Vivint, formerly known as APX Alarms, will be announcing it’s new name and new take on home automation. Currently, the company has 16,000 homeowners using its alarm and energy management system, and Vivint hopes to expand into 100,000 more homes in 2011.

Right now Vivint offers a touch-screen home security system that you can control from your smartphone or Web page. In order to control your thermostat, you either need a smartphone or a computer connected to the Internet. The latest version of Vivint’s system includes wireless light switches and plugs for small appliances. The wireless technology connects to the Z-Wave protocol and communicates your request to turn off the stove or dim the lights. Through pre-set programs, homeowners can save around $25 per month on electricity bills.

Vivint is yet again changing up its system to include solar technology. Within the next few months, you can expect to see solar installation services from this company too. In addition, Vivint is looking into smart meters so they can provide rebates to consumers who perform energy packed jobs like washing dishes and clothes to off-peak times.

With solar energy in the mix, homeowners will be able to save even more on their utility bills every month. Controlling your home via your smartphone or computer is definitely the trend for the future of home security, but you don’t have to sacrifice your eco-conscious to have these incredible devices. In the years to come, it will be interesting to see how much more efficient homes get through the use of eco-friendly home security systems.

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, break-ins have increased by 7.2% over the past ten years. With the collapse of the economy and other factors, crime is increasing all over the nation. If you have been considering boosting your home’s protection, there is no better time than now to invest. When it comes to your possessions and personal information, it’s in your favor to be safe rather than sorry later on.

SafeLife Alarm is a new division of Mountain Alarm that is empowering its customers with cost-effective and simple DIY home security tools. Once the system is installed, you can control close to everything right from the monitor. For example, you can adjust your lights and thermostat as well as know whether your refrigerator is defrosting or if your basement is flooding. A system like this can protect you from burglary as well as common household issues. Can you imagine the money you would save and the damage you could prevent if you knew that your basement was flooding?

In addition to the automated system, you can also monitor your home from your smartphone or Internet. You don’t have to be at home to lock or unlock the doors or watch your camera footage. Say your window or door alarm would be triggered while you’re away, the system would notify the appropriate authorities and send you a text message to make you aware of the situation.

Home security is evolving quite rapidly thanks to the immediacy of the Internet and smartphones. SafeLife Alarm offers inexpensive yet modern systems that you can install without a professional.

KGuard Security began in 2003, and it has continued to develop surveillance devices. The company merged with KWorld Group last year, and since then it has been able to provide more advanced products to consumers. It specializes in NVR, CMS, IP camera, PC based DVR, standalone DVR, mobile DVR and CCTV camera. Its headquarters is based in Taiwan, but there are locations in the U.S.A., Latin America, Europe, Africa, Russia, Middle East, South East Asia and Australia.

KGuard’s new bullet type security camera has the following features:

• 1/3 Sony Super HAD CCD imager

• Long IR distance

• Weatherproof construction

• TVL resolution options

• Various application configurations (color, day/night and IR distance)

• IP66 rating and attached bracket enables camera to be installed anywhere (inside or outside)

• Easy installation

• Internal wire bracket prevents burglars from cutting

• Focal length ranges from 6 mm to 15 mm

This DIY CCTV camera is yet another option in your selection of home security options. It provides you with convenience and peace of mind, because once it’s setup, you will know everything that happens inside or outside of your home. This is a great way to protect yourself and your family. You can solve potentially dangerous situations with ease. If you hear a noise in your backyard, instead of going outside and putting yourself at risk, you can consult the camera images. Also, before opening the door, you can tell who it is first from the camera.

Home security cameras provide you with immediacy as well as evidence, which is why they are valuable tools to incorporate into your existing home security system.

So what does it do and is it for you? Let’s find out.

Webroot is a trusted name when it comes to computer security. If you have purchased a computer from Best Buy before, you were probably offered the software. This new 2011 software package has several advantages:

• Improved interface with a sleeker design
• Extra utilities that are user-friendly and helpful
• Convenient and easy to find technical support options

Of course, along with the pros, naturally come some disadvantages:

• Support for anti-spam isn’t present
• Parent controls are lacking
• System impact is detectable

Despite these pros and cons, Webroot has designed a more comprehensive Internet security system for your computer. It features a two-way firewall, identity protection, 10G of online storage space and system cleanup tools. If you have up to three computers in you home, you only need to purchase one security package because the license covers three computers.

