Hanwha Vision has released the XRN-426S-1T recorder – a compact NVR with an built-in 1Tb solid-state drive (SSD) that supports AI search, when integrated with Hanwha Vision AI cameras, as well as resolutions of up to 4K. With a solid-state drive instead of a traditional hard drive, this recorder offers a silent and reliable solution.

The recorder’s compact size of just 20cm by 14cm means it is highly flexible and versatile in its applications. The XRN-426S-1T is particularly well suited to more confined spaces, in which a compact recorder is an advantage, for example hallways, lobbies, information desks, residential areas and smaller retail sites. The recorder is up to 50% smaller than comparative 4-channel models, offering competitive features such as AI search, video playback and export, and event rule management.

Quiet and discreet

The discreet recorder is silent owing to its smart design, which means a fan is not needed to circulate air to cool the unit. Furthermore the recorder is complemented with a wide range of installation options, including a supplied Vesa bracket for mounting on the back of a monitor. A separate bracket is supplied for tabletop or wall installation, to ensure maximum flexibility.

AI search for improved efficiency

AI metadata search makes it easy for operators to find and view event footage – to manage events as they unfold, and for post-event investigations. For example, operators are able to check the times that a vehicle entered or exited a car park, or when out-of-hours staff, such as maintenance or cleaning personnel, came on-site. The recorder supports intelligent video analytics such as virtual line-crossing or loitering detection. When this, and other events occur, the recorder can trigger an action based on predefined rules, such as sending an email or mobile push notifications to alert the operator.

Footage can be viewed using Wisenet Mobile or Wisenet Viewer, giving operators flexibility on how they access and manage video recording. An intuitive and customisable display allows managers to simply zoom in on details while fisheye dewarping provides clear images without distortion.

SALTO Wecosystem, a leading access and identity management solutions developer and manufacturer is making a strategic investment in Belter, a dynamic parcel locker solutions startup based in The Netherlands.

The investment represents a shared vision to modernise and co-innovate the parcel delivery industry through advanced smart delivery solutions and next-generation OOH (Out Of Home) parcel locker technology.

“We’re combining our shared vision with Belter’s innovative parcel solutions to change the way parcels reach their destination while setting new standards for security, convenience, flexibility, and sustainability. It’s our shared focus to adapt to evolving urban and parcel industry dynamics while revolutionizing the way we ship and receive packages, when possible, with smarter and more sustainable alternatives,” said Marc Gomez, CEO of SALTO Wecosystem.

As the logistics industry handles increasing package deliveries, there is a growing need to find more sustainable ways to package, transport, deliver, and return parcels. Cities are under mounting pressure to lower emissions and reduce congestion, yet consumers expect both convenience and speedy delivery pickups. Belter provides smart, autonomous locker compartments in assorted sizes that are customizable to daily volume requirements.

“We’re inspired to leverage our respective strengths and expertise to shape the future of parcel delivery. Our investment reinforces our commitment to driving growth and delivering innovative solutions” Elmar Hartmann, CEO of Gantner, a SALTO Wecosystem company that offers smart electronic locker solutions.

Belter Founder Rick Voogt expressed enthusiasm, highlighting the investment’s potential to drive impactful advancements in the parcel delivery infrastructure.

“SALTO Wecosystem’s investment and collaboration will help Belter expand its business and advance the development and modernisation of our parcel delivery infrastructure. This will help us better serve customers and our logistics operating partners, leveraging SALTO Wecosystem’s smart access technology and expertise,” said Voogt.

SALTO Wecosystem’s seed investment in Belter signifies a commitment to driving growth and innovation in the parcel delivery industry.

Siemens has agreed to acquire California-based Trayer Engineering Corporation, a leader in the design and manufacturing of medium voltage secondary distribution switchgear suitable for outdoor and below ground applications.

Trayer specialises in hermetically sealed padmount and submersible switchgear, resistant to extreme weather conditions. The company will provide complementary technologies to the Electrification and Automation Business Unit at Siemens, to further support the market trend of undergrounding overhead electrical networks, increasing resilience of the North American distribution grids. Siemens, as a leading player in the Electrification and Automation industry, will increase the availability of Trayer’s leading submersible and padmount switchgear portfolio by its widespread presence in the market.

“We see a significant growth opportunity in secondary power distribution, particularly in addressing the challenges posed by extreme weather conditions. By combining forces, we will provide an end-to-end portfolio to our customers by unlocking resources and competencies to serve this growing demand,” said Stephan May, CEO of Electrification and Automation at Siemens Smart Infrastructure. “Our digital offerings and Siemens Xcelerator portfolio, Electrification X, complements Trayer’s resilient solutions to enable utilities and municipalities to upgrade their distribution grids and drive grid efficiency for outdoor and below ground applications.”

Maintenance-free switchgear

Trayer has a long history in producing maintenance-free switchgear of the highest quality, designed to thrive in the most challenging circumstances. Its submersible distribution switchgear is ideally suited for use in areas prone to flooding or extreme weather conditions, providing reliable electrical distribution while being protected from water and environmental damage. Whereas padmount switchgear is typically installed at ground level in residential, commercial, and industrial areas, offering easy access for safety inspections and operation while ensuring reliable, safe, and efficient electrical distribution for underground electrical grids.

“By joining a 175+ year old, established industry leader, Trayer sees accelerated growth, investment, and employee opportunities,” said John Trayer, CEO, Trayer.

