Your Amazon Echo speaker can now keep an eye on your home while you’re away.
A new feature called Alexa Guard lets your speaker listen for signs of danger while you’re out. If your speaker has a built-in camera, it will also provide a direct video feed into your home.
You can buy all kinds of home security devices that play nicely with Alexa. But you might not need them anymore. With Alexa Guard, your existing Echo devices now double as security monitors.
Here’s how it works.
Alexa Guard for Amazon Echo speakers
Alexa Guard listens for things like breaking glass, smoke alarms, and other noises that might indicate a problem in your home. If it detects a concern, it will notify you with alerts and audio clips.
Alexa Guard can also activate smart lights to make it seem like you’re home. And you’ll be able to see a video feed of your home if your Echo speaker has a built-in camera.
Amazon says the feature isn’t designed to replace home security systems. It won’t sound an alarm or alert the authorities of a break-in. But the basic functions it does provide will certainly help you keep an eye on your home when you’re not there.
Alexa Guard also gives Echo speakers another advantage over rivals from Google and Apple — and it’s completely free.
Alexa Guard is coming soon
The feature will soon be available to Echo owners in the U.S. via a free update. When it arrives, you’ll be able to enable it using the Alexa app on your smartphone.
Remember that you’ll need to activate Alexa Guard every time you leave the house by saying “Alexa, I’m leaving.”
