STACK #233 March 2024

TECH FEATURE

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EYE SPY continued

Cameras offer 24/7 surveillance, but you can beef up home security even more with other smart devices and some savvy scheduling. Contact sensors for windows and doors add an extra level of security and peace of mind, sending real time alerts to your phone when a door or window has been opened or left ajar. They should ideally be positioned on all main entrances and external access points. Motion sensors will instantly alert you to any movement about the home, and push notifications can be customised to reduce false alarms triggered by children or pets. When MORE SMART SECURITY MEASURES

OUR VIDEO DOORBELL PICKS

Swann Buddy 1080p Video Doorbell & Chime Kit

Arlo Essentials 2K Video Doorbell Boasting 2K HDR video, colour night vision, an integrated siren, and a 180° field of view for head-to-toe vision, this is an ideal entry-level video doorbell that can be installed wirelessly or hooked into an existing wired system for continuous power. Zoom in on number plates and package labels, and receive alerts and live feed video direct to your smartphone. However, you’ll need an Arlo Secure subscription (a free three-month trial is included with purchase) to unlock person and package recognition and 30-day cloud storage.

The Buddy’s wide 180° viewing angle will give you a complete view of who’s at the door, and what’s on the ground, in 1080p HD resolution. True Detect tech can sense people, cars, and large animals, and when motion is detected or the doorbell is pressed, recording will begin and an alert sent to your phone. And if you’re out or don’t hear the chime, a notification gives you the option of two-way talk or a pre-recorded response. Infrared night vision mode automatically activates after dark with a reach of up to five metres. Video clips can be stored locally on the included 32GB MicroSD card or the cloud, and in the event of a power outage the camera will continue to record to the SD card, with footage saved to the cloud if the doorbell is stolen. The Buddy is fully wireless with a big internal battery, but can also be added to an existing wired doorbell system.

integrated into a smart home ecosystem, lights and cameras can

be automatically activated when motion is detected.

Smart locks allow keyless

entry for the dog walker or housesitter, from

your phone or using a unique passcode. There’s no more need to leave a spare key under the pot plant where would-be burglars

Eufy Security E340 Dual Camera Video Doorbell The eufy E340s dual cameras work together to banish blind spots and give you a clear vertical and horizontal view, using a front facing camera for head and shoulders and one pointed downwards to capture packages left on the doorstep. And speaking of packages, the doorbell’s Delivery Guard feature will detect and keep an eye on parcels left and trigger a (customisable) pre-recorded warning should would-be thieves attempt to snatch it. 2K clarity and colour night vision captures detailed images, and this smart doorbell uses facial recognition tech to identify household members and visiting guests whose faces have been scanned and saved to the app. Video clips can be saved to the

might find it.

Schedule outdoor smart lighting to turn on after dark, and interior lights, the TV, or music to activate

at predetermined times while you are out or away on holiday. This will help fool

no-good types into believing someone is at home.

unit’s 8GB internal storage and viewed any time on a smartphone. The E340 has a rechargeable battery for simple wireless installation, and can also be wired into an existing doorbell.

52 MARCH 2024

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