I've discussed the likely rise of conversational AI in home security, which has already started with Smart Replies connected to Alexa and Google's voice assistant improvements powered by Gemini. Now Swann Security is leaping in with a fully conversational AI called SwannShield, designed specifically for the SwannBuddy4K Video Doorbell ($130), a 4K doorbell with a 165-degree (very, very wide) field of view and options for local or cloud video storage.
SwannShield utilizes the two-way speaker features of the SwannBuddy4K and numerous settings in the app so it can react to different situations. Two important uses stand out.
First, you can program specific instructions in case someone is delivering a package, such as, "Leave it inside the delivery box, please." Second, you can program it with your physical address and the names of people living at home for more in-depth explanations with strangers -- like, "Sorry, there's no Anna at this address!" All conversations are kept as transcripts for you to review whenever you want.
SwannBuddy will be rolling out to additional devices in the future.
You can turn SwannShield on or off depending on when you want a voice assistant, or schedule it to only be active for certain times of day. Interestingly, Swann has also given it options to respond with different demeanors, you can choose an aggressive personality for it if you really want to discourage any strangers who come knocking.
As we mentioned, SwannShield is coming as a free update to the 4K doorbell and is expected to arrive on other Swann Security products in the coming months. Swann also expects to consistently improve the voice assistant to make it sound more lifelike and give in expanded capabilities.
We're seeing a duel of conversational and object-recognizing in the home in 2024, and it will only pick up steam in the coming months. Now is a great time to decide if you like the idea of an AI speaking from your camera or doorbell and what you might want it to say (or know about you).