Tag Archives: home security camera

ecobee expands its growing IoT with a battery-free Smart Doorbell Camera

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It’s always great news when a new contender blazes a trail into a product space with minimal competition – where big companies already reign supreme at the tippy top, with few alternatives – and that’s what happened yesterday when ecobee introduced its new Smart Doorbell Camera. The company already competes with Google Nest with its own eco-friendly smart thermostats, and now it’s taking on the Amazon Ring doorbell cam with its own Smart Doorbell Camera designed to tie into the growing ecobee IoT.

The newly announced ecobee doorbell camera records in 1080p with “enhanced low light vision” and uses a 175-degree vertical field of view, meaning it can see everything clearly from the floor to the sky directly in front of the camera at all times of day and night. This lets the viewer on the opposite side of the doorbell camera (looking through it via the Smart Thermostat Premium or any device connected to the ecobee app, like a smartphone or an Apple Watch) see packages dropped on the porch, or in more extreme cases, detect potential threats hiding on the opposite side of the door.

Designer: Jonathan Hayes (via ecobee)

The Smart Doorbell Camera has a slick outward appearance featuring a machined-glass front panel surrounded by aluminum alloy, and according to ecobee it is even rated for IP65 waterproofing and dust protection. Its battery-free design means it’s meant to last for a long time without any need for regular maintenance, even in extreme environments where the elements can pose a problem. It’s protected both from extreme heat up to 113 degrees Fahrenheit and extreme cold down to -13 degrees Fahrenheit.

Activity Zone customization lets you manage your security notifications better than other smart security cams, so you only get notified when a certain event is triggered. This is thanks to “multiple layers of intelligence, including advanced radar verification and computer vision” that can allegedly pinpoint very specific motions, or when people are at a certain distance from the Smart Doorbell Camera.

If you don’t already have a subscription to ecobee Smart Security, which connects all ecobee security devices together and offers access to the ecobee app, don’t fret: the ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera comes with a trial that lasts for two months, after which you can subscribe for $50 a year. The ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera is already available on the ecobee website for $159.99.

The post ecobee expands its growing IoT with a battery-free Smart Doorbell Camera first appeared on Yanko Design.

Multifunctional clock moonlights as a security camera when no one is home

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Space is a very precious commodity these days, whether it’s a floor, a desk, or any other surface you can place things. We sometimes have to be smarter about the products we buy, often picking things that can serve more than one purpose while occupying the same space. Some things, however, best serve a single purpose only, though that purpose sometimes loses meaning depending on the day. A clock, for example, should only tell the time, but that function becomes meaningless when no one is around to see it anyway. This concept design thus gives the humble desk clock another function when it’s not in use, merging it with another product that ironically loses its purpose when people are actually home.

Designer: Jungmin Park

There are some products that wouldn’t cross paths under normal circumstances, especially when they have seemingly opposite use cases. A clock, for example, is only meaningful when there are people around to actually look at it. In contrast, a home security camera is most useful when there’s no one around. swap is a design concept that tries to smash these two opposite home products together, creating an object that not only saves space but also changes with the owner’s lifestyle in an almost playful manner.

swap almost looks like a toy at first glance, especially with its pastel colors. It even feels like a toy with the way the circular head flips over like a coin, depending on its mode. One side shows a minimalist analog clock face with no second hand or numbers along the ticks. The other side is a nondescript camera that might be similar to common webcams.

The most interesting part of the concept, however, is how smart swap is, or at least tries to be. It can automatically switch between those two modes, showing the clock when you’re at home and switching to a security camera when you’re out. It mostly does so by detecting the location of your phone on the presumption that if it’s out of the house, you’re most likely out as well. Of course, you can also manually switch between modes or lock the device to a specific mode. There will be an audible notification whenever you switch modes, so you won’t be caught off-guard. There’s also an extra feature where you can display a countdown timer to the next schedule on your phone’s calendar app. This timer is displayed on an LED dot matrix on swap’s body.

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You might not be entirely convinced of the need for combining clock and camera functions, but swap, fortunately, serves another, though indirect, purpose. Given its aesthetic, it can also be a cute decor for your desk or shelf, so you aren’t exactly losing space if you place this multifunctional product somewhere in your home.

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Enabot EBO X is a security robot that disarms you with its cuteness

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It’s becoming more common for houses to have at least one indoor security camera, whether to keep an eye out for intruders or to look out for the safety of family members and pets. Knowing that there’s an all-seeing eye inside your house can cause both peace of mind and uneasiness, especially because of the cold and impersonal way most of these cameras are designed. Not much of a problem if you’re staying by yourself, but living with kids and pets changes the atmosphere and the requirements significantly. Not only will you need something that can keep up with these fast-moving creatures, but they also need to be something that the young ones can approach with confidence. That’s the kind of robot that the upcoming EBO X is, combining the safety features of a security camera on wheels in the guise of a cute robot that your kids and even pets can befriend.

