Luma Launches Luma Guardian, a Subscription-Based WiFi Router Service

Last week Luma, maker of mesh home WiFi systems, launched Luma Guardian, a subscription-based service that manages home network privacy, security, performance and support.

Subscription News: Luma Launches Luma Guardian

Source: Luma

Last week Luma, maker of mesh home WiFi systems, launched Luma Guardian, a subscription-based service that manages home network privacy, security, performance and support. Developed in partnership with Webroot, Luma touts the new service as “the world’s first personal IT team.” With a 30-day free trial, Luma Guardian is available for $5 a month for the first year through the free Luma app in the App Store or Google Play. Luma has not said what costs after the first year will be.

Luma Guardian requires the Luma Home WiFi system to work, available at select retail stores and online. The idea behind Luma is that it provides multiple WiFi points throughout your home, so the speed is consistent throughout, no matter how many people or devices are connected. This is particularly useful for larger homes. The Luma WiFi system also includes parental controls like content filtering and bedtime restrictions, and network security. How many Luma routers a home needs depends on its size. Luma offers a three-pack of its whole home WiFi for $349.

 a Subscription-Based WiFi Router Service

Source: Luma

“We invented Luma Guardian because we want to bring the experience to every household of having a personal IT team on demand at an affordable cost,” said Dr. Paul Judge, co-founder and CEO of Luma, in the July 20 announcement. “Large businesses have full-time IT teams to manage their networks, protect their privacy, guard against hackers, and optimize speed and bandwidth. The home network is now as complex as a business network, so consumers need an IT person to keep all their technology connected and secure.”

Luma Guardian’s services include:

  • Privacy VPN – Subscribers can use Stealth Mode to create their own virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt web traffic and anonymize it before going to third-party websites. Stealth Mode can be turned on or off through the Luma app.
  • Antivirus protection – Luma’s partnership with Webroot provides subscribers with antivirus protection and remediation on up to three devices. Webroot SecureAnywhere® performs regular scans, blocking viruses, malware, ransomware and suspicious files while also protecting users from cybercriminals, according to Luma’s announcement.
  • ISP speed monitoring – Luma Guardianmonitors for slow and spotty internet service and sends a monthly report to show users if they are getting the expected speed and bandwidth from their internet service providers (ISPs).
  • Premium support – Subscribers get access to a priority customer support phone number to give them technical support from an expert based in the United States. Users can also chat with support techs through the Luma app.

Subscription News: Luma Launches Luma Guardian

Source: Luma

“Changes in consumer data collection make it essential for everyone to have effective tools to protect their privacy. ISPs can now collect, share and sell consumer data such as browsing history and location information to marketers and other third parties. This information can be distributed without knowledge or consent, but a privacy VPN can offer protection. Luma Guardian includes Stealth Mode, a privacy VPN built into the WiFi system that can instantly provide privacy for all of the devices on your home network. Stealth Mode can be turned on and off through a simple touch of a button in the app. “Consumers deserve more control over their digital life,” said Judge.

Luma was co-founded by Judge and Mike Van Bruinisse, and is backed with venture capital from Accel Partners, Amazon, Andreesen Horowitz, Felicia Ventures, GV and others.

One of Luma’s competitors, Eero, who also offers wireless mesh routers, launched its own subscription service last month – Eero Plus. Eero Plus offers Eero users an extra level of security to their home networks, as well as safe search, content filtering, and VIP support. Eero Plus is available for $9.99 a month or $99 annually.

Insider Take:

As The Verge points out, some of the features offered by products like Luma and Eero are available for free, like ISP speed testing, or can be purchased on a one-time basis, like antivirus software. It boils down to how much security you want, how much work are you willing to put in to achieve it, and how much is cost a factor. While I consider myself reasonably tech savvy, $5 to $10 a month to not have to worry about home WiFi security, antivirus protection and ISP speed is a pretty good deal.

From a company standpoint, creating subscription services is a smart business model for companies that want to go beyond just providing products. Adding services that can be built into the product and supported on an ongoing basis through the subscription model give companies like Luma an added revenue stream which will help them develop and support new products and services.

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