Amazon Echo devices, with their ever-expanding list of skills, offer a compelling feature called Alexa Guard for home security. One of its key functionalities is the ability to detect the sound of breaking glass, potentially alerting you to a break-in. But how reliable is this feature? We put it to the test.
Alexa Guard’s Glass Breakage Detection: Reality vs. Expectation
Alexa Guard promises to listen for the distinct sound of shattering glass and send a notification to your phone if triggered. In theory, this allows for quick action in case of a potential intrusion. However, our real-world testing revealed some significant shortcomings.
We conducted a series of experiments in a controlled environment, breaking glass at varying distances and volumes in the proximity of an Amazon Echo device. Surprisingly, the Echo failed to detect the sound of breaking glass in almost every scenario. Even shattering larger pieces of glass just a few feet away didn’t trigger an alert. We attempted to amplify the sound by breaking glass inside a bag, but to no avail.
The only instance where Alexa successfully registered breaking glass was when we played a pre-recorded sound effect of shattering glass from a smartphone. This indicates that while the technology might have the potential to detect the sound, its sensitivity and accuracy in real-world situations are questionable.
Breaking Glass
Other Alexa Guard Features: Smoke/CO Alarms and More
While the glass breakage detection proved disappointing, other features of Alexa Guard performed admirably.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detection
Alexa consistently and quickly detected the sound of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, even from a considerable distance. Notifications were promptly sent to our testing devices, accompanied by audio clips captured by the Echo. This functionality demonstrably enhances home safety by providing an additional layer of alert in case of fire or carbon monoxide leaks.
Simulated Barking Dog Sounds
Alexa Guard can also utilize skills that simulate the sound of a barking dog to deter potential intruders. While not particularly realistic, these sounds might provide a minor deterrent. However, their effectiveness largely depends on the Echo’s volume setting and proximity to entry points.
“Away” Lighting and Security System Integration
Alexa Guard can integrate with smart lighting to simulate occupancy while you’re away, and it can also synchronize with certain security systems like ADT and Ring Alarm. The “Away” lighting feature worked seamlessly in our tests, turning lights on and off realistically. However, the Ring Alarm integration proved less reliable, inconsistently detecting motion in front of the doorbell.
Conclusion: Is Alexa Guard Reliable for Glass Breakage Detection?
Based on our testing, relying solely on Alexa Guard to detect breaking glass for security purposes is not recommended. While it excels in detecting smoke and CO alarms, its failure to consistently recognize actual glass breakage raises concerns.
For comprehensive home security, consider investing in dedicated security systems with proven reliability in intrusion detection. Alexa Guard can complement these systems by providing additional layers of protection, such as alarm sound detection and smart lighting automation, but it should not be considered a primary security solution against break-ins.
