Abode iota

The Abode iota is a security hub with the camera built into it. Rather than a hub in a cupboard and a camera on a shelf, one unit on a hall table holds a 1080p camera, a motion sensor and a 93 dB siren, and acts as the brain of the system.

The starter kit adds a mini door and window sensor and a key fob.

What works in Apple Home

• Arm and disarm the system, and switch between Home, Away and Night modes.
• Read the sensors as individual accessories.
• View the camera feed in the Home app.
• Use the system in scenes and automations, and control it with Siri.

Monitoring

Abode is self-monitored by default: alerts come to your phone and nobody else is watching. Professional monitoring is available as an optional plan rather than a condition of buying the hardware, and there is no long contract.

Before you buy

The iota connects by Wi-Fi or Ethernet, so unlike some hubs it does not have to sit next to the router. That freedom matters here, because the built-in camera means the hub has to go somewhere with a useful view.

Think about that placement carefully. A hub wants to be central and discreet; a camera wants to see the front door. Those are not always the same spot, and if they are not, the Abode Smart Security Kit with a separate camera may suit better.

Specifications