Blog

Lowe’s Iris Line Goes Under

February 11, 2019|fsstechnologies

Many consumers are seeing red with the recent news that big-box retailer Lowe’s is shutting down service to its Iris smart home platform.

Lowe’s launched its Iris cloud service in 2012 so it could sell its own smart home products to the public. Customers with an Iris smart hub, the heart of the network, could keep in touch with the connected devices in their home via the free Iris app. Smart home products ran the gamut from thermostat controllers to lights and sensors.

Why This Is Bad News for DIYers

Iris was originally intended to be a hub for everything in the home, as this TechHive review describes, but it turned into primarily a security offering for DIYers who wanted security on a budget. Once the hub was hooked up by a hardwired ethernet line to a router, consumers could add other sensors to the network like motion sensors and keypads. While it was cheap, the set-up process was arduous based on numerous poor reviews, and false alarms were far too easy to trip.  

It’s part of the risk that comes with new technology, and it indeed isn’t the first or last time this will happen. Other extinct hubs include Revolv, and it’s predicted in tech circles that other smart home offerings will likely fall since smart speakers like Amazon Echo or Google Home can serve similar purposes to hubs and are more straightforward to use.

Iris users are now left to pick up the pieces. Customers with eligible products that work only on the Iris platform will be able to redeem them for a prepaid VISA gift card, according to Lowe’s FAQs. Iris devices that are compatible with other hubs will not be eligible for any refunds. The only way to redeem anything, however, is online. Connected Iris items cannot be returned to Lowe’s stores.

To ensure that you have a system that will always have your back, it’s essential to go with a company with a proven track record. Our team at FSS Technologies can work with you to build the best system for your home. You will always get the best products with the best monitoring and regular upgrades as technology continues to move forward. Guaranteed. Give our friendly pros a call to get started today!

 

Contact Our Friendly Pros Today

Explore Our Other Blogs

Hero-EntryPoint_Integration

Can Your CCTV and Access Control Systems be Integrated?

When setting up security for your business, you might consider adding CCTV and access control systems. These two security measures work great to deter crime on their own, and provide even greater security when integrated. This pairing has many advantages, but it is also a complex setup that may not be right for you. There…

Continue reading
smart-home-automation-solutions-Hero

What is a Smart Home and How Can Home Automation Solutions Help You?

Home automation solutions are no longer the ideas of science fiction. These intelligent home systems can save you hundreds of dollars through energy conservation, and they can provide state-of-the-art security to protect your home and the loved ones inside of it.  What is A Smart Home?   A smart home is equipped with lighting, heating,…

Continue reading
weakness-diy-security-system-Hero-min

Cons of DIY Home Security Systems

When considering getting a home security system, some people might assume they can set up a fully functioning system themselves.     The reality is that DIY systems come with some significant drawbacks. Here are some of the things to consider before you decide to take on this project yourself. Not Professionally Installed  The importance of…

Continue reading
Hero-PreventShoplifting-min

3 Ways to Prevent Shoplifting

Preventing shoplifting is a big deal if you’re a retailer. According to the 2018 National Retail Security Survey, shoplifting continues to be the leading cause of inventory loss for retailers. Loss of stock is a big deal in this country to the tune of nearly $47 billion. The survey also identifies the top ways retailers try…

Continue reading
Hero-typesfireal

Most Common Causes of House Fires

A house fire can be a life-altering event that some may never fully recover from. The best way to protect your home and family from a fire is to educate yourself about the risks and how to prevent them. We all know the essential forms of prevention and protection, like smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, sprinklers,…

Continue reading
Window-Motion-Sensor-Placement-Hero

Where Should Window and Motion Sensors be Placed?

Motion and window sensors are basic parts of a security system in both residential and business applications.   The expert security team at FSS Technologies has helped thousands of business and property owners stay safe with these tools. Sensors  A motion sensor allows a system to detect movement, using waves or light to determine if someone or…

Continue reading
inside-the-mind-of-a-burglar_hero

Inside the Mind of a Burglar

What Message Are You Sending? Whether you know it or not, your business could send a message to potential burglars about how easy or difficult it is to break in. Professional thieves can quickly assess a property, also known as “casing,” to determine if it could be an easy and lucrative target. Unfortunately, many employees…

Continue reading
fire-inspection-faqs-hero-min

FAQs About Fire Alarm Inspections

There’s a lot of information about fire alarm inspections out there, so how do you know where to begin? We spoke to our team to find the most frequently asked questions about fire alarm inspections. What is a Fire Alarm Inspection? Fire alarm systems are life safety systems that require a fully functional and visual check…

Continue reading
safe-during-holidays-Hero-min

Holiday Security Tips

It’s a beautiful time of the year, but the holidays come with some inherent risks that you should prepare for amidst all the gift buying, cooking, and decorating. Here are some of our top holiday safety tips to keep your home and loved ones safe over the season. Theft and Burglary Prevention Do not put…

Continue reading
Hero-fireclass-min

What Are the 5 Classes of Fires?

While it can be hard to tell the difference at first glance, different types of fires occur based on the materials that fuel them. Just as you wouldn’t try to put out a grease fire with water, specific ways to extinguish each fire class exist and depend on what sustains it. Some atypical classes of…

Continue reading
24h emergency
Secure My Space
chat with us