Alexa Guard Discontinued: Everything You Need to Know

The smart home revolution has brought convenience and security to our fingertips, and Amazon's Alexa has been at the forefront of this transformation. However, as technology advances, changes are inevitable, and one such change is the discontinuation of Alexa Guard, a popular smart home security feature. In this comprehensive article, we'll explore the details of this change, what it means for users, and the alternatives available.

In September 2023, Amazon announced that the Alexa Guard service would no longer be available, marking the end of an era for this innovative security feature. Instead, the company has introduced a new offering called Alexa Emergency Assist, which aims to provide a more comprehensive approach to emergency response services.

Alexa Guard's Shift to Alexa Emergency Assist

With the discontinuation of Alexa Guard, Amazon has unveiled Alexa Emergency Assist, a new feature designed to enhance safety and security for its users. This shift signifies Amazon's commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements and providing its customers with the latest and most advanced solutions.

Alexa Emergency Assist aims to revolutionize the way we respond to emergencies by offering a range of features that go beyond the capabilities of Alexa Guard. While some functionalities from Alexa Guard may not be carried over to the new service, users can expect a more comprehensive and robust emergency response system.

What is Alexa Guard?

Before we dive into the specifics of Alexa Emergency Assist, let's take a moment to understand what Alexa Guard was and the features it offered.

Alexa Guard was a smart home security feature introduced by Amazon that allowed users to monitor their homes for potential security threats while they were away. It utilized the microphones on Alexa-enabled devices to listen for specific sounds that could indicate a break-in or other suspicious activity.

What does Alexa Guard Plus Do?

While Alexa Guard offered basic home security monitoring, Amazon also introduced an optional subscription service called Alexa Guard Plus. This service provided additional features and capabilities to users seeking a more comprehensive security solution.

With Alexa Guard Plus, users gained access to professional monitoring services. Trained agents would respond to alerts and take appropriate actions, such as contacting emergency services if necessary. This added an extra layer of security and provided users with the assurance that their homes were being monitored by professionals.

Amazon Alexa Guard Features

To better understand the impact of Alexa Guard's discontinuation, let's take a closer look at some of its key features:

• Sound Detection: One of the core features of Alexa Guard was its ability to listen for specific sounds that could indicate a potential security threat. It was programmed to recognize sounds like breaking glass, smoke alarms, or other suspicious noises.
• Smart Lighting Integration: Alexa Guard could be integrated with compatible smart lighting systems, enabling it to turn lights on and off in a natural way to create the illusion that someone was home.
• Alerts and Notifications: Users would receive alerts and notifications on their smartphones whenever Alexa Guard detected any suspicious activity or sounds.
• Voice Commands: One of the most convenient aspects of Alexa Guard was its ability to be activated and deactivated using simple voice commands.
• Customizable Settings: Alexa Guard allowed users to customize various settings according to their preferences.

Amazon Alexa is compatible with a wide range of smart home devices, including security cameras. For instance, the Reolink Argus PT works seamlessly with both Google Home and Alexa. You can easily integrate it into your Alexa ecosystem. Simply say, "Alexa, show me the front door camera," and you can view the live feed instantly.

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How to Set Up Different Alexa Guard Modes?

Setting up Alexa Guard was a relatively straightforward process, and users could easily configure different modes based on their preferences and security needs. Here are the basic steps to set up Alexa Guard:

1. Open the Alexa app (update if necessary).
2. Select the Menu button (three lines) in the upper left corner, then choose Settings at the bottom of the menu.
3. Scroll down to the Alexa Preferences section and choose Guard. In the new introduction screen, select Set Up Guard.
4. You'll be given options to enable various features like smoke and CO alarms, glass breaking detection, and away lighting (if you have connected smart lights).
5. Confirm the installation, and you'll see the Guard home screen with your current status.
6. When leaving home, say "Alexa, I am leaving" to turn on the Guard setting. Upon returning, say "Alexa, I'm home" to switch Guard off.
7. Guard will send alerts and allow you to hear playbacks of any detected sounds, such as footsteps or coughing.

Alternatives to Home Security Guard Services

These options range from comprehensive home security systems to DIY solutions, ensuring that you can find a solution that meets your specific needs and budget.

1. SimpliSafe: SimpliSafe is a widely popular home security system that offers various package options and professional monitoring services. With SimpliSafe, you can customize your security setup by choosing from a range of sensors, cameras, and other components.
2. Ring Alarm: Ring, known for its popular video doorbells and cameras, also offers a comprehensive home security system called Ring Alarm. This DIY solution allows you to monitor your home through the Ring app and receive alerts on your smartphone.
3. Abode: Abode is a smart home security system that provides users with flexible monitoring options. You can choose between professional monitoring, self-monitoring, or even on-demand monitoring, where you only pay for professional monitoring when you need it.
4. Comcast Xfinity Home: If you're already a Comcast customer, the Xfinity Home security system might be a convenient option.
5. Reolink Security Camera: Reolink offers a range of affordable and reliable security cameras suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Their cameras feature high-definition video, night vision, motion detection, and two-way audio.
6. DIY Solutions: For those on a tighter budget or with more technical expertise, there are DIY home security solutions available.

For those opting for Reolink cameras and DIY solutions, consider using a wire-free surveillance camera. A top recommendation is the Reolink Argus 4 Pro. This 4K battery-powered security camera offers a 180-degree field of view, ensuring there are no blind spots. It also features full-color night vision for enhanced security and surveillance.

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FAQs

To address some of the common questions and concerns surrounding the discontinuation of Alexa Guard, we've compiled a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs):

What does Alexa Guard do?

Alexa Guard was a feature that allowed users to monitor their homes for potential security threats while they were away. It utilized the microphones on Alexa-enabled devices to listen for specific sounds that could indicate a break-in or other suspicious activity, such as breaking glass or smoke alarms.

What is replacing Alexa Guard?

Amazon has replaced Alexa Guard with a new feature called Alexa Emergency Assist. This new service aims to provide a more comprehensive approach to emergency response services, offering features like emergency call services, fall detection, and more.

Is Alexa Guard still free?

No, Alexa Guard is no longer available as a free service. It has been discontinued by Amazon and replaced with Alexa Emergency Assist, which may have different pricing and subscription models.

Conclusion

The discontinuation of Alexa Guard marks the end of an era for Amazon's smart home security offerings. While users may miss the convenience and affordability of Alexa Guard, the introduction of Alexa Emergency Assist promises to provide more robust emergency response services, aligning with the company's commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements.

We encourage you, our readers, to share your thoughts and experiences regarding this change in the comments below.