# Verkada August 2024 Product Update: Command Connector, Apple Wallet, AI Search & More August 15, 2024·Blue Cap IT Verkada’s August 2024 product update delivers a sweeping set of improvements across the entire platform. Highlights include the ability to bring non-Verkada cameras into the Command platform, Apple Wallet integration for access control, smarter AI-powered video search, and a new fourth-generation door reader. Here is a full breakdown of everything in this release. ## Cameras: AI Search, Command Connector & Extended Cloud Backup ### Command Connector One of the biggest announcements this cycle is **Command Connector**, which lets organizations integrate non-Verkada cameras directly into the Command platform. This means you can manage mixed-vendor camera environments from a single pane of glass — and those third-party cameras gain access to Verkada’s AI-powered search capabilities, with future support planned for advanced features like **Person of Interest (POI)** and **License Plate of Interest (LPOI)** detection. If you have legacy cameras you are not ready to replace, Command Connector gives them new life. ### AI-Powered Search Updates Verkada’s AI-powered video search gets a significant upgrade with **boolean operators** — you can now use “NOT,” “AND,” and “OR” to build detailed, precise search queries during investigations. On top of that, a new **“More like this” button** lets you quickly find similar footage to a clip you have already identified, making it faster than ever to piece together a timeline of events. ### Extended Cloud Backup Cloud backup has been simplified with a new structure based on **30-day increment packs**, making it easier to right-size your retention needs. A new **self-claim portal** also gives customers more control over managing their backup subscriptions without having to go through support. ### FIPS PTZ & Multisensor Cameras For government and high-security customers, Verkada introduces two new **FIPS-compliant camera models**: the **CP52-E-F** (PTZ) and the **CH52-E-F** (Multisensor). These models meet the enhanced cryptographic standards required by federal agencies and other regulated environments. ### Camera Audio API A new **Camera Audio API** enables integration between Verkada cameras and external audio systems. This opens up possibilities for synchronized announcements, alert-triggered audio responses, and other workflows that bridge video and audio infrastructure. ## Access Control: New Door Reader, Apple Wallet & Cross-Site Lockdowns ### AD34 Door Reader Verkada’s **fourth-generation AD34 Door Reader** arrives with **wide-ranging credential support**, improved scan performance, and enhanced **Bluetooth unlock protection**. It is a meaningful step up in both speed and security compared to previous models. ### Apple Wallet Integration Employees can now unlock doors using **encrypted NFC badges stored in Apple Wallet** on their iPhone or Apple Watch. This eliminates the need to carry a separate physical badge — your phone or watch becomes your credential, with full encryption protecting every transaction. ### Credential Auto-Deactivate A new **credential auto-deactivate** feature automatically disables physical credentials that have been inactive for a set period. When someone tries to use a deactivated credential, administrators are notified immediately — adding an important layer of security for managing badge lifecycles across large organizations. ### Cross-Site Lockdowns In an emergency, security teams can now trigger **cross-site lockdowns** that protect multiple nearby buildings simultaneously. This is especially valuable for campus environments, multi-building offices, or school districts where a threat in one location demands an immediate response across the surrounding area. ## Command: Australia Data Center Verkada expands its global infrastructure with a new **Australia data center**, providing local processing and storage for customers in the Australian region. This means faster performance and helps organizations meet local data residency requirements. ## Connectivity: Power Monitoring, VPN Support & More ### Device Power Usage Administrators can now track **live and historical power consumption** for devices connected through cellular gateways. This visibility helps with capacity planning, troubleshooting, and identifying devices that may be drawing more power than expected. ### Disconnected Device History A new **30-day history of recently connected devices** makes it easier to diagnose connectivity issues. The feature also includes **PoE port cycling** capability, letting you remotely restart devices without a physical visit to the network closet. ### LTE Data via PoE In Port The **GC31-E cellular gateway** now supports a configuration option to receive LTE data through its PoE In port, reducing installation complexity by working with existing PoE switches — no separate power or data connections required. ### VPN Support Verkada’s cellular gateways gain **IPsec VPN client functionality**, enabling secure integration with RTSP video streams and Fusus platforms. This is an important capability for organizations that need to extend Verkada connectivity through encrypted tunnels. ## Intercoms: Dashboards, AI Transcription Search & Enhanced Controls ### Intercom Dashboard A new **fleet health and usage dashboard** gives administrators visual metrics on their intercom deployment — making it easy to spot trends, identify underperforming devices, and understand how intercoms are being used across your sites. ### Events Reporting Intercom administrators can now **export call data to CSV**, covering calls placed, admits granted, and entries refused. This is a major quality-of-life improvement for organizations that need to audit visitor interactions or generate compliance reports. ### Call Flow Controls Enhanced **call flow controls** give administrators finer-grained management over how intercom calls are routed. New capabilities include improved receiver type designation, **view-only and edit access provisioning**, and streamlined link management. ### Intercom Alerts New **intercom alert types** cover a range of events including calls triggered, missed calls, door unlocks, and SIP errors. These notifications ensure your team stays informed about intercom activity without having to monitor dashboards manually. ### AI-Powered Transcription Search You can now search intercom call recordings using **natural language text queries**. This AI-powered transcription search lets you quickly find call events where specific terms or topics were mentioned — invaluable for investigations and compliance reviews. ## Sensors: Video Overlay & Noise Calibration ### Sensor Graph and Camera Overlay Verkada introduces a **consolidated video feed with overlaid sensor data**, letting you view environmental readings (temperature, humidity, air quality, and more) directly on top of the corresponding camera footage. This gives you instant visual context for any sensor alert. ### Noise Reading Calibration A new **self-calibration feature** for noise decibel sensors ensures your readings are accurate to the specific environment where the sensor is installed. This eliminates guesswork and improves the reliability of noise-based alerts and reporting. ## Workplace: Admin Permissions & Subsite Support ### Command Admin Permissions User permissions can now be managed directly from the **Users, Sites, and Groups pages** within Command — no need to navigate to a separate admin console. This streamlines day-to-day user management for organizations of all sizes. ### Subsite Support **Verkada Guest and Mailroom** now fully support subsites, meaning you can deploy visitor management and package tracking at specific facility locations within a larger site. This is ideal for multi-building campuses or organizations with distinct reception areas. * * * ## Want to Learn More? As an official **Verkada Gold Partner**, Blue Cap IT can help you take full advantage of every feature in this update — whether you’re looking to deploy new cameras, upgrade your access control, or enhance your security infrastructure. **Reach out to the Blue Cap IT Sales Team today** to discuss how these new capabilities can work for your organization: - **Phone:** [(410) 858-4031](tel:4108584031) - **Email:** [info@bluecapit.com](mailto:info@bluecapit.com) - **Online:** [Contact Us](/content/contact/index.html) - **Learn More:** [Explore All Verkada Products](/content/verkada/index.html)