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
- Email: info@bluecapit.com
- Online: Contact Us