Abode’s cheap DIY home security kit adds HomeKit

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Abode Smart Security Kit gets you started
The starter Abode Smart Security Kit now works with Apple’s home-automation system.
Photo: Abode

Abode’s do-it-yourself home security system just gained support for Apple HomeKit. With this software update, the Smart Security Kit can be controlled via Siri commands, and an iPhone or other Apple device will be notified when sensors detect a window or door is opened, or there’s movement in the house.

There are only a few security systems with support for Apple’s home automation system, so the addition of Abode’s offering significantly increases the options.

And this company recently made its Iota home security hub HomeKit compatible also. This includes a camera, while the basic Smart Security Kit is made up of a motion sensor and door/window sensor.

“With Iota, our all-in-one solution, Abode was the first DIY home security company to achieve HomeKit compatibility, and with that came a promise to our customers that we would add HomeKit compatibility and functionality across all of our security kits,” said Chris Carney, CEO and founder of Abode. “With this update, we continue  to fulfill that promise so that all Abode users will have access to the convenience, privacy and security that comes with HomeKit and the added peace of mind provided by their Abode security system.”

More about the Smart Security Kit with HomeKit

An Abode firmware update going live today gives Smart Security Kit users the ability to enroll their system into the Home app on a compatible Apple device.

Thereafter, iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and HomePod users can arm or disarm their security system, and receive notifications of motion events, as well as door/window open or close events triggered by Abode sensors.

In addition to a key fob, a single movement detector and a window/door sensor, the $179 Smart Security Kit starter bundle includes a hub with a 93db siren. This can connect to up to 160 sensors. Additional sensors are sold separately.

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