AT&T Re-Enters Smart Home Market with Connected Life Platform
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Offering a simplified, integrated experience, AT&T’s new smart home security service aims to capitalize on its massive customer base.
AT&T is making a renewed push into the competitive smart home market with the nationwide rollout of Connected Life, a new security platform built in partnership with Google and Abode. The launch comes after the company sunsetted its previous offering, Digital Life, in 2022, a service hampered by reliance on the now-defunct 3G network.
A Second chance at Home Automation
the core promise of Connected Life is simplicity. Instead of navigating a fragmented ecosystem of devices and apps, AT&T aims to provide a streamlined experience. Customers can choose between two kits – the Starter Kit ($11 per month for 36 months, or $399 upfront) and the Advanced Kit ($19 per month for 36 months, or $699 upfront) – directly from the Connected Life website. Both kits include Google Nest smart home products and security sensors, with the Advanced Kit adding a security keypad and a Nest Cam security camera.
According to a company release,the Nest products included are not the most recently launched devices from Google.Setup will utilize both the Connected Life app and the Google home app, with optional professional installation available for those who prefer not to handle a DIY installation.
Leveraging Google’s Ecosystem
google plays a crucial role in the platform’s functionality. The company’s home request programming interface (API) is being leveraged to integrate google’s smart home devices seamlessly into the Connected Life app. Onc configured, users can manage and view livestreams solely through the Connected Life app, offering a unified control center.
Flexible Subscription Options and robust Backup
AT&T is offering two subscription tiers: Essential ($11 per month) and professional ($22 per month). Both provide access to features like 30-day event video history and intelligent alerts. The Professional plan distinguishes itself with a US-based monitoring service from Abode, capable of dispatching police and medical services during emergencies.A key benefit of the Professional plan is the ability to pause monitoring services when not needed,avoiding long-term contractual obligations.
A cornerstone feature of Connected Life, and a holdover from the previous Digital Life service, is Cellular Backup. This ensures continued operation of smart home devices even when home internet service is disrupted, utilizing the user’s smartphone hotspot as a data conduit. A battery backup for the hub further enhances reliability during power outages.While once unique to AT&T, cellular backup is now a common feature in competing systems like those offered by SimpliSafe or ADT.
A Massive Potential Customer Base
A notable advantage for AT&T is its existing customer base. The Connected Life platform is exclusively available to AT&T customers,but the requirement applies to both wireless mobile and home internet subscribers. With 119 million wireless mobile customers and over 10 million fiber home internet customers, AT&T possesses a considerable pool of potential users for its new smart home services.
This re-entry into the smart home market signals AT&T’s commitment to expanding its service offerings and capitalizing on the growing demand for integrated home security and automation solutions.
