SimpliSafe has recently expanded its security offerings with the introduction of the Active Guard Outdoor Protection system, designed to monitor and safeguard the exterior of homes before potential intruders can even reach the doorstep. This new service integrates AI technology with live human monitoring to proactively identify, assess, and respond to possible security threats. It is currently available as part of SimpliSafe’s Outdoor Security Camera Series 2.

Active Guard leverages a multi-layered approach to detect and manage potential threats outside a home. At the heart of this system is the camera's AI, which can distinguish between ordinary movement—such as animals or wind—and human activity.

When human movement is detected, the camera can compare the individual’s face against familiar profiles saved in the user’s SimpliSafe app. If the person is recognized as a family member or trusted individual, the system ignores the event. However, if the face is unfamiliar or behavior seems suspicious, the system escalates the incident.

At this point, the live monitoring aspect of Active Guard comes into play. A trained SimpliSafe agent gains access to the camera’s live feed and makes an assessment. If the situation appears to involve a potential intruder, the agent has the option to communicate directly with the individual using two-way audio, activate the camera’s built-in siren, or, if necessary, contact local authorities to intervene.

Unlike conventional indoor cameras that detect intruders once they are already inside, SimpliSafe’s Active Guard seeks to stop crime before it escalates. By monitoring outdoor spaces and reacting to suspicious activity immediately, the system aims to prevent break-ins before they occur. This preventative approach could give users additional peace of mind, knowing that their home is being actively monitored even when they are not present.

The real-time, human-monitored aspect of the system sets it apart from basic motion-detection cameras that merely alert users to activity. SimpliSafe agents are empowered to take immediate action if necessary, whether that means scaring off intruders with the system’s alarm or contacting law enforcement in the event of a more serious threat.

The AI technology behind Active Guard does more than just detect movement. It is designed to filter out false alarms by distinguishing between routine events and potential security risks. For instance, it can recognize familiar faces, like family members, reducing unnecessary alerts. Beyond facial recognition, the AI also analyzes the behavior of unfamiliar individuals, flagging those whose actions seem out of the ordinary.

This combination of AI and human monitoring should ensure that threats are identified and dealt with quickly. According to SimpliSafe, agents can respond to a potential security threat within 30 seconds of the initial detection, offering a rapid and effective means of protection.

While AI plays a significant role in Active Guard’s functionality, human judgment is still a critical component of the service. The system’s AI is responsible for the initial detection and analysis of potential threats, but it is ultimately up to trained agents to make decisions about how to respond. This blend of technology and human intervention provides a level of sophistication that may help prevent false alarms and ensure that serious incidents are handled appropriately.

Moreover, users have control over how the system operates. They can choose which cameras SimpliSafe agents are allowed to monitor and adjust monitoring hours based on personal preferences. All video footage captured by the cameras is securely encrypted, and once an incident has been reviewed and closed, agents no longer have access to it, helping to ensure privacy.

Active Guard is currently only available with the new SimpliSafe Outdoor Security Camera Series 2. This camera is priced at $199.99 and offers a range of features designed to enhance outdoor security. These include improved night vision, high-definition video quality, and a 140-degree field of view, which allows the camera to capture a wide area in sharp detail. Additionally, the camera can be installed using a wired connection, battery, or even solar power for added flexibility.

However, the full capabilities of Active Guard require users to enroll in a subscription plan. SimpliSafe offers two tiers of service. The Overnight Plan, which costs $49.99 per month, provides monitoring between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., the hours when homes are generally most vulnerable to break-ins. For continuous protection, the 24/7 Plan is available at $79.99 per month, ensuring that all outdoor activity is monitored around the clock. Both plans include SimpliSafe’s standard indoor monitoring service.

These subscription fees position Active Guard in the higher price range of home security services, but they are competitive with similar offerings from other brands that provide professional monitoring.