As the security industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace, new innovations in video security, AI, access control, and more are setting the stage for a transformative 2026. We’re sharing an inside look at the technologies, upgrades, and industry shifts that are expected to define the coming year.
Proactive Video Surveillance: Stopping Crime Before It Happens
As Guardian continues to expand its video offerings, Proactive Video Surveillance has emerged as one of the most powerful tools for preventing crime rather than just recording it. Leveraging AI-driven analytics and live intervention from security specialists, Proactive Video Surveillance turns cameras into an active defense system to help stop crime before it happens.
Instead of passively capturing footage, smart cameras detect suspicious behavior, such as loitering, unauthorized entry attempts, or after-hours movement, and escalate it in real time. For example, Guardian’s monitoring specialists can then intervene using two-way talk-down, issuing warnings or directing individuals to leave the property. These proactive responses have proven highly effective in deterring intruders and reducing onsite incidents, making proactive video surveillance one of the fastest-growing security trends heading into 2026.
Realted article: How Proactive Video Surveillance Offers Enchanced Detection for Any Industry
24/7 Recording Comes to Doorbell Cameras
One of the most exciting updates for 2026 is the expansion of continuous recording on the Guardian Protection video doorbell camera.
Thanks to a new firmware update, thousands of existing doorbell cameras are being enabled for 24/7 video capture. Customers won’t need a new device; they will only need an approved high-endurance micro SD card, capable of handling continuous rewrites.
This feature will be simple to achieve: Users can remove the camera cover, insert the SD card, and the device will automatically encrypt and activate continuous recording. This enhancement gives customers access to around-the-clock coverage without requiring additional hardware or cloud upgrades.
Visual Verification for Faster, Smarter Emergency Response
Visual Verification continues to play a major role in improving the accuracy and speed of emergency dispatches. When an alarm event occurs, Guardian’s systems can automatically attach a video snapshot or short clip from the nearest camera, giving monitoring specialists immediate context.
This helps distinguish between:
- A real break-in vs. a false alarm
- An accidental activation vs. malicious activity
When monitoring specialists can verify the cause, they can deliver more precise information to emergency responders, often resulting in faster dispatch times and reduced false-alarm fees for customers.
As video analytics and camera integrations grow in sophistication, Visual Verification will become even more powerful and is expected to be a core expectation for security camera systems by 2026.
AI Becomes a Core Part of the Security Experience
AI has revolutionized most parts of our lives, and security is no different. In the new year, we anticipate that AI will streamline many security system functions, including:
Voice-Activated AI Search
In 2026, Guardian customers will be able to search their video library using specific descriptors that AI will use to filter and find the most relevant content. For example:
- “Show me the person wearing a red shirt.”
- “Find clips from yesterday morning.”
The AI will automatically locate relevant footage and surface it in the app to make finding important clips even easier.
Smarter Event Linking
AI will soon connect sensor activity (like door or window sensor openings) with corresponding video clips, giving customers a complete picture of what’s happening in their home.
AI Deterrence for Cameras That Take Action Automatically
AI Deterrence is rapidly becoming a standard expectation, and Guardian is integrating this capability across more devices. With AI Deterrence, cameras can trigger automated warnings, including sirens, voice prompts, or flashing lights, whenever a threat is detected.
Instead of waiting for a human to review footage or respond to an alert, the system delivers immediate, real-time deterrence. These features are especially valuable for:
- Perimeter protection
- After-hours monitoring
- Remote or unstaffed locations
- High-risk entry points
AI Deterrence is poised to dramatically reduce false alarms while increasing intruder accountability.
Introducing the Water and Freeze Sensor
Guardian Protection is excited to introduce the latest in water sensor technology: the new Water and Freeze Sensor. This device is a compact, high-performance sensor designed to prevent costly water damage.
Built with PowerG technology, the Water and Freeze Sensor offers:
- Highly sensitive water leak detection
- Freeze alerts at 41°F (5°C) to warn of pipe-freezing conditions
- A 6-foot sensing cable for coverage in hard-to-reach areas
- 5+ years of battery life
- Seamless integration with Guardian’s free mobile app
Water damage is one of the most common and expensive losses for homes and businesses, yet only a fraction of customers use water sensors. Paired with compatible devices like the IQ Water Valve, customers can even automate leak response, shutting off water the moment moisture is detected and preventing catastrophic damage before it starts. With the Water and Freeze Sensor’s fast installation and powerful detection capabilities, Guardian is filling a major gap in property protection.
And the best news? All Guardian security packages will now have the Water and Freeze Sensor included!
Looking Ahead to 2026
From AI advancements to high-resolution commercial cameras and evolving access control capabilities, 2026 promises to be a transformative year in security technology. Guardian Protection is committed to leading the way by delivering powerful, reliable, and innovative tools that help keep our customers protected and prepared for whatever comes next.