Most environments are already covered by cameras. The real challenge in modern AI video surveillance is response time. Many incidents are not missed because they are invisible, but because they are noticed too late. Policy violations, unsafe behavior, or suspicious actions often unfold within seconds, and once they are discovered through review or manual checks, the opportunity to intervene has already passed.

Traditional AI alerts help reduce this gap, but only when scenarios fit predefined detection types. In real operations, risks are often more contextual. Policies vary by space, rules change over time, and many behaviors that matter cannot be easily expressed through fixed alert categories. This is where Think Alert becomes valuable.

What Think Alert is and how it fits into existing workflows

Think Alert is a generative AI–powered alert capability within VORTEX that allows users to describe what action or situation they want to detect using natural language. Built on visual language model (VLM) technology, it enables more flexible real-time video alerts while still defining where detection applies through familiar line or zone drawing—bringing this capability into the broader VORTEX AI video analytics platform.

To see why this matters in day-to-day operations, it helps to look at what Think Alert changes for teams in three practical ways.

• Act immediately to mitigate losses:
  Theft, accidents, and unauthorized access cost money and endanger people. Think Alert detects these situations in real time, so teams can respond immediately—before damage occurs and before incidents escalate.

• Set up in seconds, not hours:
  No manuals or training needed. After defining the detection area, simply use natural language to describe what you want to monitor and activate the alert in moments. No technical skills, no complex rule building, and no IT help required.

• Your alerts, your rules:
  Every person and team has different needs. Think Alert lets each user customize monitoring based on what matters most to them, instead of being limited to fixed, predefined alert rules.

A quick refresher – Think Search: Find What Happened, Faster

Before Think Alert, VORTEX introduced another VLM capability: Think Search. It uses visual language model technology to make investigation feel as simple as searching the web. Instead of scrubbing timelines or guessing which filters might work, users can type what they want to find in plain language, and the system surfaces relevant moments from recorded footage.

This matters because investigation is often where teams first discover patterns—recurring behaviors, repeat problem areas, or situations that consistently create risk. Think Search helps teams find those signals faster and with less effort.

Learn more about Think Search →

Elevating VORTEX from “what happened” to “stop it next time”

Once teams identify what keeps happening, the next question is always the same: how do we stop it earlier? That’s where Think Alert takes what teams learned during investigation and turns it into real-time monitoring. Instead of repeatedly searching for the same incidents after they occur, teams can go directly to the location that matters, define the detection area, describe the behavior, and receive alerts the moment it happens again.

This is what elevates VORTEX into a more complete video intelligence workflow. It supports both sides of the job: understanding the past with faster investigation, and protecting the future with proactive, real-time alerts.

The new capabilities of the Safety Suite 2.0 software platform provide organizations with greater visibility into the status of portable gas detection devices, enabling safety teams to manage risks more effectively and better protect workers in refineries, chemical plants, utility operations, and emergency response services. The latest enhancement introduced by Honeywell combines historical data, real-time analytics, and forecasting tools within a unified software environment designed to support proactive safety management.

The new version gives operators a more detailed overview of gas detection device fleets, improved compliance tracking, and simplified inventory management. By leveraging additional historical data, enhanced dashboards, and forecasting capabilities, safety managers can more easily identify risk patterns and respond to potential threats before they escalate.

“Safety Suite enables leaders to identify potential hazards early, prioritize corrective actions, and continuously improve safety performance to protect workers on the job. This helps reduce risk, accelerate decision-making, and strengthen a culture in which worker safety is embedded in every process and business outcome,” said Armando Pazos, President of Honeywell Industrial Measurement and Control.

Among the new features are customizable dashboards that consolidate exposure data, compliance status, and device health into a single view, as well as real-time alerts that notify employees of critical events or upcoming device testing requirements. The platform also provides live readings from gas detectors across all facilities and locations, offering immediate visibility into safety conditions. In addition, Safety Suite 2.0 introduces automated workflows for device assignment, calibration, and return-to-inventory processes, simplifying the management of technologies used by different teams and work shifts.

