Most of these panels use capacitive touch screens and contain multiple radios
that allow them to wirelessly control Wi Fi, Z Wave, Zigbee, and Bluetooth sensors and home automation components. Most panels also contain a cellular radio that connects them to a monitoring center if you subscribe to a professional monitoring plan, and they almost always have a speaker and a microphone for two way communication with a monitoring agent. The cellular radio is also used to push updates to the system. For example, the $229 SimpliSafe Foundation is a starter kit that gives you the hub, a door/window sensor, a motion sensor, and a yard sign. Additional door/window sensors go for $14. 99 each and you can order glass break detectors for $34. 99 each, smoke detectors for $29. 99 each, and water sensors for $19. 99 each. The LifeShield Essentials system goes for $199. 99 and comes with a base station, a keypad, a keychain fob, four door/window sensors, a motion sensor, a fire safety sensor, and an Asus Memo Pad 7 tablet with LifeShield software that you can use to control everything.
Yes, we were really
dreaming then and no one could have blamed us for doing so.

99 equipment purchase may be
financed subject to an agreement with one of Vivint’s financing partners. $49 to $199 installation fee applies. Financing eligibility and
terms subject to credit approval. Month to month service agreement available when equipment is purchased upfront. Additional equipment may be purchased and financed. Financing options require monthly services agreement coterminous with applicable financing agreement for example $49.