AT&T is revving up its smart home ambitions, partnering with Google and Abode to offer a new platform that promises ease of use. The Connected Life platform is now available nationwide for AT&T customers, simplifying the setup process by bundling devices and apps into two kits: the Starter Kit ($11 per month for 36 months) or the Advanced Kit ($19 per month for 36 months). Each kit includes Google Nest smart home products and security sensors. Users can access features like livestreams and device management through the Connected Life app, leveraging Google Home's API integration.
There are two subscription tiers: Essential ($11 per month) or Professional ($22 per month), both offering access to features like 30-day event history and intelligent alerts. However, users on the Professional plan get a US-based monitoring service from Abode that can dispatch police and medical services during emergencies. The system allows users to pause professional monitoring when needed.
AT&T's cellular backup feature is a key differentiator, using AT&T's wireless network via the Connected Life hardware in case of internet outages. Additionally, there's a battery backup for the hub in case power goes out.
For AT&T customers, this means the potential customer base is massive, with 119 million wireless mobile customers and over 10 million fiber home internet customers. However, users will need to be subscribed to an AT&T plan to access the platform.
When cancelling, users can still keep their devices but won't have access to subscription-based features like livestreams and intelligent alerts. The value proposition at AT&T is to simplify the experience by bringing together smart-home products from different manufacturers into one seamless package.
There are two subscription tiers: Essential ($11 per month) or Professional ($22 per month), both offering access to features like 30-day event history and intelligent alerts. However, users on the Professional plan get a US-based monitoring service from Abode that can dispatch police and medical services during emergencies. The system allows users to pause professional monitoring when needed.
AT&T's cellular backup feature is a key differentiator, using AT&T's wireless network via the Connected Life hardware in case of internet outages. Additionally, there's a battery backup for the hub in case power goes out.
For AT&T customers, this means the potential customer base is massive, with 119 million wireless mobile customers and over 10 million fiber home internet customers. However, users will need to be subscribed to an AT&T plan to access the platform.
When cancelling, users can still keep their devices but won't have access to subscription-based features like livestreams and intelligent alerts. The value proposition at AT&T is to simplify the experience by bringing together smart-home products from different manufacturers into one seamless package.
. But do we really want to surrender our autonomy, even if it's just in the name of ease and efficiency? With AT&T's Connected Life platform, we're essentially outsourcing our personal safety and security to a corporate entity, entrusting them with access to our devices and our lives 
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And what about the cost? We're paying $11 a month for a sense of security that could, theoretically, be replicated with DIY solutions and some basic research 
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The more I think about it, the more I wonder if AT&T's Connected Life platform is just a Band-Aid on a much deeper issue – one that requires us to reexamine what it means to live in a connected world 
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. A unified platform with Google and Abode sounds like a game-changer, making it easier for people to get started with their smart homes. I love the two-tiered subscription model, but $22 per month is a bit steep for me. The cellular backup feature is super convenient, though - no more worrying about your internet going out when you're in the middle of something 
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as a student who's always trying to stay on top of my game (aka keeping my dorm room clean and organized), having a smart home setup that's easy to use would be a total game changer! 
i mean, think about it - you can just grab one of those starter kits for like $11 a month and voilà, you've got all the essentials covered. no more frantically searching online for instructions on how to set up your security cameras or anything. 
and with the cellular backup feature, i don't have to worry about losing power in my dorm during exams... that's just a total stress-reliever! 
️! Having peace of mind while you're offline is key #SmartHomeSafety . Can't wait to see how this platform evolves and grows, especially with those 119 million wireless customers on board 
I'm telling ya, this is just the beginning of a bigger plan. Think about it, they're integrating Google's AI into their smart home system and now Abode is getting in on that action too... what's next? Are we gonna live in a world where our homes are monitored 24/7 without us even realizing it? 
I'm not buying it. This whole thing just smells like a corporate takeover to me 
. And the fact that they're bundling devices and apps into kits makes sense - it's way easier to set up than dealing with multiple brands and products individually 
. I'm curious to see how users will like the experience and whether it'll become more mainstream in smart home tech 
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. But overall, this platform has me excited for the future of smart homes and home security! 
it's gonna be a GAME CHANGER for smart home users, imo! 
And the cellular backup feature? Mind. Blown. 
Like what if the internet goes out during an emergency? AT&T's got your back, literally! 