Designer: Enabot

Futurists had us believing that our homes will be filled with robots by now, but so far, only robot vacuums have become a more common novelty in some households. Admittedly, there aren’t many use cases for other robots to be moving around the house aside from cleaning and maybe assisting those with limited mobility. Enabot, however, has been introducing home robots that, at first glance, seem to be just sophisticated toys but can actually become important safety measures, at least if they work perfectly.

EBO X is the latest spherical wheeled robot from the company, and it can do everything that its predecessors can and so much more. That includes monitoring your house remotely or communicating via voice with whoever is at home. It can also follow moving objects, like pets and small humans, to take timely pictures or even sound the alarm if it detects something amiss.

What really sets it apart, however, is its human-centric design, specifically kid-centric. Enabot gave the EBO X not only a cuter face, with dynamic lighting that changes according to its functions, but also a smarter brain. It can respond to voice commands, for example, so that kids can converse with the robot as if it was their friend. It also has touch-sensitive zones on its side for activating features, giving a more tactile and more personal experience as well.

In some ways, the EBO X sounds like just an upgraded version of other EBOs before it. Its more approachable and more relatable design, however, makes a world of difference that turns the device from an advanced security system to a family friend. And if robots are going to start invading our homes, looking friendly and adorable can help integrate them better into our daily lives.

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Savannah Anti-Theft Kit features smart devices that look like minimalist toys

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Savannah Anti-Theft Kit System Concept

Savannah is a city in the United States in Georgia, known for its beautiful landscapes and rich history. It is also famous for its well-preserved architecture. We know it now as the inspiration for the Savannah Anti-theft Kit, which integrates safety and security tools more into our domestic life.

Savannah is a line of smart products that are nothing like the devices you see in the market. They are similar in basic functions, but they are made from ceramic. The result is smooth aesthetics with a very evident minimalist appeal.

Designers: Francesco Isaia, Alessandro Pomponio, and Cecilia Veglio

Savannah Anti-Theft Kit System Details

You won’t think these are anti-theft devices as they look like small toys. But that’s the beauty of these products because they are very subtle you wouldn’t think they have other essential functions.

The landscapes and animals of Savannah inspire the Savannah. Several products are available, like a WiFi router (hub controller), siren/Bluetooth speaker, window sensor, smoke sensor, and a camera. The WiFi router looks like a table home decor. It is designed like a landscape with a couple of trees, and it also works as a hub for all the other Savannah devices. The Bluetooth speaker is shaped like a cube, with the top cover looking like a mountain range. We can also imagine this design being applied as an air purifier.

Savannah Anti-Theft Kit Features

Concept Savannah Anti-Theft Kit

Concept Savannah Anti-Theft Kit System

Savannah Anti-Theft Kit System

The window sensors are ready in different shapes. They help detect and report the opening and closing of doors. There is also a smoke sensor that looks like an upside-down character. The camera looks cute in different animal designs and colors.

Savannah Anti-Theft Kit

The Savannah Anti-Theft System is a design by Francesco Isaia, Alessandro Pomponio, and Cecilia Veglio. These Italian designers prove that Italian design is really something more. It goes beyond the aesthetic appeal as it is also about quality, craftsmanship, tradition, innovation, and passion. The Savannah 2021 Collection is likely to have additional products in the future. But first, this project needs to get into production. The devices remain as a concept product design for now but we know the idea can be easily picked up by other designers.

We have featured other anti-theft devices before but nothing cute like the Savannah. The ones we’ve seen were specifically for cyclists. There was the Anti-Theft Collapsible Bike Wheel and those discrete metal tags by Cycling Boom. Special anti-theft bags have been introduced as well—the Bobby Anti-Theft Backpack and the Tribal Anti-theft Sports Bag.

Savannah Anti-Theft Kit Concept

The post Savannah Anti-Theft Kit features smart devices that look like minimalist toys first appeared on Yanko Design.

This indoor camera concept looks like a literal eyeball watching your every move

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Unlike the Eye of Sauron, this home security camera looks less frightening and has a secret trick to keep it from seeing you all the time.

Smart home security cameras have exploded in popularity in the past few years, but they have also exploded in controversy. Having something that can see you 24/7 can be a horrifying thought for some homeowners, especially when it involves a third party, like a company that can take a peek at any time, whether you know it or not. At the same time, there is also a real and growing need to keep an eye (no pun intended) on things while you’re out, so both service providers and homeowners need to find a way to strike a balance between security and privacy. This concept tries to do exactly that by providing a quick and easy way to disconnect the all-seeing eye and immediately know when it’s sleeping.

