Bosch has expanded its access control portfolio by enabling support for OSDP (Open Supervised Device Protocol) across its LECTUS secure readers, further enhancing communication security and data protection. The use of the OSDP standard ensures encrypted data and credential exchange, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access and communication interception.

At the same time, Bosch has introduced a new generation of LECTUS secure readers, available in four different form factors to meet a wide range of installation requirements in both indoor and outdoor environments. The devices come pre-configured and ready for use, feature IP65 protection, and are compatible with Bosch AMC2 Wiegand controllers.

The new reader line supports iCLASS, iCLASS SE, and Seos technologies while maintaining a strong balance between price and performance.

Of particular note is the introduction of MIFARE DESFire EV3 credentials, which deliver the highest level of security and represent the latest generation of access technologies currently available on the market.

The solution offers full compatibility with existing MIFARE DESFire EV1 systems, enabling straightforward upgrades without the need to replace the current infrastructure. Performance has also been improved through faster card reading, while Bosch-coded credentials further strengthen the overall security of the access control system. In addition, the enhanced OSDP STid readers can be easily enabled to work with the new 128-bit Bosch-coded MIFARE DESFire EV3 credentials. Importantly, no replacement of existing readers is required, as the solutions are compatible with AMS software (version 5.2 and above) as well as Bosch AMC2 OSDP controllers.

Zenitel will once again present its solutions at one of the world’s leading security trade fairs – Intersec Dubai, taking place from January 12 to 14 at the Dubai World Trade Center. During the three-day exhibition, Zenitel’s team will showcase its Unified Critical Communication concept at Stand S2-F19, with a focus on reliable, secure, and crystal-clear audio communication for mission-critical environments. These solutions are designed for sectors where uninterrupted system operation, speech intelligibility, and high availability are of paramount importance.

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore Zenitel’s latest solutions, exchange insights with company representatives, and discuss ways to enhance safety and communication efficiency in complex operational environments. Zenitel’s Middle East team highlights Intersec Dubai as an ideal platform for meeting partners, system integrators, and end users, as well as for sharing knowledge on key trends in the field of critical communications.

Intersec Dubai traditionally brings together leading global manufacturers and experts in security, infrastructure protection, and crisis management, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global hub for security technologies.

According to the N1 news portal, an artificial intelligence–based weapon detection system triggered a false alarm at a high school in the United States after a musical instrument was mistakenly identified as a firearm. The incident occurred in mid-December at Lawton Chiles High School in Oviedo, Florida.

U.S. media reports state that the AI weapon detection system, which uses surveillance cameras and ZeroEye software, identified an object in a student’s hands as a rifle. As a result, the system automatically locked classrooms and school entrances and alerted school administrators, who subsequently contacted the police.

Upon arrival, police determined that the object was not a weapon but a clarinet the student was carrying through the hallway. While the temporary lockdown caused some concern among students, available information indicates that there was no serious panic.

The school’s principal, Dr. Melissa Laudani, informed parents about the incident, emphasizing in her message that although no real threat existed, students should be reminded of the risks of imitating the handling of weapons on school grounds. This statement suggested that the clarinet may have been held in a manner resembling a firearm.

The incident comes amid ongoing concerns over violence in U.S. educational institutions, where at least 75 school shooting incidents had been recorded nationwide by December this year.

Uniview has introduced SeekFree, a new AI solution that significantly simplifies video search by enabling voice-based and natural language queries. Instead of relying on traditional filters and limited attributes, operators can now simply describe what they are looking for—such as “a person blocking a fire exit” or “a vehicle stopping in a restricted area”—and the system automatically retrieves the relevant video footage.

According to the manufacturer, SeekFree is built on the Uniview Large Model, an advanced AI model designed to understand context and the semantic meaning of user queries, making the search process faster and more accurate. This approach allows large volumes of video data to be transformed into actionable security insights, available in real time.

Uniview emphasizes that SeekFree eliminates the need for complex configurations and specialized technical expertise, making advanced video analytics accessible to a broader range of users. The solution is designed for a wide range of use cases, including monitoring public spaces, traffic zones, commercial facilities, and security-critical environments where rapid response is essential.

SeekFree represents another step in Uniview’s strategy to integrate artificial intelligence and smart video surveillance, with the goal of making security systems more intuitive, efficient, and aligned with real-world operational needs.

Bosch Life Safety Systems has announced the upcoming launch of its new I4R2 interface module, designed for systems within the Bosch AVENAR portfolio, further expanding integration and control capabilities in modern fire protection systems.

The universal interface module has been developed to support a wide range of applications across commercial, industrial, and infrastructure facilities. The I4R2 enables efficient control and monitoring of smoke control dampers powered by both 24 V DC and 230 V AC, simplifying the implementation of smoke control systems in complex installations.

In addition, the module supports the connection of up to four conventional four-wire detectors, making it a flexible solution for projects that require a combination of addressable and conventional components within the same system. According to the manufacturer, the I4R2 has been designed with a strong focus on reliability, easier installation, and seamless integration into existing AVENAR configurations.

Bosch emphasizes that the new module is particularly intended for system integrators and specifiers, offering them additional flexibility when designing fire protection and smoke control solutions, while maintaining the high standards of compatibility and safety associated with the AVENAR platform.

More detailed technical information about the new I4R2 series will be announced ahead of the official launch, and Bosch encourages industry professionals to follow upcoming updates and consider integrating this solution into future projects.

Genetec, the global leader in enterprise physical security software, predicts four key trends that will shape physical security strategies in 2026, from flexible cloud deployment and intelligent automation to modernized access control and more connected, unified security operations. Against a backdrop of rising cyber-physical risk and growing data volumes, these trends are set to influence how organizations in the Middle East and beyond invest in and manage their security environments.

Choice and flexibility will define the next phase of cloud adoption

Organizations will prioritize solutions that offer deployment flexibility and scalability. They will then choose the environment that best supports their operational needs, whether it’s on-premises, in the cloud, or a hybrid approach. Open architecture solutions will give end users the freedom to choose the devices and applications that best support their operations. This approach will extend the life of existing infrastructure while allowing teams to adopt cloud services where they add the most value.

AI moves from hype to intelligent automation

In 2026, the conversation will shift from AI and LLM hype to practical, outcome-driven Intelligent Automation (IA) solutions that streamline workflows, improve accuracy, and enable faster, smarter decisions. Rather than adopting technology for its own sake, users will focus on features that genuinely improve daily operations, such as intelligent search to accelerate investigations, reduce false alarms, and strengthen situational awareness. As the market matures, expectations around transparency and responsible implementation will rise. Users will demand clarity on how AI is used, how systems are built, and how data is collected, processed, and protected.

Access control modernization will accelerate

Access control will remain a top priority as organizations modernize legacy systems and focus on maximizing ROI. The value of access control is expanding well beyond locking and unlocking doors to deliver measurable business outcomes, such as energy efficiency, occupancy management, and operational insights. Access Control as a Service (ACaaS) adoption will accelerate as organizations prioritize easier maintenance, greater scalability, and predictable operating costs.

Connected systems will bring intelligence and efficiency to security operations

Over the next year, the number of connected devices will continue to surge as organizations integrate IoT sensors, building systems, and smart devices into unified security and operations platforms. Bringing this information together in one place will give teams a clearer view of what is happening across their facilities and help them respond faster and with greater confidence. The convergence of IT, operational technology, and physical security will accelerate, enabling real-time data sharing and smarter decision-making across facilities.

As the landscape grows more complex, organizations will seek guidance on how to deploy the right technologies and manage them effectively.