It couldn't have been easy, competing for attention against the likes of robotic window cleaners, 3-D televisions and refrigerators that send you a text message when you leave the door open. Nevertheless, home security may have stolen the show.
The 2013 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas provided a venue for more than half a dozen security-related exhibits. Companies that unveiled their security breakthroughs included the industry's most recognizable name, ADT, as well as newcomers like Cisco, ATT&T and Lowe's Home Improvement.
The common threads uniting these diverse exhibitors? Interactivity and connectivity.
Remote control for the entire home
The popularity of smartphones and advances in wireless communications continue to set the tone for consumer electronics. In recent years, this combination has also started to change the way consumers look at home security.
In 2010, ADT introduced ADT Pulse℠ Interactive Solutions. This feature allowed customers to access their security alarm systems through a phone or mobile device. Pulse also added home automation to the mix by enabling control of thermostats, locks and lights.
In his article on the debut of Pulse, Andy Greenberg of forbes.com wrote: "Expect more customers than ever to adopt total information awareness on the home front."
Judging by the security showcase at this year's CES, Greenberg's prediction appears to have turned out right on the money.
Security by smartphone
Many of the CES security-related exhibits centered around smartphone-alarm system interfaces, such as VueZone and iSmartAlarm. ATT&T provided an update on the upcoming launch of a home security and automation system called Digital Life.
It's worth noting that, unlike some of their newer competitors, established home security providers don't require self-monitoring. One of the main home security benefits they offer is 24-hour alarm monitoring by trained dispatchers.
ADT's contribution to the show was the announcement of a new wrinkle to the ADT Pulse feature. Through a partnership with Ideal Life, Pulse options will expand to include health monitoring and information technology.
Customers, caregivers and medical providers will have access to real-time monitoring of health and wellness data, such as blood pressure and blood sugar readings.
A place at the high-tech table
The lineup of security exhibits at CES 2013 offers more proof that wireless technology has had a profound effect on electronic security services.
Likewise, this year's Consumer Electronics Show solidifies the security industry's role as a major player in the high-tech market — one that lost-luggage trackers and bite-measuring electronic forks are hard-pressed to upstage.
