June 10, 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 10, 2015
For more information, contact:
Natalie Lester, Moxley Carmichael
Public Relations Council
[email protected]
865-544-0088
Iman Jefferson-Riedel
Media Relations, U.S. Cellular
Office: 773-355-3737
[email protected]
Summer vacation is a time to relax and enjoy the sunshine outdoors, but unfortunately it is also a prime time for home burglaries. According to a U.S. Department of Justice study, crime rates increase more than 10 percent in the summer months. June, July and August are prime months as thieves watch for signs that home owners are away on vacation. Everyone needs a vacation, so how do you maintain our home and keep it safe even when you aren’t there?
Thanks to technology more security options are available than ever before. Consumers no longer have to rely on home security companies that charge expensive monthly fees to monitor and protect their homes. Smart thermostats, for example, allow users to remotely manage home temperature to save money and stay comfortable in changeable weather conditions. Wi-Fi-enabled smoke and carbon monoxide alarms alert you to emergencies even if you’re not home to hear the alarm.
However they choose to control their environment and maintain its safety, more people are managing their homes remotely. In fact, a recent U.S. Cellular survey found 45 percent of smartphone users have used connected home devices in the past month, and 29 percent use this technology daily. With the advent of new technology and features, you can create personalized smart home management based on where you are and what you’re doing. Your smartphones GPS feature can track you on your drive home and automatically turn on lighting and appliances. You can also be alerted if someone gets home and disarms a security system.
“We all want a sense of security for our homes even when we are away on vacation,” said Jack Brundige, director of sales for U.S. Cellular in Tennessee. “Knowing what is happening at home when you’re not there can not only save you money but provide peace of mind and provide peace of mind.”
Whether you purchase smart devices or use smartphones, U.S. Cellular recommends the following products and apps to keep you informed:
- Nest: (iOS, Android) This family of Wi-Fi-enabled devices and apps lets you maintain comfortable and efficient temperatures, and monitor safety of your home wherever you are. Smart devices enable you to manage air temperature so you come home to a warm house. You’ll be alerted if the carbon monoxide level builds up so you can take steps to keep your loved ones safe. The “Works with Nest” feature connects cars and appliances to your mobile device so you can have dry laundry when you need it. Personalized comfort is always on without requiring your direct attention.
- WeMo (iOS, Android) Belkin’s WeMo home automation products give you the ability to control your home electronics from anywhere with your smartphone. An à la carte system, Belkin products let you buy just what you need, whether you just want to control interior and exterior lighting, appliances or install cameras. Plug-and-play simplicity means no tools are required for installation. Using IFTTT (If This Then That) features lets you get creative with the tracking function on Twitter, Facebook and Google Drive. As your smartphone tracks your progress home, your lights can be on before you get there.
- Manything: (iOS) Using your Phone, Manything lets you remotely record and monitor motion in your home. IFTTT (If This Then That) compatibility lets you personalize remote home management to your own habits. For example, you can set it to start recording when you walk out the door.
- Salient Eye: (Android) Similar to Manything, Salient Eye turns your android phone into a home security device. You can track motion, record video and opt in to alerts that let you know what is happening at home.
“Home is where you need to feel secure,” Brundige said. “With U.S. Cellular’s reliable 4G LTE network that can run the latest technology, providing you with peace of mind for your family whether at home or away.”
¹ Results are from a nationally representative online survey of 738 smartphone owners conducted by U.S. Cellular in partnership with Maritz Research from November 12-20, 2014.
4G LTE service provided through King Street Wireless, a partner of U.S. Cellular. LTE is a trademark of ETSI.
About U.S. Cellular
U.S. Cellular is the fifth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, providing national network coverage and industry-leading innovations designed to elevate the customer experience. The Chicago-based carrier has a strong line-up of cutting-edge devices that are all backed by a high-quality network in big and small cities and rural communities. Currently, 94 percent of customers have access to 4G LTE speeds, and 98 percent will have access by the end of 2015. U.S. Cellular was named a J.D. Power and Associates Customer Champion in 2014 for the third time in four years. To learn more about U.S. Cellular, visit one of its retail stores or uscellular.com. To get the latest news, promos and videos, connect with U.S. Cellular on Facebook.com/uscellular, Twitter.com/uscellular and YouTube.com/uscellularcorp.
