Somfy Moves Into Security Cameras; Crestron Adds Google Assistant Voice Control

As more companies enter the smart home space, traditional smart home companies are expanding their reach, production introductions showed at CES. Somfy, known for its shade products and its motors that power controllable shades from other brands, expanded into video security with the launch of an outdoor camera. The camera has a voice alert that sounds when an intruder enters a predefined zone, said the company. If the person doesn’t leave within a set time, a 110-dB siren sounds. The camera, with SomfyVision technology, is said to distinguish human movement from animal or vehicle movement, reducing the risk of a false alarm. Camera view is 130 degrees with full HD resolution, high dynamic range, night vision and 8x zoom, Somfy said. Price wasn’t given for the camera, due in Q4. Control company Crestron, meanwhile, expanded its motorized shade line with horizontal sheer shades that tilt open or closed, or fully roll up. Crestron also eased into voice control via Google Assistant for lighting. Dealers can integrate control with commands such as: “Google, turn on the kitchen lights,” said the company. The companies are working on the second phase of integration, which will enable scene control of multiple subsystems, Crestron said. Lighting control is the first step, but “homeowners will ultimately have the ability to use voice commands with Google Assistant to control … lights, shades, AV, HVAC, security and much more,” said Crestron Vice President-Residential Systems John Clancy.