The Monitoring Association (TMA) announced today that Wayne Thorsen, managing director of hardware business development for Google will deliver the keynote address at its upcoming 2020 virtual Annual Meeting at 11:10 a.m. on Oct. 27.

Company leaders say the partnership will combine Google Nest’s hardware and services with ADT’s installation, services and professional monitoring network to create a more robust smart home experience for customers.

Last month, I had the unique pleasure of attending the 2020 CES Show in Las Vegas as a part of the Consumer Technology Association’s Media Trailblazers Program.

In this era of do-it-yourself and monitor-it-yourself security, central stations must deliver more than deterrence to stay relevant to consumers.

 In my 37 years working in the industry, I have seen the “race to the bottom” occur with every popular technology that has come into our business. Two examples come quickly to mind: PIR motion detectors and digital communicators.  

Catalyst AV, a nationwide distribution network of specialty products that serves more than 15,000 integrators from 15 regions in the US, announced that all of its 11 member companies are now selling the Nest Learning Thermostat™ and Nest Protect: Smoke + Carbon Monoxide™ alarm.  Both devices have received critical acclaim for their functionality, design and performance merits.