More information about Honeywell’s gas detection solutions and industrial safety technologies is available on the company’s website: Honeywell Automation Solutions.

Hikvision has introduced the new DeepinView HLC Self-Cleaning Camera for traffic monitoring applications, designed to operate reliably in challenging weather and lighting conditions. The new solution is engineered to address common road monitoring challenges, including rain, snow, headlight glare, lens contamination, and nighttime darkness.

The camera features a self-cleaning lens protection system, advanced optical design, and DarkFighter 2.0 imaging technology, enabling clearer images and more reliable visibility in situations where image quality is critical for traffic monitoring and management.

Particular emphasis has been placed on its High Light Compensation (HLC) capabilities, which help minimize the impact of vehicle headlights and other intense light sources, while enhanced low-light imaging functions deliver greater scene detail in dark environments. According to Hikvision, the new camera is intended for traffic management systems, road monitoring applications, and urban infrastructure projects, where reliability and image clarity are essential for effective traffic observation and analysis.

VIVOTEK has deployed its VORTEX cloud platform as part of the security infrastructure at Kongens Ege in Randers, Denmark, a former hotel that has been transformed into a mixed-use development featuring residential units, hospitality areas, and shared facilities.

Due to the site’s diverse operational requirements, the developer needed a solution capable of providing continuous video surveillance, automated vehicle access, and centralized management without increasing on-site IT complexity. The project was delivered in collaboration with VIVOTEK’s long-term partner ITV Security and system integrator FA-EL.

The implementation is based on a hybrid cloud architecture that combines local infrastructure with cloud-based management through VORTEX Connect integrated into VIVOTEK’s ND Series network video recorders. The system includes 4K surveillance cameras for indoor and outdoor monitoring, ANPR cameras for automated parking access control, and the VAST Security Station platform for local management.

VORTEX Connect enables remote monitoring and management of all cameras and recorders through a single interface, reducing the need for on-site interventions. Operators can remotely manage alarms, device configurations, and network functions, while automated notifications provide immediate alerts if any device goes offline or encounters operational issues.

Additional emphasis has been placed on cybersecurity through support for Single Sign-On (SSO) and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), while the cloud-enabled architecture simplifies maintenance and future system expansion. VIVOTEK says the Kongens Ege project demonstrates how combining on-premises reliability with cloud intelligence can create a scalable foundation for future AI analytics, smart sensors, and integrations with broader building management systems.

As the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico approaches, cybersecurity experts are warning of a sharp increase in online scams targeting fans looking to purchase tickets. According to research by Group-IB, more than 4,300 fraudulent domains impersonating FIFA’s official web presence have been identified since August 2025, with many designed to steal user credentials and payment information.

Researchers say that a threat actor known as Ghost Stadium is at the center of the campaign, operating highly convincing replicas of FIFA websites to lure victims into entering their login details. The fraudulent sites often use authentic branding elements and multilingual support, making them difficult for users to distinguish from legitimate platforms.

Social media advertisements play a major role in the scheme, promoting heavily discounted tickets and creating a sense of urgency among potential buyers. Users who click on these ads are redirected to fake ticketing pages where scammers collect payment card information, personal data, or access credentials for existing FIFA accounts. In some cases, victims who already own valid tickets have their accounts compromised, allowing criminals to resell legitimate tickets for profit.

Analysts also identified several parallel fraud operations, including fake streaming services, counterfeit merchandise stores, and unauthorized betting platforms designed to harvest personal information and financial data. At the same time, thousands of compromised FIFA account credentials are reportedly being traded on dark-web marketplaces.

Group-IB estimates that financial losses related to premium-ticket fraud alone could reach hundreds of millions of dollars. Security experts therefore recommend purchasing tickets only through official channels, carefully verifying website addresses before logging in, and enabling multi-factor authentication on FIFA accounts.