Another great feature that comes with this product is a year full of free U.S.-based phone support. Some anti-virus vendors make it difficult to find their support contact information, but with Webroot you’re guaranteed it. For those out there who aren’t as familiar with the technical aspects and basic maintenance of a computer, it’s comforting to know that you can contact help if you have questions or concerns.

Installing security on your Windows computer is beneficial if you use the Internet. By neglecting this simple maintenance step, you can cost yourself a whole lot of problems such as identify theft.

ADT’s new device is designed to give homeowners more control and accessibility when it comes to their home security. Because people are more reliant on technology and online applications such as email and social media outlets, it’s not surprising that home security companies are making their products more Internet friendly. With ADT Pulse, customers can access their home via their smart phones, personal computers or an iPhone application. Having so many options to access your home security is convenient, because you can find out what’s going on anywhere, anytime.

The following features come with ADT Pulse:

• Arm and disarm your home’s security system.

• Receive notifications, events and video clips via email and text message.

• View live feed and stored video clips from the security cameras in your home.

• Control lighting and appliances as well as set timers.

• Adjust your home’s temperature when you’re not around to save on electricity.

You can choose from Select, Advantage and Premier packages. However, this technology has been made more affordable, so it’s not just for those with disposable incomes.

ADT Pulse is the wave of future home security systems. Regardless of where you are or where you have to be, you can control various facets of your house without actually being there. So if you’re staying late at work or taking a spontaneous vacation, you can make sure that your home is cared for properly. As long as you have a personal computer or smart phone, you can keep a close watch on your house and check in any time you want. This capability is particularly useful when you have teenaged children and pets.

Window Security

Swann’s new window alarms will alert you when someone has forcefully entered your home. It works by recognizing the vibration of window, and it will produce a loud siren (110 db+). This will give you time to call the police, and the burglar will probably flee the scene because of the alarm. In order to install this device, you just apply it to your window via the self-adhesive pad. Also, you can check the device’s battery power with the push of a button.

There is a second window option also priced at $9.99. It’s a magnetic window alarm, which has similar features to the basic window alarm. However, it gives you more discrete security since it magnetically attaches to your windows or doors.

Motion Detection Tool

Swann’s PIR motion alarm is passcode protection, and it sounds either a 110 db+ siren or a chime (your choice via the settings). It comes with a multi-directional mounting bracket, so it has up to 120 degrees of detection. To prevent this device from going off unnecessarily, you can set entry and exit delays.

Alarm for Floods

Another security device is the anti-flood alarm, which actually provides more safety than security. It’s designed to protect your home from water damage, so it assesses your home for potential water leaks. The alarm sounds once leakage or flooding is detecting, and it has an omni-directional sensor, which gives it more of a range.

In addition to these items, Swann is also selling a wireless doormat chime, a ceiling alarm (smoke detector) and a magnetic keypad door alarm. All of these products retail for under $50, so you can update your apartment, house or condominium without breaking the bank.

Dallas resident Vince Hunter experienced a similar situation while vacationing in Connecticut. His trip was interrupted when his phone informed him of a break-in. Hunter actually received a text message from his iCam home security app, and he watched the burglars in real-time throw a brick at his window.

It sounds like something from a movie, doesn’t it? After the shock of watching the real life burglary occurring at his house, he contacted 911. Fortunately, the burglars ran away after breaking the window, because their actions sounded the alarm. But Hunter was able to continue viewing the scene, and even stayed tuned to make sure that the police showed up. Because Hunter lives in a high crime neighborhood, he purchased security cameras and paid the $4.99 for the iCam app. He probably never thought he would be watching a burglar break into his house from his cell phone, but it definitely enabled him to act fast.

Technology is making crimes more difficult to carry out these days, and this iCam app might help the police catch the criminals who burglarized Hunter’s house and the next door neighbor’s place.

Hunter’s story also makes it vividly clear that crimes happen at any time, and they can happen to you even if you are in your own world taking time off from work and life. Even if you can’t afford a home security system, basic surveillance cameras can give you one step ahead if intruders were to ever target your home. Although watching your home get burglarized in real-time would be quite a shock to the system, it’s definitely a convenient feature that has the potential to help police identify the criminals. Who knew a $4.99 app could be so valuable?

Recently, Logitech launched a range of wireless security cameras. Making headlines are the Logitech Alert 750i and 750 e Network Cameras. They’re designed to stream video footage, and they can be set to detect motion too. The indoor and outdoor cameras are supposed to be simple to setup, because they function right out of the box. Let’s take a look what these systems have to offer.