Designer: Maurice Mischo

It’s almost ironic that the design of this indoor Wi-Fi camera is patterned after an eye. Nothing says “I see you” better than an eyeball, which is why connected camera companies intentionally design their products to look discrete and less intrusive. The design thinking behind this camera concept is even more bizarre when you consider that it’s meant to be one of the most privacy-respecting ideas out there.

The theme for the VISIO Wi-Fi camera concept might not exactly be “privacy” but “obviousness” instead. Given its form, it makes no qualms about being a camera and doesn’t masquerade as something else, like a living room decor or digital picture frame. You or your guests are unlikely to be caught unaware that there is an electronic eye that can see your every move within its field of vision.

Likewise, it will also be obvious when the camera is disconnected rather than having you guess its state. Many smart cameras have an off switch that you can only toggle via an app, so you might not be sure when it’s recording or not. Not all cameras have visible and unambiguous status indicators, so some owners might feel the need to just physically cover the camera when they want some privacy. That, however, might not stop it from still recording audio.

In contrast, the VISIO camera is completely disconnected when it isn’t connected to its base, which serves as its wireless power supply. Like any disembodied eye, this electronic optic won’t work unless it’s connected to something, though it would still have a small battery so that it could properly shut down when you remove it from its dock.

The VISIO compact Wi-Fi camera concept is genius in its simplicity. Easy to use and easy to distinguish, it takes a lot of guesswork and stress out of the equation of using a smart home camera. It is privacy-focused without being “in your face,” integrating that privacy feature into its design. Sadly, that might actually be contrary to the business goals of smart camera makers, which is why we’ll probably never see something as beautifully simple as this smart eye.

The post This indoor camera concept looks like a literal eyeball watching your every move first appeared on Yanko Design.

Squid Game home security camera guards your home, keeping you safe without any violence!

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While I would have wished the Squid Game security was themed on the cold expressionless masked character, the “Front Man”, this design is a perfect addition for every pop-culture enthusiast!

If you haven’t heard of Squid Game, you must be living under a rock! Hunger Games was already your cup of tea, then a highly viral South Korean dark series trending on Netflix should be on your binge-watching list. If you’ve already watched the 9 episode Squid Game series, then it’s highly likely you’ll fancy this home security camera. The accessory themed around Squid Game is inspired by the workers monitoring the activities of players on a CCTV monitor.

The ruthless workers in the viral series will now adorn the secure corners of our homes, as the security camera keeps us safe – well, a cliche of sorts. The rotating lens positioned right where the eyes of the character would provide a 180-degree view of the surroundings for complete security. The movement is actuated by motion and an audio sensor that sets the camera into action, tracking the movement. Since most security cameras attached to the servers can have access to all the inside activities when not intended by the user, the creators of this concept add a useful feature. To make sure there are no hacking attempts or unauthorized access to the footage, there is a privacy mask that physically blocks the FOV when the camera is not in use.

Since we are living in a world where Zoom meetings and online classes are the new normal, the Squid Game camera has its own light illumination. The light intensity can be adjusted as per the user’s need or level of ambient lighting in the room. The designers Cheon Ryong Choi, Soonook Kwon and Jaeyeon Nam have created two other themed versions of this cute little home security camera. One carrying an oxygen cylinder on the back like an astronaut and the other dressed in a raincoat and umbrella. Personally, I will stick to the Squid Game character, if ever such a security camera met fruition.

Designer: Cheon Ryong Choi, Soonook Kwon and Jaeyeon Nam

Gadget Review: Petcube Play

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If you’re looking for a way to keep tabs on your pets at home, along with interacting with them and making sure everything is alright in your house while you’re away, Petcube Play is an excellent solution.

Petcube Play is the next generation of the original Petcube. It has an 1080p camera (compared to 720p with the first generation), night-vision, 2-way sound and something that remains quite unique in this market, a laser pointer.The device itself, as the name suggests, is a sleek cube that is very light and (if you care about that kinda stuff when it comes to your home gadgets) looks pretty cool. I don’t really mind that aspect when it comes to my stuff, but my wife was impressed with the look, which includes a matte silver finish and a black plastic front panel, where all the magic happens.

The camera gives almost 140-degrees of scope to any room you place it in your home (apartment in my case). It has an infrared emitter to light up dark rooms, at day (I usually leave the house pretty dark, my dog likes it like that) or at night. This is where the laser pointer comes into play as well, but more on that a bit further below.

