Abode has announced two new additions to its smart security ecosystem, with the introduction of the Outdoor Contact Sensor and Garage Tilt Sensor. Both devices are designed to extend security coverage beyond the home itself, protecting areas that are often overlooked by traditional indoor sensors while integrating with Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home.
The new sensors communicate using Abode’s proprietary 433MHz RF protocol and are intended for use with an Abode security system, providing real-time notifications and automation options through the Abode app.
OUTDOOR CONTACT SENSOR
Most contact sensors are designed for indoor use, making them unsuitable for gates, sheds, detached garages, or other outdoor entry points. Abode’s new Outdoor Contact Sensor addresses this by offering a weatherproof design capable of operating in temperatures ranging from -25°C to 60°C (-13°F to 140°F).
The sensor carries an IP66 weather-resistance rating, protecting it from dust and powerful water jets, making it suitable for year-round outdoor installation.
One notable feature is its larger operating gap between the sensor and magnet compared to standard contact sensors. This makes installation easier on outdoor gates and doors where perfect alignment isn’t always possible.
Other features include:
- Real-time notifications whenever a monitored door or gate is opened or closed
- Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home compatibility
- Customisable sensor behaviour within the Abode app
- Configurable alarm modes and chime settings
- User-defined sensor names for easier identification
- Installation on both wood and metal surfaces
- Low-battery notifications
- Powered by two AA batteries
SPECIFICATIONS
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Communication | AbodeRF (433MHz) |
| Battery | 2 × AA |
| Weather Rating | IP66 |
| Operating Temperature | -25 ~ 60°C | -13 ~ 14ºF |
| Humidity | Up to 85% non-condensing |
| Dimensions | 83.6 × 51.6 × 15mm |
GARAGE TILT SENSOR
The second announcement is the Garage Tilt Sensor, which monitors tilt-up garage doors rather than relying on a traditional magnetic contact sensor. The device detects movement once the door tilts beyond approximately 40 ~ 55° (specified as 40° ±15°) and immediately reports the change to the Abode system, allowing homeowners to check the door’s status remotely or receive instant notifications. While primarily intended for garage doors, Abode notes that the sensor can also be used on other hinged or tilting access points, including:
- Basement hopper windows
- Cellar doors
- Attic hatches
- Other tilt-opening access panels
The Garage Tilt Sensor can also be incorporated into Abode’s security modes, allowing the alarm to trigger if the garage door is opened while the system is armed.
Additional features include:
- Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home compatibility
- Real-time push notifications
- Automation support through the Abode app
- Over 30m (100ft+) wireless range
- Low-battery alerts
- Powered by a CR123A lithium battery
SPECIFICATIONS
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Communication | AbodeRF (433MHz) |
| Battery | 1 × CR123A |
| Wireless Range | 30m+ (100ft+) |
| Tilt Detection | 40° ±15° |
| Operating Temperature | -10°C to 45°C |
| Humidity | Up to 85% non-condensing |
| Dimensions | 87 × 31 × 23mm |
APPLE HOME SUPPORT
As with many of Abode’s existing security accessories, both sensors can expose their status to Apple Home, allowing users to check whether a gate, garage door, or other monitored access point is open or closed directly within the Home app. Strangely, whilst the Outdoor Contact sensor shows the (old) ‘Works With Apple HomeKit’ logo, the Garage Tilt Sensor does not. Nevertheless, the FAQs clearly state this device does work with Apple Home via one of the company’s hub, as is the case with many of their other sensors.
This also opens the door to Home automations. For example, users could trigger exterior lighting when a gate opens after sunset, receive notifications if a detached garage is accessed, or include these sensors as part of broader HomeKit scenes alongside compatible accessories.
Although both devices rely on Abode’s proprietary RF protocol rather than WiFi, Bluetooth or Matter or Thread, Apple Home users already invested in the Abode ecosystem should find them a useful expansion of their existing security setup, particularly for protecting outdoor spaces that have traditionally required specialist sensors.
The Outdoor Contact Sensor is priced at U$49.99, whilst the Garage Tilt Sensor is slightly cheaper, at US$34.99, and both are available directly from Abode’s online store.
