Skip to main content

Google partners with ADT to launch new smart home security system

Google has partnered with ADT to bring its lineup of smart home gadgets to a new DIY home security system — ADT Self Setup. The unique package allows you to choose from a variety of Google devices to add to your home, all of which offer full support for the new ADT+ smartphone app.

The goal of the collaboration is to offer the customer service and security of ADT with the premium products developed by Google. The ADT Self Setup system can be modified to include the Nest Cam, Nest Thermostat, Nest Mini, Nest Hub Max, Nest Doorbell, and several first-party ADT products like the ADT Motion Sensor and ADT Smart Home Hub.

Google and ADT collaboration.

Pricing for the bundle varies based on which items you choose, although ADT says the package starts at $219. You’ll also need to pick up a monthly monitoring plan that costs $25 per month. A few preconfigured options are available to help you wade through all your options, such as the Starter Bundle that costs $336 and includes a Nest Doorbell, four ADT Door & Window Sensors, two motion sensors, and the ADT Smart Home Hub.

Customers also have the option to select which products share information with ADT. Google products that allow information sharing with ADT will have their data automatically stored in ADT’s cloud platform so the company can determine if an alert to first responders is required.

The ADT Self Setup system looks to be another solid addition to the smart home security marketplace, although it’s far from your only option. Be sure to check out solutions from SimpliSafe or Ring, as they offer much of the same functionality and might clock in with a better price tag (depending on which items you bundle).

Editors' Recommendations

Jon Bitner
Jon Bitner is a freelance journalist whose gaming addiction began with the SEGA Genesis. His work has been published on…
Google Home adds support for garage door controls
Google Home icon on home screen.

Google Home gives you access to a wide variety of smart home devices, and garage doors have now joined the party. Support for smart garage controllers is rolling out to select users -- although it only appears to be available to folks previewing the new Google Home app and does not yet have an official release date.

Still, seeing the product category added to any version of Google Home is great news for smart home enthusiasts. Google Home is one of the most widely used smart home platforms on the market, and as smart garages continue to gain traction, it’s nice to see their inclusion in the app (even if they’re still not as popular as smart thermostats or video doorbells).

Read more
Ring’s new indoor camera features a built-in privacy shutter
The Ring Indoor Cam mounted on a wall.

Ring is launching a new Ring Indoor Cam on May 24, and it’ll be the first indoor camera in its catalog to include a privacy shutter. The shutter allows you to turn off both the camera and microphone, and it can be easily removed if you don’t need the additional privacy features.

The shutter can’t, however, be remotely activated. This means you’ll need to manually swivel the privacy shutter in front of the camera when you want to use it, then swivel it out of the way when you want to start recording again. Still, as the first Ring Indoor Cam to offer the feature, it’s definitely a step in the right direction.

Read more
Your Google smart home devices just got a lot less talkative
A person standing in a living room while looking at a Google device.

Smart assistants are an indispensable part of any smart home, making it easy to give hands-free commands and control a variety of gadgets. Google is looking to further streamline the performance of its smart assistant, with the expansion of chime alerts to cut down on how talkative your Google Nest gadgets are when responding to instructions.

For example, after asking Google to turn on a fan, you’ll now be able to hear a quick chime to confirm the assistant has heard your instructions. Previously, confirmation would come in the form of a short sentence, such as “OK, turning on your fan.”

Read more