Latest news with #Vivint
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
50,000 Smoke Detectors Recalled Due to Carbon Monoxide and Fire Risk—See If Yours Is Affected
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has recalled about 50,000 smoke detectors due to a malfunction that may prevent them from alerting consumers to fires and carbon monoxide leaks, posing a potentially deadly risk. The recalled smoke detectors are the Apollo America Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors with model number "51000-600" labeled on the back. On the front of the recalled product states "Replace by" followed by a date ranging from June 2034 to October 2034. The recalled smoke detectors were manufactured and sold for $50 to $100 online, door-to-door, and through telephone sales by Vivint between June 2024 and October 2024. According to the CPSC, there have been no reported injuries or incidents, but these detectors "pose a risk of smoke inhalation, carbon monoxide poisoning or death." If you think you may have the recalled smoke detector, check the information and contact Vivint for a free replacement by calling 800-281-9667, emailing recalls@ or visiting the recall website for a replacement guide. Related: Egg Recall Alert: 1.7 Million Cartons Linked to Salmonella in 9 States Read the original article on Martha Stewart
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
50,000 Smoke Detectors Recalled Due to Fire and Carbon Monoxide Risk
Apollo America Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors are being recalled. The recalled smoke detectors could fail to alert consumers of fire or carbon monoxide. If you have one of the recalled detectors, you can request a free 50,000 smoke detectors are being recalled, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). This is due to a malfunction that can cause failure to alert for fire or smoke, posing a deadly risk. The smoke detectors impacted by this recall are the Apollo America Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors with model number '51000-600' printed on the back. The faulty detectors also contain 'replace by' dates ranging from '2034/June' to '2034/October.' These recalled smoke detectors were sold online at Vivint's website as well as through door-to-door and telephone sales by Vivint from June through October 2024 for between $50 and $100. While no injuries were reported, the CPSC states that these detectors 'pose a risk of smoke inhalation, carbon monoxide poisoning or death.' Check your smoke detector for this recall information, and if it matches, contact the company for a replacement. You can do this by calling Vivint toll-free at 800-281-9667, emailing recalls@ or visiting the recall website for a replacement guide. Read the original article on EATINGWELL
Business Wire
06-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Welcome Home: Vivint Debuts New Brand Identity, Signaling a New Era in Smart Home
LEHI, Utah--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Over the past 25 years, Vivint has grown from a singular focus on home security to pioneering an integrated smart home experience with security at its core. Today's unveiling of a new visual identity represents both an evolution and expansion of that focus, redefining a truly smarter home experience to include smarter energy management. Vivint has earned the trust of millions of customers throughout the U.S. by making it easy to secure, automate and control their homes through a single app experience. The brand's award-winning security products, along with the ability to connect various smart devices to the Vivint system—including thermostats, lighting, and locks—have earned Vivint accolades as the best all-in-one security and smart home platform in the industry. It's from this position that Vivint, now part of NRG (NYSE: NRG), is uniquely able to usher in the era of smarter homes. 'We are entering a rapid phase of innovation, where energy management concerns are beginning to rival security concerns,' said David Porter, Managing Director of Vivint. 'As part of NRG and under new leadership, Vivint is poised to lead this phase and redefine the smart home experience like no one else can. By integrating security and energy management, and making it accessible to millions more homes, we're at the start of an exciting new chapter for our customers and for Vivint.' Building upon a quarter-century of smarter, safer homes Launched in 1999 as a home security solution provider, the company expanded into proprietary smart home and automation services in 2011, marking the transformation with a new name – Vivint. A combination of 'vive,' which means 'to live,' and 'intelligent,' the name exemplified a new dedication to helping customers live safely, intelligently and in harmony with their home and lifestyle. With an average customer tenure of nine years and over 2 million customers in the U.S., Vivint was acquired by NRG, a Fortune 500 energy and home services company, in March of 2023. Known for delivering award-winning customer service, NRG brings innovative, smart energy solutions to millions of homes and businesses in the U.S. and Canada. The company's recent consumer research found that nearly 70% of people want an 'all-in-one' unified smart home management system inclusive of energy management. As part of NRG, Vivint has been able to accelerate its efforts to make this a reality. Recently, Reliant, also an NRG company, announced the Smarter Home Bundle, a joint offer from Vivint and Reliant that enables