AT&T is revving up its smart home game with a new platform called Connected Life, now available nationwide. The platform offers a streamlined experience for setting up and managing smart home security systems, thanks to partnerships with Google and Abode.
To get started, AT&T customers can purchase one of two kits - the Starter Kit ($11 per month for 36 months) or the Advanced Kit ($19 per month for 36 months). Each kit includes Google Nest smart home products and security sensors. The Advanced Kit offers more sensors, a security keypad, and a Nest Cam security camera.
However, there's a catch - you need to be an AT&T customer to use the Connected Life platform. And, while it does offer some unique features like cellular backup and professional monitoring services, users can still access their devices through the Connected Life app after canceling their subscription.
The platform leverages Google Home's API to integrate its smart home devices into the Connected Life app, allowing for seamless management of devices. There are two subscription tiers: Essential ($11 per month) or Professional ($22 per month). The Professional plan includes a US-based monitoring service that can dispatch police and medical services during emergencies.
T-Mobile and Verizon don't have all-in-one home security packages like AT&T's Connected Life platform, but there is competition in the market from other companies such as SimpliSafe and ADT.
According to Brian Brower, vice president of new product innovation at AT&T, "Our value prop at AT&T is to bring these things together and make it seamless to our customers." The goal is to simplify smart home setup and make the experience easy for users, without being a hardware player themselves.
To get started, AT&T customers can purchase one of two kits - the Starter Kit ($11 per month for 36 months) or the Advanced Kit ($19 per month for 36 months). Each kit includes Google Nest smart home products and security sensors. The Advanced Kit offers more sensors, a security keypad, and a Nest Cam security camera.
However, there's a catch - you need to be an AT&T customer to use the Connected Life platform. And, while it does offer some unique features like cellular backup and professional monitoring services, users can still access their devices through the Connected Life app after canceling their subscription.
The platform leverages Google Home's API to integrate its smart home devices into the Connected Life app, allowing for seamless management of devices. There are two subscription tiers: Essential ($11 per month) or Professional ($22 per month). The Professional plan includes a US-based monitoring service that can dispatch police and medical services during emergencies.
T-Mobile and Verizon don't have all-in-one home security packages like AT&T's Connected Life platform, but there is competition in the market from other companies such as SimpliSafe and ADT.
According to Brian Brower, vice president of new product innovation at AT&T, "Our value prop at AT&T is to bring these things together and make it seamless to our customers." The goal is to simplify smart home setup and make the experience easy for users, without being a hardware player themselves.
. And those prices for the Starter Kit? $11 a month is pretty steep for some people. Still, it's great to see AT&T partnering with Google and Abode to make smart home security more accessible and user-friendly 
. I just wish there was more flexibility for customers who want to use their devices without being tied to an AT&T plan 
. On the other hand, having professional monitoring services like ADT's can be a game-changer in an emergency situation 
. Overall, it's good competition out there and AT&T seems to be playing it smart 
I mean, who doesn't want to have their smart home security system all in one place? It's like they're speaking my language with the Starter Kit for $11 per month - that's a steal if you ask me! 
And the fact that it integrates with Google Home's API is a total game-changer. I've been struggling to get my Nest devices to work together, and this just makes life so much easier.
That's the kind of peace of mind I want! My grandma lives alone, and it would be a huge relief to know that she's protected. I'm definitely looking into this more - has anyone else tried out Connected Life yet? 
Plus, if I'm being honest, I think it's a bit of a money pit - $11 per month for 36 months just seems like a lot, especially when you can get similar devices through other means. And let's not forget about the environmental impact of all those devices and their packaging... 
It's just something to consider before jumping on the connected home bandwagon, you know?
but like, isn't the catch that u gotta be an at&t customer? that does kinda limit it for non-at&t users 
and I was trying to order food at this tiny ramen shop and they didn't speak a word of English 
... but you know what? The noodles were SO good! Anyway, where was I? Oh yeah, smart home security. So AT&T is trying to get in on this game with their Connected Life platform and it's kinda interesting. But what really got me thinking is how everyone is always talking about the "smart" part... like do we even need our homes to be smarter than us? 
I love how they're making smart home security more accessible to everyone, especially with those affordable starter kits 
. But, what really gets me is how easy it is to use after canceling your subscription 
. I mean, who needs to be tied down to one carrier when you can have control over your smart home setup? It's all about flexibility and freedom, right? 
The professional monitoring service sounds pretty sweet too, especially during emergencies 
. I just wish more carriers would jump on the bandwagon with this kind of innovative thinking 
. And having Google Home integration is a nice touch 
. I'm curious though, do people actually have to cancel their sub to use their devices again after the initial 36 months? That seems kinda weird... 
. Competition from other companies like SimpliSafe and ADT is already heating up the market, so we'll see how this all plays out!
. anyway, good luck getting out of this one if you cancel your subscription, huh? 
. And while I like that the devices are integrated with Google Home's API, I worry about the cost - $22 a month is kinda steep