joint venture created by Telefónica and Prosegur to lead the development and growth of this sector in Spain, explain which technologies are making homes or premises safer against possible robberies or squatting.
A good security system should include a communication panel that allows "direct and effective" contact with the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) in case of an emergency, detectors that activate if there is an intrusion, warning signs that alert to the presence of an alarm on the property and, fundamentally, a siren that warns in case of robbery, the company explains.
High-resolution cameras and mobile control
However, there are technological devices and innovations that will make this security even better. One example is 360° mobile cameras, which allow you to record high-resolution video of your home so you can see what's happening inside whenever you want. This way, you not only have a real-time view of your home, but you can also communicate with other members of the household through the camera.
These cameras are at the forefront of technology with intelligent recognition, allowing them to differentiate between people and pets, as well as sounds. According to Movistar Prosegur Alarms, 52 percent of customers with a security system add these cameras to enhance their service.
The challenge lies in making these cutting-edge technologies accessible to the majority of the population. "Companies specializing in the alarm sector have adapted their offerings to meet new demands and promote the democratization of this service in Spain," explains Ignacio Aller, CCO of Movistar Prosegur Alarms.
Motion detectors and smart keys
Experts warn that any access point becomes a vulnerable target for thieves. Therefore—and especially in large homes, ground-floor apartments, or low-rise buildings—it is "vital to ensure that all these points of entry are equipped with detectors that will alert you in case of intrusion." Thus, motion detectors become essential components when installing an alarm system for almost 40 percent of users.
The brand explains that there are different types of detectors that effectively secure the home. For example, magnetic detectors are activated when a door or window is opened and are the most well-known, while detectors with cameras are usually placed at the entrance of the house or in the living room to detect movement, sending a video clip to the Alarm Receiving Centre so that the intrusion can be verified.
Another area where security companies are focusing is on making alarms smart, since sometimes haste can lead to forgetting to activate the alarm. In this regard, Movistar Prosegur Alarms has a system based on arming and disarming patterns, which alerts the user if they have forgotten to arm their alarm at a time when they usually activate it.
There are also options like the 'smart key' for those who don't want to be constantly checking their mobile phone, allowing them to arm and disarm the alarm system effortlessly. In this case, the company offers its customers five smart keys that arm and disarm the alarm system simply by passing them over the keypad, without having to remember the security code.
Geolocation to stay safe even when you're away from home
Geolocation is also becoming a great ally in the field of security, since situations arise outside the home where having a security system can make all the difference. According to data provided by Movistar Prosegur Alarmas, 73 percent of the population considers that one of the greatest benefits of having an alarm system is that it can protect them against robberies or assaults on the street.
Along these lines, the company offers ContiGo, a service designed for use by any family member. If a user encounters an emergency, they simply press the SOS button in the app. The device is then geolocated, and the camera and microphone are automatically activated, recording a video so the Alarm Receiving Centre can verify the incident and, if necessary, send an alert to emergency services with the mobile phone's location.
Finally, technology can help in less common situations, such as power outages or alarm jamming. An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) becomes an essential component of a security service, providing a backup battery and dual communication channels: mobile line (the communication system between the alarm and the central monitoring station) and IP line (via the customer's ADSL connection). In the event of jamming, the alarm can continue sending images to verify the incident and alert the police if necessary.
“Having peace of mind at our fingertips is the present and the future of security. At Movistar Prosegur Alarms, we understand the importance of feeling safe anywhere and in any situation. That's why our technology has everything necessary to offer security and peace of mind, both inside and outside our homes, with an offering that guarantees the democratization of the service,” Aller concludes.