Trayer was founded as a family business in 1962 and currently employs 130 people. It will continue to operate as a separate legal entity, under the banner “A Siemens Business”.

Andrew Weir, ADT’s Director of Hardware Engineering at ADT, was recently named to the Z-Wave Board of Directors.

He lauded the Z-Wave Alliance’s stringent certification programme, which grants the Z-Wave-certified badge only to products that meet the highest standards of interoperability and quality.

“This certification ensures that all Z-Wave devices deliver reliable performance well before they are ever paired with ADT,” Weir said. “That provides essential confidence for us and for our customers.”

Founded in 2005, the Z-Wave Alliance – a global consortium dedicated to the advancement of Z-Wave technology – has more than 700 member companies, ranging from large multinationals to cutting-edge start-ups. It encourages innovation by providing resources to its members, including technical assistance, development tools and access to a network of industry experts.

When connecting an ADT security system, for example, with other smart home devices, it’s easy to take for granted that everything works together seamlessly and securely. There’s no need to juggle multiple apps or struggle to keep all the components in sync. This is powered by Z-Wave, a wireless communication protocol that creates a unified, secure network, making homes both smarter and safer.

ADT has long embraced Z-Wave for its ease and interoperability. This means that Z-Wave-certified devices — including lights, locks, thermostats and more — work together out of the box to ensure an efficient smart home setup.

The company’s approach extends beyond simply integrating Z-Wave products. ADT is a principal member of the Z-Wave Alliance and there have been numerous ADT employees on the Alliance’s board of directors.

“Our involvement with the Alliance means that we get to play a ground-level role in pushing the state-of-the-art, guaranteeing that ADT systems continue to work flawlessly with the widest variety of smart home solutions,” said Tim Rader, ADT’s Vice President of Product Engineering Quality and Labs.

“ADT and the Z-Wave Alliance will keep pushing the frontiers of interoperability and innovation,” Rader said. “As Z-Wave continues to evolve with Long Range, AI and more, we will stay proactively involved in the pursuit of even more sophisticated and user-friendly solutions.”

In the coming years, ADT plans to work with Z-Wave to empower fully autonomous homes, where every device across an entire property intuitively adapts to the user’s habits and needs. Long Range and AI-enabled products will optimize energy use, security and comfort across distances, creating a truly intelligent and connected living environment.

The global electronic home locks market size is expected to reach USD 5.68 billion by 2030, registering to grow at a CAGR of 8.1% from 2024 to 2030 according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. High demand for home automation and advanced security technologies, such as electronics home locks, is expected to be the key factors driving the market. Rising construction activities in developed countries including U.S., Germany, U.K., and France are also expected to assist in growth of this market.

Moreover, integration of innovative technologies, such as Near-Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth, and voice and face recognition, is expected to boost the product demand. North America was the dominant regional market in 2018 and is estimated to retain its leading position throughout the forecast period.

Geographical spread

The growth is attributed to the rapid expansion of the construction industry, especially in residential sector, in the region. However, Asia Pacific is projected to witness the fastest growth over the forecast period due to high demand for advanced security solutions. The product demand is driven by the increasing residential construction activities, the trend of home automation, and disposable income levels in the region. In addition, a rising number of branded retail outlets, especially in India and China, is anticipated to contribute to the market in growth. The keypad segment held the largest market revenue share of 45.8% in 2023, although the biometrics segment is beginning to show movement.

 Smart phone and exposure to digital media help drive the market

Residential segment dominated the market in 2023. The growing concern for home security has driven homeowners to seek advanced security solutions, with electronic locks offering enhanced protection through features like remote access, biometric recognition, and real-time alerts.

Prominent companies in the electronic home locks market, and mentioned by the researchers include, Assa Abloy; Vivint; Honeywell; Allegion; Dormakaba; Godrej; Spectrum Brands; Samsung; Salto Systems; and Master Lock Company.

ASSA ABLOY has acquired Level Lock, a technology solutions business based in Redwood City, California. “This acquisition is an exciting technological addition to the ASSA ABLOY Group and will provide complementary growth opportunities,” says Nico Delvaux, President and CEO of ASSA ABLOY.

“The acquisition of Level Lock complements ASSA ABLOY’s technology portfolio and strengthens our digital offering across multiple businesses in the Americas division,” says Lucas Boselli, Executive Vice President of ASSA ABLOY and Head of the Americas Division. “Their innovative platform provides an easy transition from mechanical locking to digital access solutions with minimal effort.”

Level Lock was founded in 2016 and has some 70 employees. The main office is located in Redwood City, California, USA. Sales for 2023 amounted to about MUSD 16.

After a 14-year legal process, the EU Court has upheld a fine of 2.4 billion euros against Google, which is accused of abusing its position in internet search.

According to the ruling, the company directed visitors exclusively to its own Google Shopping service through search results in 13 European countries, causing significant harm to competitors.

This decision confirms the EU Commission’s previous ruling from 2017, which imposed the same fine on Google. Google had appealed this decision, which has now been officially rejected.

Apple also received a hefty fine and will have to return 13 billion euros to the Irish government due to illegal state aid.

The EU Court also upheld the European Commission’s 2016 decision that Ireland had granted illegal state aid of 13 billion euros to Apple, which the company now has to repay. This aid concerned the tax treatment of profits from Apple’s activities outside the US.