This case study highlights a major U.S.-based energy company headquartered in downtown Houston, Texas. The organization occupies 10 floors within a shared high-rise office building and supports approximately 600 employees.

The company has operated its Software House C•CURE 9000 access control system for many years as the foundation of its physical security program. The organization enhanced its emergency preparedness strategy by deploying XPressEntry for mobile emergency mustering, extending C•CURE 9000 beyond fixed door readers to improve real-time accountability during evacuations.

With a strong focus on life safety, regulatory compliance, and operational continuity, leadership required a reliable and repeatable method to account for all personnel during emergency drills and real incidents.

Challenges

Operating within a shared building presented unique challenges:

• Multiple floors with distributed personnel
• No centralized control of the entire building
• The need to evacuate quickly and account for employees across 10 separate levels
• Dependence on manual headcounts and verbal confirmation

In a high-rise environment, delays or inaccuracies during evacuation can create serious risk. Leadership wanted a faster, more structured, and technology-driven approach.

Solution

XPressEntry was deployed in partnership with security integrator Walker Engineering, Inc. and integrated directly with the existing C•CURE 9000 system.

“Walker Engineering partnered with the client to implement a scalable and reliable mustering solution that enhances real-time accountability during emergency events. By integrating mobile mustering capabilities with existing access control systems, the solution improves visibility, response time, and overall life safety performance.” — Walker Engineering, Inc.

Fifteen (15) XPressEntry handheld badge and biometric readers were strategically installed throughout the facility. Each floor was equipped with a custom enclosure containing power and network connectivity to support a true grab-and-go mustering solution.

Designated personnel on every floor were trained to retrieve the handheld during drills or real emergencies and proceed immediately to their assigned muster location. By syncing with C•CURE 9000, XPressEntry leverages the latest occupancy information and existing badge data to instantly mark employees as safely evacuated when scanned at assembly areas.

Benefits

Following deployment, the company achieved:

• Real-time visibility into who has been accounted for
• Immediate identification of missing personnel
• Floor-by-floor evacuation accountability
• Distributed mustering leadership for faster response
• Offline operation if connectivity is lost
• Automatic synchronization once the network is restored

With approximately 600 employees across 10 floors, the organization now has a structured, repeatable evacuation process that increases confidence and reduces risk.

Conclusion

Since implementing XPressEntry, the Houston-based energy company has maintained an always-ready, proven emergency mustering program across its 10-floor headquarters. By extending Software House C•CURE 9000 beyond fixed door readers and empowering trained personnel on every floor with a grab-and-go handheld solution, the organization transformed evacuation response from manual and reactive to a modern, real-time, and data-driven solution.

With approximately 600 employees operating within a shared high-rise building, leadership now has confidence that during drills or real emergencies, accountability is immediate, accurate, and repeatable. XPressEntry handheld badge and biometric readers continue to lead the industry with:

• The most access control integrations
• Broad support for badges, biometrics, and mobile credentials
• The first handheld badge reader running Android 15 for enhanced security

TOA Corporation has introduced the new VX-3100PS-EB and VX-3200PS-EB power supply units, expanding the capabilities of its VX-3000 public address and voice alarm system. The new solutions are designed for installations that do not require backup battery support or EN 54 compliance, offering users a more cost-effective alternative for commercial and industrial applications.

Both units have been developed as dedicated power supplies for the VX-3000 platform, enabling simpler and more flexible system design while maintaining the reliability and performance of the existing solution. The VX-3100PS-EB supports systems with up to 1,000 W of loudspeaker power and serves as an alternative to the VX-3150DS unit, while the VX-3200PS-EB supports installations of up to 2,000 W and is intended as a replacement for the VX-3000DS in projects where backup power functionality is not required.

The power supply units feature a compact 1U rack-mount design, helping to reduce space requirements in communication and technical cabinets. Both models are equipped with a fault control output, allowing system status monitoring and easier integration into broader building management solutions.