customers to start their smarter home journey. Qualifying current and new Reliant customers receive a free Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro and Vivint Smart Thermostat paired with complimentary white-glove installation to ensure everything is perfectly set up from day one. Reliant customers enrolled in the Smarter Home Bundle will also have access to an exclusive Vivint app experience that provides personalized energy insights powered by Reliant alongside seamless control of Vivint smart home devices – all in one place. A new look for a trusted partner Vivint's brand updates include a new logo thoughtfully crafted to emphasize the focus on the home and what it means to live intelligently. The wordmark carries the familiarity of the prior identity but with a more approachable and human touch, and the new home icon conveys the idea of intelligence coming into the home and represents the brand's unique approach that has brought peace of mind for millions of families. Together, they create a more ownable identity that captures the essence of what it feels like to live in a smarter home. The company's refreshed color scheme also reflects that same shift while remaining true to the iconic palette that has become a staple in the yards and homes of millions of Americans. These colors not only shape the brand's visual identity but serve an important functional purpose within the Vivint system and are prevalent in the products and app experience. The full palette evokes growth, vision, and optimism while creating a warm, inviting, and gentle vibe that makes people feel welcome and at ease. Unchanged with the new brand identity is the company's commitment to white-glove professional installation and service, award-winning customer support and monitoring, and end-to-end control of its products, systems, and customer experiences. About Vivint Vivint, an NRG company, is a leading U.S. smart home company redefining the home experience through intelligent products and services that help millions of customers live in smarter, safer, more efficient homes. Vivint's integrated platform combines security, energy management, and automation, delivering a fully connected experience with a human touch that offers customers greater control of homes, anytime, from anywhere. Every Vivint system includes professional installation and personalized setup from Vivint home experts, plus award-winning 24/7 customer support and monitoring. For more information, visit
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Best Home Security Systems of 2025
A home security system may not seem necessary, but it keeps your house safe. It includes security cameras as well as smart doorbells and motion sensors. Choosing the best home security system can be overwhelming with so many options available. Our experts have tested systems from Ring, SimpliSafe, Arlo and more to help you make the choice. The difference between security systems and security cameras is that home security cameras are standalone devices that excel at video, motion detection and two-way audio, sometimes connecting to hubs for expansion. Security systems, on the other hand, primarily use door/window sensors, motion detectors and glass-break sensors that you arm or disarm, with cameras being optional rather than essential. We've tested systems for more than 180 hours and nothing beats SimpliSafe's starter kit as the top choice for the average homeowner. It's incredibly DIY friendly while also offering robust monitoring plans for those who want them. Our other options include kits for every kind of house. If you want a modular security kit you can easily build out over a couple of years, Vivint is your best choice. We also have an excellent self-install option with Ring Alarm -- which doesn't require a contract and has a relatively affordable subscription plan -- plus more picks for gifts, excellent existing smart home support and many other needs. We've tested the SimpliSafe system several times and most recently gave it a review score of 8.5 out of 10, one of our highest ratings for a home security system. If you're looking for home security -- without all the extra Wi-Fi and smart home integrations of the Ring Alarm kit -- SimpliSafe's easy-to-install, easy-to-use DIY system is a great option. It offers a comprehensive set of features, including equipment like security cameras and a very good mix of battery-powered motion detection sensors, all of which performed reliably well in our tests. Starter kits begin at $250 without sales (though right now several kits are on sale), or you can build a custom alarm system with the exact mix of devices you need. The security company's monitoring plans start at $10 a month, but you'll almost certainly want to spring for the $30-a-month professional monitoring service plan, which adds in things like 24/7 live guard protection, whole home monitoring, instant app alerts and faster response times. In all, it's one of the best choices for homeowners looking for their first smart home security kit as it is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, and the frequent deals (currently 50% off for some first-time buyers) make it even better. See at SimpliSafe Vivint gives you a super-polished experience with third-party device integrations and it doesn't require a contract. The starter package includes only a touchscreen and a couple of sensors, but Vivint works well with voice assistants like Google Assistant and Alexa and supports a wide array of additional Vivint and