STACK #193 Nov 2020

LIFE TECH FEATURE

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EXTERNAL CAMERAS External cameras designed for outdoor installation are wireless and weatherproof (and they can also be used inside). EUFY CAM 2 The Eufy Cam 2 kit comes with a base station known as HomeBase that connects directly to your network. There are two very compelling selling points here: the first being a whopping 365-day battery. We’ve had both cameras up for two weeks and the battery is sitting at 97 per cent, so by that calculation the yearlong battery life is no marketing bluff. The second point is the 16GB of local storage within the HomeBase unit that will hold a good six weeks of footage, so while there is a subscription offer for

further cloud storage, it really isn’t necessary. Weatherproof and water resistant for up to a metre, footage is captured at 1080p, and the cameras offer a 140-degree field of view through the day and night. There is also an in-built AI designed to focus on humans within the frame. From the app you can manage power consumption, set motion sensing sensitivity, geofencing, two- way talk, and activate a built-in siren. Support includes Apple HomeKit, meaning you can access Secure Video and get end-to-end encryption so that even Apple can’t see your videos. Is there a subscription attached? It’s an option that you don’t need because of the local storage. Voice assistant compatible? Google Assistant, Alexa and Siri.

ARLO ESSENTIAL 1080P The weatherproof Arlo Essential 1080p Spotlight Camera offers a home security solution for the budget-conscious. The biggest drawcard here is that you don’t need the Arlo Hub or another smart hub to connect the device, giving it complete autonomy. Video is recorded in 1080p and night vision is captured in colour. The camera also has a built-in spotlight that’s triggered when motion is detected, two-way audio, and an ear-piercing siren activated through the app. In order to access the complete suite of features and save recordings to the cloud you’ll need an Arlo Smart subscription, although the camera does come with a three-month complimentary trial period. However, if you just want to save recordings and you own an Arlo Hub, you can plug in an external hard drive via the USB port and record that way. Is there a subscription attached? Yes. Voice assistant compatible? Google Assistant and Alexa. SWANN WIRE-FREE 1080P SECURITY CAMERA The Swann Wire-Free camera is a sturdily constructed unit packed with features for the price. It attaches to the wall via a strong magnetic mount so it can be angled to suit specific coverage needs. A 180-degree camera provides exceptionally wide viewing during day and night, and two-way audio lets you direct a courier to where you want a parcel stashed or tell any undesirables to sling their hook. It’s weatherproof, easy to set up, and clear video can be streamed live with the footage saved to the cloud for seven days – free; clips can be saved straight to a smartphone. True Detect is a camera feature that discerns people from bushes or vehicles, so you’re only notified when a person is detected, and free facial recognition for up to ten people further customises alerts. A jumbo pack of security camera stickers to place around your property is a nice touch, too. Is there a subscription attached? Yes, but you do get seven days of cloud storage free. Voice assistant compatible? Google Assistant and Alexa.

DUMB CRIMINALS

Seizing the opportunity to burgle a house while the occupants were away on holiday, Lukasz Chojinowski also decided to tidy the house, wash his undies and take a nap. He was discovered fast asleep in the owners’ bed when they returned.

ARLO PRO 3 WIRELESS 2K FLOODLIGHT CAMERA Arlo brings the best worlds together here in an integrated security package that incorporates its excellent Pro 3 camera with an adjustable floodlight so powerful you’ll be able to play backyard cricket at night in the summer. 160-degree field of vision with video captured in colour during the day and night at 2K HDR should be sufficient for any external security solution. The weatherproof unit has a rechargeable battery, enables two-way chat, and includes a siren to scare the kids and/or potential robbers. Recording to the cloud, along with activity zones, is accessed through a subscription, although it is possible to record locally by plugging in an external hard drive into the Arlo smart hub. Is there a subscription attached? Yes. Voice assistant compatible? Google Assistant and Alexa.

26 NOVEMBER 2020

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