Real Estate Investor Magazine South Africa February 2016 | Page 50

SECURITY

Home and Business Security

in the 21st Century
Protecting your house and business
from any and all threats

H

ome security is an evolving industry. In order
to meet the needs of concerned homeowners,
the home security service industry has to
provide new and improved services to combat growing
threats. Furthermore, home security providers are
constantly on the lookout for ways in which they can
set themselves apart from their competitors.
Here are some of the most important emerging
trends in home security for the upcoming year.

Smart House Security

The term “smart house” is a relatively recent one, coined
to cover a wide spread of home automation functions
that have sprung up over the last few years. At root, just
about any building that allows a resident to digitally
control or program electronic appliances or devices.
Smart houses have only recently begun to truly become
widespread, however, and home security is rushing to
catch up.
Security cams, motion detectors, and similar devices
are connected into a smart house format, allowing
residents to use them remotely and in concert with
other appliances. For example, an “end of day” program
might turn off lights; activate fans, lock doors, and arm
motion detectors, all with a single command.
While smart security is still in its infancy, it will only
continue to grow.

Increased Integration of Smart Phones

As security camera use has become more prominent,
it also makes sense that Smartphone use for home
security has also increased. It’s incredibly convenient to
check an app to control your home alarm system.
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FEBRUARY 016 SA Real Estate Investor

You can view live camera footage, monitor the
system’s activity and status, and more. And as new
technology and equipment comes out, functionality is
sure to be implemented into the app as well, adding
further value.
Even more advanced options are also starting to
emerge. The Goji, for example, doesn’t just act as a
smart lock, it takes pictures of visitors, then sends those
on to you as real time alerts.
It’s a trend that fits nicely with the drive toward
smart houses. Both will likely integrate more and more
completel