third-party devices (see our full review for more). That's great news if you'd like to add a compatible smart garage door, video doorbell or security camera system, but on your terms and timing. You can also adjust your budget based on what you'd like to buy now and purchase later. Vivint is the only brand with this approach, but it has one of the best offerings to begin with a starter kit and build from there. With monthly monitoring ranging from $30 to $45 a month, it's more affordable than a subscription-like ADT and includes valuable extras like video storage. Unfortunately, these are some of the highest subscription costs on our list. It's becoming less and less common for security brands to charge so much for professional monitoring, but for these systems, if you want the pros to keep an eye on your home, you'll have to pay for it. See at Vivint Thanks to Abode's frequent deals, you can find home starter kits for as low as $100, one of the cheapest options on the market. We suggest going up a step and picking the $280 smart security kit, which adds a motion sensor to the package and expands smart home compatibility to Apple Home/Siri as well as Alexa and Google Assistant. We know it's not easy to find a home security system that works with the Apple Home app, especially at a low price, so Apple fans may be especially pleased. The tidy package is easy to manage once you've found a place for Abode's block hub, and DIYers will appreciate the no-tools installation design (which also makes this a great pick for renters). Even with its big discounts, Abode's system still has important features like battery backups. Abode also has deeply impressive third-party compatibility, supporting integrations with Nest, Yale, Philips Hue, Amazon Echos, Ecobee and more. If you already have smart devices, there's a good chance they'll be supported; check out the full list here. If you're looking for professional monitoring, Abode does offer it with both plans, the Pro plan also includes cellular backup. Plans start at $70 per year, but saves you significant money compared to the most expensive plan. See at Abode Ring offers some excellent home security packages for users who want to take everything into their own hands, from picking out add-ons to choosing just the right spot on the wall. This eight-piece starter kit provides four important sensors, a base station plus a keypad, a motion detector and a range extender for those worried about Wi-Fi. We also like the Pro version of this package, but the second-gen kit is a bit newer and doesn't force you to use the built-in router (we prefer picking out our own routers). Amazon's Ring devices include excellent Alexa support, and DIYers will like the largely intuitive management app (if you've set up any smart devices before, these app controls will come easily to you). In addition to direct controls and sensor notifications, users can also switch between home and away modes on the fly. If you decide to expand, almost any Ring product will be compatible including their security cameras and video doorbells, so it's easy to level up. Two final important notes about choosing Ring: First, in 2024, Ring officially changed its policy on allowing police to directly request user video footage. Now they listen to such requests only in case of a life-or-death emergency, similar to Google and other brands but a noted improvement from their previous stance. Second, while Ring is very DIY-friendly, professional monitoring does require the brand's top-tier subscription for $20 per month. That's lower than some of our other picks but still pricier than a cloud storage plan would be. See at Amazon Arlo's system, which performed very well in our tests, offers something different from most standard security kits: It uses an interesting type of all-in-one sensor that you can set to perform different tasks depending on where you want to put it. It can sensor motion or when a door is opened, monitor temperature, check for leaks and more. With five of them in this package, you can recruit the system to perform a variety of home duties at price lower than nearly any competitor. Arlo's plan is necessary if you want something like professional monitoring or 24/7 emergency response, but you can still get a certain level of functionality for free. It also works very well with devices like the Arlo Doorbell and Arlo's new fob for quickly disarming the system. This is an excellent kit for DIYers who already know what they want out of a home security system but also want the freedom to make changes in the future. See at Amazon When choosing a home security system for your home, you may be tempted to start by deciding between a DIY setup or one that is professionally installed and monitored. When you consider the equipment, installation, monitoring options and other features you want, you'll probably reach a DIY-versus-pro system decision along the way. Here are some more parameters to consider when shopping around for home security systems: Do you just need to keep watch over your entryways? A good video doorbell for your front door and an outdoor camera covering the back may be all you need; easy to install and monitor yourself. If you want to keep closer tabs on your home inside and out with 24/7 monitoring and quick access to emergency response services, you'll want a more robust system. DIY and professional brands offer home security bundles with most, if not all, of the equipment you'd need to get started and the ability to add single devices as