After a brief delay, it looks like AT&T's Digital Life service is finally ready for prime time. The service, which promises extensive home automation from temperature control to security monitoring to door lock control, will launch first in fifteen markets including Atlanta GA, Austin, Houston, and Dallas TX, Boulder and Denver CO, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Riverside CA, Miami FL, Philadelphia PA, Seattle WA, St Louis MI, and "select areas of the New York and New Jersey metropolitan area." By the end of the year, AT&T says it plans to expand the service to fifty markets.

So, what is Digital Life and why should you care? The service is essentially a fully-integrated automation solution, offering functionality focusing on two main categories: security and remote access.

On the security side, AT&T promises 24/7 monitoring through AT&T-owned monitoring centers staffed with professionals to deliver alerts tailored to a user's needs and desires.

The service's remote access arm aims to allow customers to manage all automated aspects of their homes from a PC, tablet, or phone. AT&T emphasizes that the service is secure, and that customers don't necessarily have to have AT&T broadband service to buy into Digital Life.

As mentioned earlier, AT&T has also released their Digital Life app for Android (and iOS). The Android app looks largely like a port of its iOS counterpart (with elements that harken to the service's web interface), but how it performs remains to be seen.

When it comes to pricing, AT&T breaks out Digital Life's functionality even further. The Simple Security package includes 24/7 monitoring, battery backup, a wireless keypad, keychain remote, sensors, and an indoor siren for around $30/month plus $150 installation.

Smart Security packs on the above features with three extra accessories of your choice. Smart Security customers can also add on specific packages of their choosing for between $4.99 and $9.99 a month, including things like a camera package (for remote video viewing), appliance control, remote-control locks, water detection, and water controls.

For right now the app may not be much to speak of, but AT&T's fledgling service at least sounds good on paper. If you're in one of the select markets, or interested in staying up to date, AT&T offers a mailing list signup here. For more information on the service, just check out the press release below.

AT&T DIGITAL LIFE LAUNCHES in FIRST 15 u.s. markets

Consumers Can Now Enjoy Security and Convenience of a Home Management and Automation System with the Flexibility to Meet Their Unique Needs

dALLAS, April 26, 2013Secure your home, check in on your kids or pets, adjust the temperature, let your housesitter in the front door, or check to see if you closed your garage door, from almost anywhere all on the go. Available today for the first time in 15 markets, AT&T Digital LifeSM makes customers’ lives easier by simplifying the management of their home. Digital Life offers customers security, convenience and peace of mind, in a customizable and easy-to-use experience from smartphones, tablets or PCs.

AT&T* today announced the first commercial launch markets for AT&T Digital Life: Atlanta, Austin, Texas, Boulder, Colo., Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Philadelphia, Riverside, Calif., San Francisco, Seattle, St. Louis and select areas of the New York and New Jersey metropolitan area. AT&T plans to introduce Digital Life in up to 50 markets by the end of 2013.

Security

The foundation of AT&T Digital Life is complete home security with 24/7 professional monitoring. Through AT&T-owned and operated, U.S.-based monitoring centers, professionals will respond to emergencies and alert police and fire authorities. Customers can choose which alerts they want to receive and how.

“We know how important security is to our customers, and this was our top priority when we set out to build Digital Life,” said Kevin Petersen, senior vice president, AT&T Digital Life. “People rely on their mobile devices more than ever, so Digital Life offers an easy and convenient way to secure their homes, protect their families and simplify their lives from virtually anywhere.”

Remote Access

AT&T Digital Life is an all-digital, fully integrated, wireless home management system, giving customers flexibility to manage their home from their smartphone, tablet or PC. Customers can purchase Digital Life regardless of their wireless or wireline broadband provider. The Digital Life application is available on most web browsers and apps are available for iOS, Android smartphones and Windows Phones. To ensure customers’ privacy is protected, Digital Life has a secure log in system each time the app is opened from any Internet-connected device.

Easy to Use

In addition to security, Digital Life offers a robust suite of automation services that can be customized to meet customers’ needs. A user-friendly application was designed to be as simple as possible, making it easier than ever to manage your home. The AT&T Digital Life application gives customers control over cameras, door locks, lights, thermostats, small appliances and more by setting alerts or programs to manage your home. It’s all integrated into one simple system.

Customization

AT&T Digital Life provides total flexibility so you get exactly what you want. You can build a system with the features you want, and you can add features or make changes easily as your needs evolve. Unlike competitors, AT&T Digital Life is a major home security and automation system that can be ordered completely online, in an AT&T store, over the phone, or with an in-home sales consultant. Pricing is competitive and transparent, making it easy for customers to understand and purchase solutions to meet their needs.

Pricing

Customers can choose from two base plans: Simple Security, which is our basic home security package; or Smart Security which includes enhanced security features and the option to add home automation.

· Simple Security - Includes 24/7 home monitoring, 24-hour battery backup, a wireless keypad, keychain remote, recessed sensors and an indoor siren for $29.99 a month plus $149.99 for equipment and installation.

· Smart Security - Includes the benefits of Simple Security plus a choice of three of the following features: motion sensor, carbon monoxide sensor, glass break sensor, smoke sensor or takeover kit. Smart Security begins at $39.99 a month plus $249.99 for equipment and installation.

Customers who select Smart Security can add these automation packages:

· Camera Package - View live video from inside and outside of the home for an additional $9.99 a month plus equipment and installation.

· Energy Package - Control appliances, lighting and thermostats for convenience and energy efficiency for an additional $4.99 a month plus equipment and installation.

· Door Package - Allow a pet sitter or repairman into your home remotely with automated door locks, or check to see whether your garage door is open or closed for an additional $4.99 a month plus equipment and installation.

· Water Detection Package - Detect water leaks before damage occurs for an additional $4.99 a month plus equipment and installation.

· Water Control Package - Detect leaks and shut off water at the main water source for an additional $9.99 a month plus equipment and installation.

“AT&T’s Digital Life service is fully featured with one of the market’s best selection of pre-packaged bundles and connected devices. With straightforward and competitive prices, the AT&T value proposition will leave the company in a good position to capture market share in the growing connected home market,” said Larry Hettick, Contributing Analyst, Consumer Services, Current Analysis.

“We’re bringing you security and convenience features that can be easily integrated into your life, making things simpler for you and your family”, said Petersen. “We conducted extensive research, listened to our customers and worked hard to build a single integrated solution with an unmatched set of assets all built around our customer’s needs.”

Experience AT&T Digital Life

Digital Life offers a simple purchasing process with several options. Digital Life will be sold and demonstrated in 450 company owned retail stores in the 15 markets. You can also learn and buy at att.com/digitallife, call 855-288-2727 or schedule an appointment with an in-home sales consultant.

To learn more about Digital Life availability, visit www.att.com/digitallife.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.