TOA VX-3200PS-EB

The VX-3000 is an established PA/VA platform widely used in commercial buildings, transportation infrastructure, educational facilities, and industrial environments. With the introduction of these new power supply units, TOA provides users with greater flexibility when designing systems, particularly in applications where life-safety and evacuation system requirements do not apply.

Synology has introduced the new FlashStation FS200T, a compact all-flash NAS solution designed for home users and small offices seeking high performance, quiet operation, and a minimal footprint. The new system measures just 121 x 151 x 175 mm and features six 2.5-inch SSD drive bays. According to Synology, the FS200T is aimed at users running virtualization workloads, lightweight containerized applications, or those looking to build a private cloud environment without the noise typically associated with traditional storage systems.

The device is equipped with 2.5GbE and 1GbE network ports, providing faster data transfers and network redundancy, with performance that the company says is up to 2.5 times higher than its predecessor.

Powered by Synology’s DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system, the FS200T offers access to Synology Drive for building a private cloud environment, as well as Active Backup Suite for protecting computers, virtual machines, and cloud accounts. The system also supports third-party SSDs without functional limitations, while Synology SSDs remain the recommended option for validated performance and compatibility.

The FS200T has been available since May 27 through Synology partners and resellers worldwide.

Zenitel today announced the launch of Zenitel VAIA, a new compact and fully integrated Public Address and Voice Alarm (PAVA) platform designed to simplify deployment while delivering the performance, reliability, and intelligibility required for critical communication environments.

Developed for a wide range of applications — from commercial buildings and education facilities to transportation, healthcare, and industrial environments — Zenitel VAIA combines voice alarm, public address, advanced DSP processing, amplification, and battery charging into a highly compact platform optimized for modern installations.

At the core of Zenitel VAIA is a newly patented amplifier architecture that delivers transformer-like output performance without the need for traditional bulky transformer designs. This breakthrough enables ultra-high-density amplification while maintaining exceptional audio quality, system efficiency, and operational reliability.

Delivering up to 1000 W RMS power in just 1U, Zenitel VAIA provides a fully integrated platform designed to reduce system complexity, minimize rack space requirements, and simplify installation and maintenance.

“Modern buildings and infrastructure demand communication systems that are not only reliable and compliant, but also easier to deploy, manage, and scale,” said Sri Sutharsan, VP of Marketing for Zenitel. “With Zenitel VAIA, we are bringing together our long heritage in critical communication with a new generation of compact and intelligent PAVA technology — designed to deliver exceptional intelligibility, operational efficiency, and simplified deployment without compromise.”

The introduction of VAIA also represents another important step in Zenitel’s Unified Critical Communication (UCC) strategy — bringing together intercom, Public Address, Voice Alarm, IP speakers, and operational audio workflows into one cohesive communication ecosystem. Combined with Zenitel Connect Pro and the highly scalable Vipedia platform, VAIA expands Zenitel’s ability to support everything from compact standalone deployments to complex, multi-site critical communication infrastructures.

Zenitel VAIA has been engineered to support both operational communication and life safety applications within a single unified platform. While fully supporting emergency communication requirements, the platform also delivers the high acoustic performance needed for operational announcements, security messaging, and background music applications.

Key highlights of Zenitel VAIA include:

• Compact, all-in-one 1U architecture
• Up to 1000 W RMS integrated amplification
• Advanced DSP for exceptional speech intelligibility and audio quality
• EN54-certified Voice Alarm functionality
• Built-in battery charger and backup capabilities
• Reduced system complexity and fewer hardware components
• Flexible and scalable deployment architecture
• Designed with cybersecurity and system resilience in mind

Zenitel VAIA expands Zenitel’s broader PAVA portfolio, complementing both IP speaker solutions and the scalable Vipedia PAVA platform for larger and more complex installations. With more than 125 years of experience in audio and critical communication, Zenitel continues to deliver solutions designed to help organizations hear, be heard, and be understood.

For more information about Zenitel VAIA and Zenitel’s PAVA portfolio, visit: Zenitel PAVA Solutions