Logitech Alert 750i

Logitech Alert 750i retails for $299.99, and it uses HomePlug powerline adapters, which prevents you from having to hook it up to your computer. The software allows you to select 16 zones, and you can include motion sensor on it too. This camera can record audio and video to your PC or to the 2 GB microSD card. Depending on your preferences, you can setup email alerts. This version is made for indoor use only.

Logitech Alert 750e

The company also created an outdoor camera, which costs $349.99. Not only is it weatherproof, but it’s also loaded with night vision. For more protection, there are two add-on outdoor cameras: the Alert 700i and 700e. At $229 and $279, respectively, it’s a pretty penny, but depending on your neighborhood and security concern, it might be worth the expense.

In addition to the new collection of indoor and outdoor cameras, Logitech is also offering an Alert Web and Mobile Commander service. Upon purchase of the products, there is a seven-day free trial, and then the service is $79.99 per year.

These new home security products are expected to be available for purchase in the U.S. sometime in August. These easy to install security cameras might be what you’re in the market for, and you can conveniently store the video on your PC and on the included SD card. When going this extra step to secure your home, it’s going to take time and effort on your part to review the video and determine weaknesses and security breaches.

Door security experts Armor Concepts LLC have recently launched three new products that can assist homeowners with stepping up their security. The new additions are aimed at preventing door kick-ins, which has become an increasingly growing home security issue. Below is a quick look at the EZ Armor, Sidelight Door Reinforcement System and Fix-a-Jamb II.

EZ Armor

The purpose of this product is to reinforce those weak parts of doors. It’s easy to install (takes about 30 minutes), and its main purpose is to prevent kick-ins. Basically, the L-shaped pieces fit into the door’s jamb, hinge and locks. These areas of the door are prone to damage, which allows burglars to enter your home easily. However, the L-shaped pieces reinforce these weak points and make break-ins more challenging. Even if you already have kick-in damage to your door from a previous burglary, you can install the EZ Armor, which retails for $69 and can be purchased online or at Lowe’s stores.

Sidelight Door Reinforcement System

This product is especially designed for doors with windows on the sides or sidelights. Since these types of doors are more prone to break-ins—burglars can smash the glass and manually unlock the door—this system has been created to secure the door in more ways than one. In addition to securing the door to the jamb, the jamb is also secured to your home’s frame. This system retails for $129.

Fix-A-Jamb II

This product is an improved version of the first Fix-A-Jamb. The second version actually eliminates one installation step, which makes it even easier to setup. Although this product can strengthen your door, it can also repair doors that have already been damaged. It sells for $44.

These three Amor products are perfect for apartments and condos, because if your current home is temporary, there’s no point in spending several hundred dollars replacing a door. These are more affordable solutions that will increase your security while you’re living in an apartment.

The grand prize includes a Smart Care (fortwo coupe), and the packages include various products such as an iPad,$100 iTunes gift card, smoke and carbon monoxide detector, Mac Book Pro, French door refrigerator, Wi-Fi built-in Blue-ray home theater system and more. Kwikset focuses on re-key technology, which enables homeowners to re-key their locks at any time without the need for professional installation. You can enter the “Live Smart” sweepstakes here.

According to the Unified Crime Report (UCR), more than 2.2 million burglaries occurred in 2008, which is an increase from 2007, 2004 and 1999, respectively. While many factors contribute to burglaries, Kwikset found through the American Security Study in 2009 that 47 percent of homeowners never chance their locks when moving into a new place. In order to combat this lack of lock changing, Kwikset has developed simple door locks that can be re-keyed in moments. In addition to its products, the “Live Smart” campaign is another way this company is raising awareness.

Kwikset provides handlesets, levers, knobs, deadbolts and smart security products. With the smart security products, you can re-key door locks within seconds. If you prefer a touchpad electronic deadbolt or touchpad electronic lever, these options are available too. Then you don’t even need a key to enter your home. The levered one is perfect for a sliding glass door or a backyard garage door. As long as you know the code, you will never be locked out of your house.

The door knobs and locks can even match your home décor. There are several finishes you can choose from including satin nickel, antique brass, polished brass, Venetian bronze, rustic pewter and rustic bronze. With the “bump” resistant technology and ANSI Grade-1 deadbolt rating, your home will be more secure, and your doors will be more functional. Even if you don’t win the sweepstakes, you might want to consider new locks for your humble abode.