Smart smoke alarm tells users where fire is

France-based company Netatmo unveiled a smart smoke detector at the Consumer Electronics Show this year, which puts the company in direct competition with Alphabet-owned Nest. Smoke detectors are not common smart home items yet, but some companies are looking to cater to this niche category.

Some might not like the extra expense, but certain features are compelling. With the Netatmo Smart Smoke Alarm, notifications are pushed to users' smartphones when smoke is sensed and it indicates where in the house it was detected. The alarm is also compatible with Apple HomeKit, so it can easily be automated with other HomeKit devices.

The Nest Protect has the advantage of teaming up with other popular Nest devices and other products that can communicate using Weave, Google's communications platform for “connected” devices. It can also detect carbon monoxide. Netatmo doesn't have carbon monoxide detection, but it does work with HomeKit, which is arguably a better move thanks to the popularity of that system and how it's easily manageable with the iPhone through the Home app. This allows the smoke alarm to trigger other devices, including “connected” lights, when smoke is sensed. The Netatmo smart alarm also has an advertised 10-year battery life. The Nest Protect uses six AA batteries that last five years.

Netatmo also released a separate Smart Siren that works with its motion sensor tags and security camera to spot intruders. This alarm rings out at 110dB instead of the 85dB for the smoke alarm. As companies release more smart home security products, they are looking at making their offerings more robust by covering all the areas of home security. Smoke alarms are now considered an important part of that ecosystem.