![]() The Abode iota Security Kit plays along rather nicely, with the built-in camera, motion sensor, and door/window sensor all being exposed to Apple's platform and the Home app. Of course, being "all-in" with the Apple ecosystem, HomeKit integration is rather important to me and often dictates which accessories make the cut when it comes to entering my home. This is not the case with the iota, as Abode provides all of the critical aspects of security completely free. Paid plans add in nice to have features such as 4g cellular back up that can still alert you to issues at home even when your internet is down, and unlimited warranty coverage for your accessories with an active subscription. This includes self-monitoring through notifications, smart home integrations, unlimited user accounts, and a rolling 3-days of alarm history and recordings.Ībode's professional monitoring plans span 2 tiers, each of which are affordably priced in their own right, but often receive additional discounts through various promotions, such as one for 50% off, that is available at the time of this review. Typically, free plans for smart home accessories often limit access to critical features, essentially making an upgrade to a paid service almost mandatory. Since the iota Security Kit is a DIY alarm system, it can function entirely without the need for a subscription, which is huge in my book. Supports all the things Abode iota Security Kit: What I likeĪbode Wireless Mini Sensor installed on a window (Image credit: Christopher Close / iMore) Just like the keyfob, the Mini sensor enjoys a long battery life of up to 4 years on a coin battery, and when replacement time comes, Abode has made things easy with a velcro mounting tape that includes a cutout for easy access. The Mini Door/Window Sensor is a two-piece contact sensor, that relies on magnets to determine whether or not things are opened or closed. The keyfob runs on a single CR2032 coin battery with an estimated life expectancy of around 6 years. For alarms, a 93-decibel siren is packed in, as well as a microphone for 2-way communication, and an internal rechargeable backup battery that keeps the whole system running even when the power is out.Ībode's keyfob also sports the same two-tone design as the iota hub and has 4 buttons around the back that control the various alarm states. The iota hub is home to tons of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi for home networking, Z-Wave and ZigBee for connecting devices from other manufacturers, and the company's own abodeRF radio that it uses for all of its accessories. Cloud storage for video recordings is available for free, so the memory card is completely optional, and not included. ![]() The iota hub has an ethernet port around the back, which is required for the initial setup, along with a sim card slot (one is pre-installed) and a micro-SD card slot for local video storage. The bottom portion of the iota is covered in a white fabric that gives it a distinct look, and underneath lies a single LED indicator light that glows softly depending on the alarm status. ![]() Hearing the familiar alarm sounds that come along with the simple act of "arming" my home for the night, or while leaving to run errands, provides me with a level of reassurance that has been missing from my life for quite a while, making the kit one of the best additions that I have made to my smart home. ![]() I recently set up the iota Security Kit for my home, and even though my home has just about every type of HomeKit sensor that you can imagine, I really appreciate having a true set of accessories around that are devoted to securing my household. Abode lota (White) at Amazon for $329.99.The Abode iota Security Kit is an affordable, easy to install solution that covers the basics of home security, giving owners the choice on how much they want to invest, both for hardware and for monitoring. ![]() Thankfully, smart home security company Abode recently came through with a long-promised HomeKit integration update, that finally brought a subscription-free alarm system that users could operate entirely through Apple's Home app and Siri. ![]()
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