Unified Security Platforms & Smart Control Interfaces Take Centre Stage — Jan 2026 Industry Update

Latest Product & Technology Announcements (Last ~14 Days)

Crestron Debuts Next‑Gen 80 Series Touch Screens

Crestron has unveiled its new 80 Series Touch Screens, positioning them as the “gold standard” in dedicated smart home control interfaces. The new line includes 8″ and 10″ wall‑mount and tabletop models with improved performance, refined industrial design, and deep native integration with Crestron Home® OS for controlling lighting, climate, shading, AV, security and scenes from a central point. The touchscreens support PoE+ and Wi‑Fi connectivity, accommodating flexible installation in modern homes, MDUs, or luxury spaces.

Why this matters: Reliable, responsive control panels matter in high‑end residential and commercial settings — they anchor user interaction and are often essential for delivering intuitive experiences that architects and designers expect.

Alarm.com’s recent press releases continue to show expansion in integrated security capabilities:

• A low‑cost Video Intercom Mobile Directory simplifies visitor management in multi‑tenant buildings.

• A strategic partnership with Everon now delivers a full‑stack commercial security platform with intrusion protection, access control, remote video monitoring and consolidated business management tools.

Alarm.com's commercial console reflects the industry trend toward unified security stacks – pulling video, intrusion, access and notifications into a cohesive remote‑capable platform with centralized visibility.

Why this matters: For Calgary/BC integrators and property owners, this means fewer disparate systems and more effectively monitored properties with mobile, real‑time visibility.

Avigilon’s Alta Protect suite enhances cloud‑based security with AI‑driven video and audio analytics, customizable alerts, and rules‑based detection capable of identifying loitering, unauthorized access, or suspicious activity. It also supports 24/7 monitoring and integrates with Avigilon access control and sensors to help reduce false alarms and improve response clarity.

Why this matters: Organizations and developers in urban centres like Calgary and Vancouver can leverage AI‑enhanced video analytics to proactively detect threats, reduce response times, and support centralized monitoring workflows.

Calgary Crime Trends in Late 2025

The Calgary Police Service continues publishing updated crime dashboards and quarterly reports, with recent data showing some ongoing property crime challenges (including theft, mischief and break‑ins) alongside efforts to track and mitigate them.

Local news also highlights real‑world incidents where construction sites and residential properties have been targeted for theft — and in one noted case, electronic tracking tech combined with CCTV helped police apprehend suspects within hours.

What it means: Calgary’s crime data underscores why builders, owners and managers must assess security risk holistically — incorporating detection, verification, and response into technology planning.

Here are the key technology layers we recommend in response to regional property crime dynamics:

Live Video Monitoring with Advanced Analytics

Cloud‑based video platforms (like Avigilon Alta Protect) provide AI insights on suspicious behaviour, helping deter crime before escalation.

Central Security & Intrusion Monitoring

Verified alarm systems connected to a central monitoring service help reduce false alarms and improve incident response coordination — a must for mixed‑use developments and commercial portfolios.

Integrated Access Control

Modern access technologies (mobile credentials, remote management) enhance secure entry while providing audit trails for tenant and staff movement — a key deterrent against unauthorized access.

Smart Alerts & Automation

Mobile alerts tied to intrusion, motion, or access events give property owners real‑time awareness and actionable information.

Together, these enable a proactive security posture that goes beyond mere deterrence — they help building managers and homeowners respond promptly and intelligently.

1. Smart Control Interfaces Elevate Experience
Crestron’s new 80 Series Touch Screens give Calgary and BC homeowners and designers a powerful, responsive interface for unified smart home control — ideal for high‑end and custom projects.

2. Unified Security Is No Longer Optional
Alarm.com's evolving platform shows how integrated security (intrusion + access + video) reduces complexity and improves visibility — especially for multi‑tenant and commercial environments.

3. Analytics‑Driven Video Enhances Protection
Avigilon Alta Protect’s AI capabilities support smarter alerting and risk detection — crucial in environments where monitoring multiple access points and zones is the norm.

4. Local Crime Patterns Reinforce Layered Security
Calgary crime data highlights the importance of layered solutions (video, central monitoring, access control) rather than standalone products. Advanced systems deliver real value in terms of deterrence, awareness, and rapid response coordination.