AT&T announced plans to commercially launch AT&T Digital Life in eight markets in March. An all-digital, wireless-based home security and automation service, AT&T Digital Life equips customers with control of their homes from a smartphone, tablet or PC — regardless of wireless carrier or broadband provider. Customers in participating markets will be able to purchase Digital Life in AT&T retail stores, online or by phone. The company said it will share pricing details and specific market launches in March.

The company said Digital Life provides new growth opportunity for AT&T. “The home security and automation market is about to expand significantly,” said Roger Entner, Founder and lead analyst of Recon Analytics. “As the capabilities and usability of home automation solutions are dramatically improving, installation becoming easier, the value proposition is becoming a lot more attractive to consumers. Not only can consumers protect their home against intruders, but with these new solutions they can save energy, keep an eye on what is going on in their home even when they are away and protect against costly accidents in their home.”

AT&T will respond to alarms through a dedicated monitoring centers staffed 24/7.

"AT&T Digital Life is a game-changing wireless centric home security and automation experience with its unique integration and an intuitive app to control every feature from your smartphone, tablet or PC,” said Kevin Petersen, senior vice president, AT&T Digital Life.  “Combined with AT&T’s wireless network and unparalleled distribution channels, Digital Life will offer exciting new innovation. We can’t wait to get it into the hands of our customers.”

AT&T retail stores around the country will allow customers to experience the services before making a purchase, order through a dedicated call center representative, visit att.com/digitallife, or schedule an appointment with an in-home sales consultant.  Digital Life also features simple installation because it is an all-wireless system, eliminating the need for hard wiring.

With up to 50 additional market rollouts planned in 2013, AT&T Digital Life features a robust lineup of wirelessly enabled devices, including cameras, window/door sensors, smoke, carbon monoxide, motion and glass break sensors, door locks, thermostats, moisture detection and water shut-off, and appliance and lighting controls.

The Digital Life control panel, built by Cisco, is UL certified and will run AT&T’s all-digital, all wireless home security and automation platform.

 “As a company committed to the Internet of Everything, Cisco is proud to work with AT&T on this revolutionary new service,” said Joe Chow, vice president and general manager, connected devices, Cisco Service Provider Video Technology Group. “The unique combination of wireless technologies working together for Digital Life represents the future of in-home communications. The software framework incorporated into the platform allows AT&T and Cisco to expand and manage the lifecycle of new services under the Digital Life banner.”

Digital Life is intuitive and easy to set up, customize and navigate, AT&T said. It is designed so that regardless of the user’s age or experience with technology, managing the service is effortless, from simple device control to robust home automation. The system can be accessed through a smartphone, tablet or PC, and regardless of wireless carrier or broadband provider. It is compatible with most operating systems, including Android, iOS, and Windows. 

Digital Life customers can select from basic home security with the Simple Security package to total home automation with the Smart Security package. Those who select the smart security package can add the following home automation packages.

·         Video Package: View live video from inside and outside of the home

·         Energy Package: Control appliances, lighting and HVAC for convenience and energy efficiency

·         Door Package: Invite a pet sitter or repairman in remotely with automated door locks, or check to see whether your garage door is open or closed

·         Water Packages:  Detect water leaks before damage occurs, or, shut off water at the main water source if a leak is detected

“We’re offering consumers a new experience in how they try, buy and experience home security and automation,” Petersen said.  “Unlike other services in the market, we’ve designed a service that lets the customer customize their experience, from purchase to services selected to controlling these services through the app on the device of their choice."

The initial installation of Digital Life will be handled by a professional. Digital Life offers customers the option to add the services they want, or subtract the services they decide aren’t needed. 

For information, visit www.att.com/digitallife.