SwannShield introduces conversational AI to your video doorbell

I’ve discussed the likely rise of conversational AI in home security, which has already begun with Smart Replies coupled with Alexa and Google’s Gemini-powered voice assistant improvements. Now Swann Security is jumping in with a fully conversational AI called SwannShield, built specifically for the SwannBuddy4K Video Doorbell ($130), a 4K doorbell with a 165-degree field of view (very, very wide) and options for the local or cloud video storage.

SwannShield leverages the SwannBuddy4K’s two-way speaker capabilities and numerous in-app settings to respond to different situations. Two important uses stand out.

First, you can program specific instructions for when someone delivers a package, such as: B. “Please leave it in the delivery box.” Second, you can program it with your physical address and the names of people living at your home for more detailed explanations with strangers – for example: “Sorry, there isn’t one at this address Anna!” All conversations are saved as transcripts so you can review them at any time.

You can turn SwannShield on or off depending on when you want a voice assistant, or schedule it to only be active at certain times of the day. Interestingly, Swann also gave him the opportunity to respond with different behaviors. You can choose an aggressive personality for this if you want to really scare off any stranger who knocks on the door.

As previously mentioned, SwannShield is a free update for the 4K Doorbell and is expected to be available for other Swann Security products in the coming months. Swann also expects to continually improve the voice assistant to make it sound more lifelike and offer more advanced features.

In 2024 we will see a duel between conversation and object recognition in the household, which will only gain momentum in the coming months. Now is a good time to decide whether you like the idea of ​​an AI speaking from your camera or doorbell and what you want it to say (or know about you).