How to Get Smarter Home Security: AT&T’s New Google Home Solution

Holidays came early for those of us in the home security world.

AT&T officially launched AT&T Connected Life, a brand-new home security system that combines Google Home cameras with professional monitoring powered by Abode — which just happens to be one of my favorite security systems already. (It’s also the one I currently use in my own home.) And the whole thing is backed by AT&T's network, so you'll have backup if the power goes out or your home internet goes offline.^1,2

AT&T sent me the Connected Life + Google Home Advanced Kit, and I’m kicking off hands-on testing. One important thing to note right up front: the system is currently only available to AT&T customers, which I am — one of the reasons I get to put this system through its paces.

At the heart of the system is the security hub powered by Abode. If you’re familiar with Abode, you’ll recognize it right away — and that’s a good thing. Abode has long been one of my go-to recommendations for flexible, smart-home-friendly security, so seeing AT&T partner with them for professional monitoring is a big win.

The Advanced Kit includes:

• Four door and window sensors
• Two motion sensors

That’s six total points of protection, which is more than enough for many apartments and small-to-medium homes.

My general rule of thumb: protect all ground-level doors and windows — anything that would make for easy entry. In my current apartment, I have two exterior doors and two exterior windows, so this setup is a perfect fit. The motion sensors add flexibility. They’re great for:

• Hallways and entryways
• Staircases
• Upstairs bedroom hallways
• Areas where a traditional contact sensor isn’t practical

They’re also great if you have teens. Just saying. Consider that bonus mom-level security advice.

If you have a raised deck, patio, or second-floor entry point, a motion sensor can do a lot of the same work as a contact sensor — and really expands what you’re able to protect.

AT&T Connected Life includes:

• A keypad for arming, disarming, and entering your code
• A key fob for quick remote control
• Full app control, of course⁴

It’s a solid mix of physical and digital controls, which I always like to see — especially for busy families.

This is where the Google Home integration really shines.⁵

The kit includes:

• A Google Nest Cam (indoor/outdoor)
• A Google Nest Doorbell

Both cameras are battery-powered, which I personally love. My first experience with a wired Nest Cam involved the thickest, heaviest cable imaginable — and it was not my favorite setup (or take-down) experience.

Battery cameras are easier to place and easier to live with. Just make sure you set reminders to check and recharge or replace those batteries — because a camera isn’t doing you much good if it’s dead.

With the doorbell in front and the camera positioned elsewhere outside, you get two strong exterior viewpoints, plus indoor protection from the sensors.  Altogether, this system offers full coverage for a pretty decent-sized home right out of the box.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more security and safety product updates, installation videos, reviews, and more.

AT&T Connected Life with Google Home and Abode professional monitoring is available starting today, and I’m in the process of setting it up now.

Next steps:

• I’ll walk you through the installation
• We’ll see how it performs day-to-day
• And we’ll test how it operates “out in the wild”

As always, I’ll let you know how it actually works—not just how it looks on paper.

Stay tuned.