TL;DR
- ADT has launched a new DIY home security system called ADT Blu.
- It allows users to purchase individual cameras and sensors, or complete kits and install everything on their own.
- However, it doesn’t support Nest integration, which may be a deal breaker for many.
If you’ve always wanted to set up a DIY home security system, ADT has a new offering that might or might not be what you need, depending on what your smart home interests are.
New ADT Blu service works with the company ADT Plus app and it’s a completely DIY system aimed at users who want the flexibility to configure their home security exactly how they want, without being confused by multiple package deals that may or may not offer the devices they want.
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It aims to eliminate the compromises offered by standalone DIY options, which often “prioritize simplicity at the expense of performance or flexibility at the expense of reliability,” according to ADD.
Users can choose to set up a camera-only system, with ADT Blu cameras starting at $69. Once set up, video streams can be monitored with the ADT Plus app. However, they will need to subscribe to ADT’s “Video Connect” plan for $9.99 per month.
On the other hand, users can choose to use “ADT Blu Build My System” which starts at $249. This includes a base, a motion sensor, and three door/window sensors. Additionally, you can include additional cameras, sensors, and even Google Nest Hub as add-ons. Users will also need to subscribe to ADT’s Self-Protect plan for $14.99 per month or the Pro-Protect plan for $34.99 per month.
So ADT’s new offering costs $20 less than the ADT Plus home security system, which begs the question: what’s the big deal? It turns out that the company confirmed to 9to5Google That ADT Blu does not support Nest integration, which could be a deal-breaker for many potential buyers.
It also makes everything more confusing, because you can add a Google Nest Center and Nest Learning Thermostat as add-ons to your ADT Blu system.
The name is also strange because the company used to offer a Blue by ADT service, which sounds very similar to its new offering. The website mentions that Blue by ADT products will no longer be marketed or sold, but if you are already using the system, it will continue to function normally.
ADT Blu is designed to let you expand your home security system, so you can start with a few sensors and cameras and add more over time. ADT Blu is available starting today on the company’s official website as well as Amazon.
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