Everything happens through the Petcube app – easy to access after setting up your free account on your phone. From here, you can access the camera and see what’s going on inside your home, hear and talk to your pet and mess around with them with the laser, simply by pressing the screen. There’s a 2-3 second lag with the laser from when you push the screen to the laser point moving. You can capture video or take screenshots of your pets with a crisp-looking picture and surprisingly detailers night-vision mode.

On the app, you can also share your video feed with friends, family and the other users of Petcube. You can also set up public access to your camera so someone else can watch over your pet or home, but only one person at a time.

Another service is Petcube Care, a cloud service to store your video feed and also provides a notifications feature, sending a push notification whenever it senses movement or sound in the room it’s watching over.

What I liked about this product the most was that my dog reacted to it, as simple as that. He usually isn’t the most responsive to technology – sounds coming out of speakers, and especially not to anything on a screen. But with Petcube, I was able to engage with him while I was away, whether by speaking to him or with the laser pointer.

The best way to describe Petcube without getting too caught up in technicalities: It’s an electronic babysitter for your pets that also acts as extra security around the house. It’s a terrific device to entertain your pet, and its features are level (and sometimes better than) with some of the more popular home security cameras on the market. Overall grade: 9 out of 10.

You can buy Petcube Play on Amazon or through the Petcube website for $199. I haven’t tried Petcube Bites, but it includes the ability to dispense treats to your pet. It costs $249 on Amazon and the Petcube website.

iCamPro Home Security Robot Spies Burglars with Its Little Eye

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iCamPro 01

Home security is about to become better with the introduction of IP cameras and movement tracking robots. The iCamPro successfully combines the two concepts to give you peace of mind like no other home security robot can.

In fact, the iCamPro is touted to be the world’s first home security robot, and it received this title by providing users with real-time video and audio of anyone ill inspired enough to break into people’s homes. iCamPro is able to automatically track anything that moves, even in bad lighting conditions.

Unlike regular motion tracking cameras, the iCamPro features multiple sensors that enable it to rotate automatically so that it doesn’t lose the burglars from its little eye. This home security robot also comes with a microSD card slot, so that it can store recordings locally, in case the network connection is not working. Speaking of network connections, the iCamPro should be connected to your local Wi-Fi so that it can upload whatever it records to Google Drive.

On top of that, there’s 256-bit encryption, a mechanized infrared-cut filter, as well as companion apps for both Android and iOS. I’m glad that neither of the two major mobile operating systems doesn’t get neglected. Add to that full HD recording and you have a product worth writing home about. There’s also two-way audio integrated in Amaryllo’s smart security camera, and supposing that you notice something out of its place, you can always try to deter the burglars either by talking to them nicely or by making unearthly sounds.

The fact that this camera already garners awards without even being commercially available (it has received the 2015 CES Best of Innovations award last month) is proof of a product well done. the iCamPro will definitely be well received next year, when it will hit the market. Until then, the project is getting crowdfunded.

The iCamPro home security robot is currently featured on Indiegogo, where its developers sought to raise $1,000. The campaign will end in 29 days, and by then it will be considered a major success, as backers have already pledged 72 times the funding goal. Supposing that you back the project with $149 by the time the campaign ends, you will get an iCamPro in May 2015.

Be social! Follow Walyou on Facebook and Twitter, and read more related stories about Kodak’s sports and action camera that shoots 360-degree videos, or the Seek thermal camera that gives you night vision on the go.

Swann TrueBlue 4000 series D1 DVRs pack up to 8 cameras, 1TB of storage for home security

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Swann TrueBlue 4000 series D1 DVRs pack up to 8 cameras, 1TB of storage for home security

Home security may not have reached all-seeing aerial eye proportions, but Swann's TrueBlue 4000 series of D1 DVR systems can place up to eight digital peepers throughout your island fortress or humble abode. With a resolution of 480 x 704 pixels, the cameras offer "DVD-quality" video and feature night vision with up to 65 feet of visibility. Those hankering to remotely keep tabs on their homestead can load up the free SwannView app for Android, BlackBerry, iOS, Windows Mobile 6 and Symbian to watch live video on mobile devices. Footage can also be viewed on monitors using HDMI or VGA connections and can be backed up through USB, eSATA or over a network. The maximum one terabyte of storage space nets continuous recording for up to 30 days -- or longer if the device's motion detection settings are flipped on. A 500GB base model with a quartet of cams rings up at $549.99, while the more expensive $649.99 and $749.99 models each pack 1TB hard drives and eight channel support. However, only the priciest of the trio comes packaged with the octet of cameras. Head past the break for the full PR and a glimpse of the rig in action.

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Swann TrueBlue 4000 series D1 DVRs pack up to 8 cameras, 1TB of storage for home security originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Aug 2012 14:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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