Harnassing the power of generative AI, Swann just announced the launch of Swann HomeShield.
Set to redefine home protection starting in May 2024, the powerful AI-driven voice assistant was developed with Amazon Web Services (AWS) Bedrock generative AI technology. Swann HomeShield will enhance compatible Swann video doorbells, cameras and devices, using the latest adaptive AI technology to automatically respond to visitors with natural, human-like interactions and to provide an unparalleled level of deterrence and peace of mind.
By employing heat and motion-based Passive Infrared (PIR) sensors, video analytics, and activity pattern analysis, Swann HomeShield can autonomously facilitate interactions in several scenarios that include accepting packages and screening unexpected visitors all while giving the impression there is a real person at home with an active presence.
This innovative AI capability leverages the cutting-edge Amazon Bedrock service from AWS combined with the deep capabilities of AWS Lambda’s serverless computing service. Amazon Bedrock is a fully managed service that offers a choice of high-performing foundation models (FMs) via a single API, along with a broad set of capabilities needed to build generative AI applications, while simplifying development with security, privacy, and responsible AI.
At the core of Swann HomeShield lies Anthropic’s new Claude 3 Haiku advanced language model (via Amazon Bedrock), uniquely trained to act and answer as a knowledgeable housemate, aware of residents’ preferences. When a visitor approaches, HomeShield leverages AWS Lambda and Amazon Bedrock. The AI-generated response is then converted to speech and played back through the camera, providing a responsive experience that emulates interacting with a resident in real-time.
“Swann HomeShield represents a paradigm shift in smart security solutions,” said Alex Talevski, CEO of Swann Security. “This launch is a big step of accessible AI amongst everyday consumers, offering an easy and affordable solution to not just easily accept deliveries and screen unexpected visitors when they’re not at home, but also help keep families safe. Powered by Amazon Bedrock’s cutting-edge AI capabilities with Anthropic’s Claude 3 Haiku, Swann HomeShield sets a new benchmark for intelligent home protection, reinforcing our commitment to innovation and customer safety. When Claude 3 Haiku launched on Amazon Bedrock, we switched from Claude 2.1 in a couple of hours, and the speed of responses is 30% faster and significantly more accurate.”
“AWS is always striving to develop innovative technologies that enrich customers’ lives. AWS is democratising access to generative AI making it easier for customers of all sizes, across all industries, build and scale generative AI applications customised to their businesses,” said Louise Stigwood, Director of Enterprise, AWS Australia and New Zealand. “By harnessing the power of Amazon Bedrock, Swann HomeShield delivers an ability to engage visitors in natural voice conversations, representing a big leap forward in smart home technology and a great example of the power of generative AI.”
Swann HomeShield is affordable for everyday home users, at A$12.99 per month as part of the standard Unlimited Plan within Secure+ membership via the Swann Security app, compatible with iOS and Android. It can be easily integrated with the Swann product range including:
- SwannBuddy4K Wireless Video Doorbell (can be operated wirelessly or connect to existing doorbell wiring)
- Xtreem4K Wireless Security Camera (uses rechargeable battery power)
- MaxRanger4K Long-Range Wireless Security System (with solar-powered cameras and a hub)
- MaxRanger Stella 4K Long-Range Wireless Video Doorbell (coming soon), will provide smart AI security at perimeters and far-away entrances like never before. The Stella Doorbell will be able to be positioned at doorways and gates that are long distances away from the controlling hub.
As Alex Talevski said this morning at the AWS Summit in Sydney, security in the past is about gathering evidence once an event has already occurred. The next wave of security innovations is empowering for early detection and active prevention.
The play now is to use devices, services and software to actively prevent the occurrence of an incident, with the gathering of evidence being a secondary goal. An example that was provided was HomeShield analysing and understanding your patterns and behaviour, and flag anything outside of that pattern. Perhaps it is a 2am visitor stumbling around your front yard whilst you are fast asleep inside. HomeShield aims to raise an alert should it detect something out of the ordinary.
Once live, Swann expects HomeShield to process 100 million events a month.
