One of the best DIY home security systems, Abode, is about to be further enhanced by Alexa In the near future, Abode users will be able to connect their systems with Alexa Guard Plus, which will not only add monitoring capabilities, but also make it easier to call emergency services using an Amazon Echo device

Alexa Guard Plus is a new feature of Alexa Guard that Amazon added to its smart speaker last year When enabled, Alexa Guard can use the microphone on an Echo, Echo Dot, or other smart speaker to listen for broken glass or a smoke detector beeping and alert the homeowner when it hears something

If the Abode system is linked to Alexa Guard Plus, the Abode user can say "Alexa, call for help" and be connected to Abode's professional monitoring center In addition, Abode users can receive alerts if their Echo device hears glass breaking or smoke detectors sounding; if Abode's cameras or motion sensors detect a person, they can trigger the Echo device to play a siren or dog bark

In other words, if you are an Abode customer and already have Amazon Echo devices scattered throughout your home, this is a less expensive option than purchasing additional smoke or glass break sensors

To take advantage of this feature, Abode owners must opt-in to Professional Monitoring and subscribe to Adobe Pro Subscribing to Abode Pro provides 24/7 professional monitoring and cellular backup, as well as discounted homeowner's insurance when available

In addition to Abode, Alexa Guard Plus also integrates with A3 Smart Home, Resideo, Ring Alarm, Scout Alarm, and Wyze

Alexa Guard Plus normally costs $499 per month or $50 per year, but Abode customers and Ring Protect Plus customers are exempt from this fee