needed. Most home security devices are compatible with Alexa and Google Home smart hubs, but if you prefer Apple HomeKit or another smart home ecosystem, you may have to do a bit more shopping and comparing to find a system compatible with your existing smart home devices. Don't fret over compatibility too much as Matter is making it easier to connect previously non-compatible devices (although it hasn't quite come for security cameras yet). Keep in mind all that equipment will need to be installed. While there isn't much to installing a security camera or even a wired video doorbell, whole-home systems can be a bit more demanding to install and set up. Some are DIY-friendly and use adhesive to position devices without leaving permanent marks, but not all systems do this. If you'd rather leave that to an expert and have them walk you through how to use the system, a professional home security service may be the way to go. Virtually all home security systems allow for self-monitoring, likely via an app on your phone. They'll also send you push notifications when there's an event, such as when a package is delivered to your doorstep. Consider whether you want to be in charge of all the monitoring or if you'd like some support. A professional system will come with 24/7 monitoring, but you may be able to add professional monitoring to your DIY system for a fee, depending on the brand you choose. More advanced features, such as facial recognition, glass break sensors and communication with emergency services may not be available from all manufacturers and devices. Consider the level of monitoring you want, and who you want to do it, along with the emergency response options, when choosing a home security system. We listed "cost" last here for a reason. A complete home security system will likely cost you at least a couple of hundred bucks, so be prepared for that. There's the potential to spend lots more on equipment, or a lot less. Also, keep in mind that the size of the system greatly affects the cost. Starter systems like many we listed here typically cost between $150 and $300, and allow you to add other compatible devices over time. Larger systems with 10 devices or more will cost at least several hundred dollars and can go up to $1,000 or more, depending on the tech that's included. Ongoing costs can carry a bit more weight when choosing the best security system. Expect ongoing monthly fees from a professional service and possibly a contract to lock you into those fees for a year or two (although we favored picks without a required contract). Signing a contract may not be ideal, but it may also come with free equipment or installation and lower upfront costs. If you're comfortable with self-monitoring, DIY systems may not come with any ongoing costs. Monthly subscriptions (without a contract) for cloud storage, enhanced features and possibly even professional monitoring are typically an option with DIY systems, often for lower monthly fees than professional services. Always look for a brand that's going to keep your data safe and has a good track record of security, encryption and protection against data breaches. That's not always easy -- many security companies have had issues in the past with breaches, privacy violations or even employees spying through home security cameras. We look at a company's current practices, track record and how they've been improving in the past few years when making recommendations. SimpliSafe is consistently one of the standout performers when it comes to security, which is one reason they earned a top spot on our list. While Ring has had missteps in the past, it's improved in recent years and has even retracted its policy on providing police with video footage, so we feel comfortable recommending Ring at this time. Hands-on testing is core to our evaluations of any home security products. In short, when it comes to the best home security systems, we pay special attention to the user experience, the promised features, reliability and overall value, along with a few other elements. We do the testing in a real home environment over at least a full week. This includes testing sensors at common access points, seeing how systems arm and disarm, and finding out how voice controls and smart device integration work with the app. Along the way, we keep a careful eye on durability and design quality so we avoid recommending any shoddy products. To read more about our review process, check out our in-depth article on how we test home security systems and services. Three trends in particular interest us when it comes to the latest home security developments: Continuing Matter support: As Matter and Thread continue to spread through the smart home, more and more security systems are adopting the new standards, which improve security and allow for more flexible control of systems. It's a slow process, partly because these brands have their own platforms for system management and partly because Matter has taken a long time to release protocols for key parts of home security like video cameras. But it's coming, and Matter support is now something people should be looking for in home security systems. More face recognition: From SimpliSafe to Google Nest and ADT's Trusted Neighbor, more security systems are adopting face recognition as a way to manage access. That means that users can add a profile of faces and let video doorbells or home cameras recognize faces and respond accordingly -- through customized alerts, or by unlocking a smart lock for