Providing Market Intelligence for 40 Years

In The News

One nation, on camera: Internet-connected doorbells promise security but raise privacy alarms

Once a futuristic luxury, internet-connected home cameras have become reasonably common — and relatively cheap. Around 33 million American households — 27% — now use the cameras, according to an estimate from Parks Associates, a consumer technology market research firm.

For consumers, the benefit is clear: Constant or near-constant surveillance that can catch burglars in the act and provide clarity on anything that happens outside their homes. But with these systems almost always relying on cloud-based storage and analysis, many technologists have noted that they are ripe for abuse, particularly as they become more complicated and attached to increasingly advanced analysis systems.

In Guthrie’s case, it appears that even without the requisite subscription plan to have the Nest camera fully operational, it did record and transmit video of someone coming to her door the morning of her disappearance.

From the article, "One nation, on camera: Internet-connected doorbells promise security but raise privacy alarms" by Kevin Collier

Previously In The News

Buying a home? Sellers may use cameras, microphones to spy on house hunters

About 9.4 million U.S. homes, or 7.4% of the total, are equipped with Wi-Fi enabled cameras and mics, says Brad Russell, research director for Parks Associates, a consumer technology research firm. As...

As cord-cutting prices rise, here's what you can do to keep costs down

“Costs for content producers and networks continue to rise faster than the general inflation rate,” said Brett Sappington, senior director of research, Parks Associates, in an e-mail interview. “As lo...

PowerHouse Alliance Distributor Members Invite Dealers to Automation, Security, AV Training and Events this November

According to Parks Associates, consumers are struggling with rising technical issues brought on by DIY smart home devices. This struggle opens up opportunities for the professionally installed smart h...

Homes Now Have 10+ Connected Devices: Parks Associates

"Interoperability continues to be a leading challenge for the smart home industry," said Chris O'Dell, Parks research associate. "Nearly 75 percent of consumers who intend to purchase a smart home dev...