UPDATED 09:31 EST / OCTOBER 28 2013

11 brands you can trust for home automation

There are countless home automation solutions hitting the market these days, emerging in an interesting niche for tech savvy home owners.  That leaves service providers in quite a quandary, where new brands tend to market the hardest through online outlets like crowdfunding sites and social networks, and traditional brands have yet to go fully mainstream with their solutions, still testing the waters.

You may be surprised to learn how many of your most familiar brands are at least offering home automation solutions in select markets, few advertising on television and in magazines.  So we’ve round up the home automation solutions from the top brands you know and love, as we anticipate it’s these brands that push the Industrial Internet into the mainstream market.  Aiding with awareness and education, familiar brands will put consumers at ease as we transition into the Internet of Things era.

6 Familiar Brands with Home Automation Kits

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  • AT&T DigitalLife

AT&T offers two packages for its DigitalLife home solution: the Simple Security package, which costs $149.99 for the equipment and $29.99 per month, and the Smart Security package at $39.99 per month plus the equipment fee of $149.99.

The difference between the two packages is that the Smart Security package can be improved with home automation solutions such as a water package which monitors leaks and controls water consumption, energy package which allows you to remotely control lights and temperature, a door package which allows you to remotely lock and unlock your door, and a camera package that lets you see real-time video feed of your home.

  • GE Home Automation products

GE offers individual products for home automation, it doesn’t offer packages with monthly bills.  GE’s home automation portfolio features the motion activated and motion tracking security lights starting at $29.99, lighting control kits starting at $29.99, Choice Alert which includes sensors and alarms starting at $34.99, and other home automation kits such as a monitoring package.

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  • Comcast Xfinity

Comcast offers both home automation and security solutions for your home with its Xfinity packages.  Its basic starter pack costs $99.95 and includes one hub, and one indoor/outdoor camera.  It allows you to slowly turn your home into a smart one without breaking your bank.

As you get more familiar with the system, you can start adding more gadgets like door and window sensors, a thermostat, and lightning controllers.  Or you can choose any of the Xfinity Home-Secure packages that offers both home automation and security, starting at $39.95 a month.

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  • Lowes Iris

Do-it-yourself home improvement provider Lowes also offers home automation and security solutions.  Lowes now has Iris Smart Home Products such as the Safe and Secure Kit, which allows you to monitor and control your system from your smartphone, computer or tablet; the Comfort and Control Kit which allows you to monitor and control lights and thermostat from your smartphone, computer or tablet; and the Smart Kit which allows you to monitor and control your whole-home management system.  Kit price starts at $179 and you can add more home automation and monitoring devices to suite your home.

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  • Time Warner’s Intelligent Home

Starting at $33.99 per month, Time Warner’s Intelligent Home offers a basic package that includes a touchscreen, two wireless door/window sensors, a wireless motion detector, and a yard sign and window decals.  This will allow you to monitor your home even when you are not at home as it allows remote access using your mobile device or the web app.

You can add other devices such as a smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, flood/water detector, thermostat, lamp and appliance adapters, indoor/outdoor cameras and more.

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  • Belkin WeMo

Belkin WeMo is the company’s line of home automation solutions which includes smart switches, motion detectors, and cameras.  It allows you to remotely control appliances, check on your home when you are away, and get alerted when there is movement in your home when it is supposed to be empty.  WeMo kits start at $49.99.

Top 5 Best Home Automation + Security Systems

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The name brands listed above are certainly playing an important role in educating the average consumer about the promise of smart homes. But if you want the best of the best when it comes to home automation solutions, here are the Top 5:

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  • Vivint

Vivint offers three security models: the Home Security, Energy Management, and Home Automation.  The Home Security package starts at $49.99 a month and it includes a touchscreen panel, remote internet and smartphone access, window sensors, door sensors, key fob, glass break detector, motion detector, smoke alarm, carbon monoxide alarm.

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  • ADT Pulse

ADT offers a range of security offerings, as well as fire protection, and other alarm monitoring services for residential and office use.  Its basic security package costs $36.99 a month while ADT Pulse package, the home automation package, costs $53.99 a month.

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  • FrontPoint Security

FrontPoint Security offers 100 percent wireless and 100 percent cellular connections, using GE Security wireless sensors and control panels, to ensure that the security network is constantly connected to its Monitoring Center since phone lines can easily be cut by home invaders.

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  • Protect America

Using GE’s Wireless Security System, Protect America offers 100 percent wireless security protection.  For $19.99 a month you get 24/7 monitoring, interactive features, lifetime replacement parts guarantee, free EasyMove moving kit.  Protect America knows that not all houses are the same so its clients can easily customize or add features and sensors their home needs.  Plus it comes with a free app that allows you see a live video feed of your home, arm and disarm alarm remotely or view the status of your alarm remotely, and even control connected appliances and lights on the go.

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  • LifeShield Security

Starting at $29.99 a month, LifeShield Security offers home monitoring which includes one internet ready base, one console, two door and window sensors, and one wireless keychain remote, plus 24/7 professional alarm monitoring and free interactive and remote monitoring.

There are also other packages, like the Gold package which, aside from the basic features, includes additional door and window sensors, a pet-friendly motion sensor, a fire detector and free fire monitoring for 35.99 a month.  And the Platinum Plus package includes all the perks of the Gold package, plus a wireless video camera and video monitoring for $40.99 a month.


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