Securifi Delivers DIY Home Automation with Almond Routers

Today’s DIY home automation packages typically require some type of hub if you want a network of automated products running throughout the house. But why would you want to add another box into your already crowded mix?

Securifi is packing all of those Electronic House features into your existing router—at least if your existing router is a little something from the company’s Almond lineup. The Almond 2015 and Almond+ have DIY home automation options built right into the router, so you don’t need anything extra attached. Both models can connect to hundreds of sensors, can be controlled remotely via an app, and also provide notifications.

Once connected, users can set triggers, events and schedules. For instance, if you want connected lights to go on at a certain time, that’s certainly an option. However, you can also set a rule that if the front door opens, the thermostat heats the room. It all depends on what sensors you add into the home automation equation.

Of course, each Almond box is also a router, with WiFi extender, access point and wireless bridge features. The Almond 2015 promises a range of 3,000 square feet, with the Almond+ increasing that range to 5,000 square feet.

The Almond+ also has a dual-core Cortex-A9 processor, 3Ö3 802.11ac WiFi, Z-Wave, ZigBee and USB 3.0 connectivity. The Almond 2015 is a less expensive option, with 2×2 WiFi, ZigBee, and a USB port for future Z-Wave support via a USB dongle. Both also have a touchscreen display (3.5 inches for the Almond+ and 2.8 for the Almond 2015), which makes adding any compatible sensors really simple. Of course, you can also use one of the apps for Android, iOS and Windows Phone devices.

Despite all of that connectivity, Securifi has actually built the DIY home automation into each router, so you don’t need a cloud service or any web connection whatsoever. However, there is also a web-based cloud user interface for when you’re on the go and a local web UI, so you can still control everything in the house when that connection is down.

If you already own the Almond+ or the Almond 2015, you can add the DIY home automation features via a firmware upgrade. Otherwise, both the Almond+ and the Almond 2015 are available now for $199 and $99, respectively.