Swann announces AI-driven voice assistant for home security

Swann, a global company providing do-it-yourself security, has announced the availability of the Swann HomeShield, an AI-driven voice assistant set to revolutionise home protection. Developed in conjunction with Amazon Web Services (AWS), the tool utilises generative AI to interact with visitors, offering an unmatchable level of deterrence and peace of mind.

Swann HomeShield, set to launch in May, will enhance compatible Swann video doorbells, cameras, and devices with its innovative adaptive AI technology. The system will automatically engage with visitors, offering human-like interactions. Rooted in heat and motion-based Passive Infrared (PIR) sensors, video analytics, and activity pattern analysis, Swann HomeShield can facilitate autonomous interactions in several scenarios, such as accepting packages and screening unexpected visitors, thereby giving the impression of an active presence in the home.

The groundbreaking AI function hinges on the advanced Amazon Bedrock service from AWS combined with the extensive capabilities of AWS Lambda's serverless computing service. Amazon Bedrock is a fully managed service that provides a choice of high-performing foundation models via a single API, along with a broad set of capabilities needed to build generative AI applications, all while simplifying development with security, privacy, and responsible AI.

At the heart of Swann HomeShield is Anthropics' new Claude 3 Haiku advanced language model. This language model, available via Amazon Bedrock, is uniquely designed to act and answer as an informed housemate, aware of residents' preferences. This 'intelligent housemate', when a visitor approaches, leverages AWS Lambda and Amazon Bedrock to generate a response which is then converted to speech and played back through the camera, creating a responsive experience that mimics interacting with a resident in real-time.

"Swann HomeShield represents a paradigm shift in smart security solutions," commented Alex Talevski, CEO of Swann Security. "This launch is a major move towards accessible AI amongst everyday consumers, offering an easy and affordable solution to accept deliveries and screen unexpected visitors when not at home, while also helping to keep families safe. Swann HomeShield sets a new benchmark for intelligent home protection, reinforcing our commitment to innovation and customer safety."

Louise Stigwood, Director of Enterprise, AWS Australia and New Zealand, added, "By harnessing the power of Amazon Bedrock, Swann HomeShield delivers the ability to engage visitors in natural voice conversations, representing a significant advancement in smart home technology and a salient example of the power of generative AI."

Swann HomeShield, priced at A$12.99 per month, is affordable for everyday home users. Available as part of the standard Unlimited Plan under the Secure+ membership via the Swann Security app, the service is compatible with iOS and Android. It integrates seamlessly with the Swann product range, including SwannBuddy4K Wireless Video Doorbell, Xtreem4K Wireless Security Camera, MaxRanger4K Long-Range Wireless Security System, and the yet to come MaxRanger Stella 4K Long-Range Wireless Video Doorbell, promising intelligent AI security at peripheries and far-away entrances like never before.