certain people. Privacy concerns remain about using face profiles, especially outside your family members, but this technology is here to stay and expanding. New integrations and new systems: Long-term brands have begun reviving their product lines with sleeker, faster products. ADT, for example, has released ADT Plus with a new platform and product line, sporting more integrations with Google Nest devices than ever before. SimpliSafe has launched a new guard program that takes more advantage of human and face recognition when using professional monitoring. Brands that aren't launching new versions of their systems are in danger of falling behind the times. Besides the systems above, we've tested many of the top competitors, including Abode Iota, Frontpoint, Kangaroo, Cove and ADT. DIY systems Frontpoint, Cove and Kangaroo all had features to recommend them. Frontpoint's system is reliable, and its hardware is reasonably priced, but its $45 monthly monitoring fee is too expensive. Kangaroo, by contrast, is incredibly wallet-friendly, but its doorbell camera is terrible. Cove Home Security, despite reasonable hardware prices, fell to an overly restrictive subscription model that doesn't allow for self-monitoring or app access without significant monthly fees. ADT, one of the biggest brands we've tested, was broadly disappointing. It's too expensive, requires a contract and the app is clunky. We've also tested AT&T Digital Life, although we've removed the system from consideration since the company stopped installing it for new customers. As for Wyze, we appreciate its excellent budget home security offerings, but we're holding off on recommending it at this time. Wyze has been struggling with frequent security vulnerabilities in recent years, a problem it doesn't seem to have under control. If we see signs that Wyze is making strides in privacy and security, we'll consider its newest systems for our list. Contracts are sometimes required for professional home monitoring or to qualify for free equipment, so service from home security providers like ADT, Vivint and Xfinity may include one. It's usually possible to avoid contracts if you pay upfront and other home security companies like Ring, SimpliSafe and Wyze offer DIY home security solutions that never require one. Arlo and Nest cameras are our top picks for the best home security cameras, but the best one for your home depends on your needs. Be sure to consider price, Wi-Fi connectivity, indoor/outdoor functionality and compatibility with other smart home devices and security services when choosing. Some home security systems come with professional installation, so you can rely on the company to install and set up your system. Others, including many DIY systems, may require self-installation and setup. These systems should come with detailed instructions and are often easy to set up. In most cases, you can simply place or mount the devices where desired, then connect them to your Wi-Fi and other smart home devices (if compatible) via an app. In a home security context, there are two ways to look at "wired" vs. "wireless." The first is power; home security systems require electricity to operate. In that context, a wired system would be one with devices that plug into power and rely on your home's electricity. A fair number of current-gen systems use wireless, battery-powered sensors and battery backups for the base stations that will keep the setup running if the power goes out. You can think of those systems as "wireless" as far as electricity is concerned. There's a second way to look at wired vs. wireless. It concerns connectivity. Every home security system needs to be able to notify you when there's a problem and alert the authorities when there's an emergency. It used to be that systems would notify you with the sound of the alarm and contact authorities via a wired connection to your phone line. Now, most current-gen systems can also notify users of issues with a push alert on their phones. Some will use an internet connection to contact professionals during an emergency. Even then, we'd still consider the system "wired" if you can stop it from operating by cutting your home's internet signal. That's why many systems include built-in cellular connectivity as a backup. Even if the Wi-Fi goes out (or if a tech-savvy intruder disables it), a system like that will still be able to notify you and the authorities of an emergency by way of that cellular connection. Systems like those are "wireless" in the connectivity sense, and if they double down with a battery backup as well, then they're as wireless as home security gets. Some security systems offer all-in-one devices that are meant to be placed in a central location where they can watch everything, although we hesitate to recommend them compared to a whole security system. First, security cameras have come a long way (including two-way audio, motion sensors, audio detection, and smart alerts), so even advanced standalone devices like the Canary Pro offer little that a new security camera doesn't have. You may as well get a home security camera that's compatible with your current system and has the benefits of both. Second, all-in-one devices have motion detectors but they're very poor at monitoring access points like doors or windows, which is where home security systems really shine. We will give a nod to Arlo's interesting all-in-one sensor that detects a whole assortment of household issues, which could save you some money if you're using an Arlo system.
