17 Apr
Blog

Arlo Essential Indoor Camera Review: Privacy Is a Priority

Arlo Essential Indoor Security Camera on the table

Arlo Essential indoor surveillance camera

"Thanks to the Arlo Essential Indoor Security Camera’s helpful privacy lock, you never have to wonder if Big Brother is watching."

  • Privacy shutter offers security

  • Clear and clear night vision

  • Smart discovery with Arlo Smart

  • Video quality artifact elements

Arlo has long distinguished itself as a high-end surveillance camera manufacturer and has expanded its growth in this segment thanks to the introduction of its Essential line of surveillance cameras. With a balance between price and performance, the Essential line extends the company's reach. However, a certain type of camera was missing – a real type of indoor camera.

With the Arlo Essential Indoor Security Camera, all of that changes. On paper, it won't amaze anyone with its specs, but what is really amazing here is the focus on privacy. Equipped with a visual shutter that opens and closes, it is one of the few cameras that addresses the ongoing privacy concerns at home.

A barrier that protects your privacy

It is difficult for security camera companies to have a privacy lock, but Arlo, like some other companies, shows us that it is possible. The Arlo Essential indoor security camera has a simple privacy screen that covers the camera's lens when you don't want it to be recorded – like when you are at home. Unlike other implementations that require users to flip a switch, it is mechanically operated across the entire Arlo app. This is great because you can be away and still control the privacy lock.

Arlo Essential Indoor Security Camera privacy screenJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

It blocks the camera's view, protecting your privacy at home. This is important because you know with greater peace of mind that someone is not watching you. When someone actually accesses the camera, the action of the data protection lock is accompanied by an audible sound – so you know that it is being accessed. This is useful because it is so distinctive that you know it is being operated without actually seeing it.

I'm a proponent of mechanically operated privacy shutters like this one, so bravo to Arlo for designing the camera with that in mind.

All the intelligence, mediocre quality

The design of the Arlo Essential Indoor Security Camera allows it to stand freely on shelves and desks and to be mounted on the wall using the brackets provided. In terms of design, the all-plastic construction feels a bit hollow and looks pretty generic, but the articulated base allows for quick and easy adjustment for the ideal view with the camera.

It is safer to know that someone is not watching you

For an indoor camera, the 130-degree field of view is sufficient – I've seen other models with larger views – but strategic placement in corners gives the best coverage. It records at 1080p resolution and offers night vision and two-way audio – all the standard features you would expect from a modern security camera.

However, many of the advanced features are hidden behind the Arlo Smart subscription. By default, the Arlo Essential Indoor Security Camera sends notifications when motion is detected. However, you won't get item detection, package delivery detection, or activity zones without subscribing to Arlo Smart, which starts at $ 3 a month for a single camera. Fortunately, there is a three month trial that is included with the purchase.

As for the performance of the camera, it's nice that Arlo Smart can distinguish motion from pets or people, so you can filter what you want to get through the app rather than get bombarded by false positives. The quality of the video is average at best. It suffers from artifacts early on, but that seems to go away after a while. There is enough detail to see most of the things in the scene while colors have a slightly unsaturated hue. I have no complaints about night vision performance. It's crisp and clear and illuminates the area up to 20 feet.

One thing that could make it perfect

While I applaud Arlo for its mechanical privacy screen, there is only one thing missing from the Essential Indoor Security Camera that makes it perfect – a geofence feature that can automatically arm the camera when I'm not home.

Arlo Essential Indoor Security Camera on the tableJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

Currently, activating the camera is a manual process performed through the app. Sometimes I'm just in a hurry and don't have time to activate the camera. A feature that she can automatically activate based on my phone's location would sweeten the package.

Our opinion

If privacy is a primary concern for you, this is Arlo Essential indoor surveillance camera ensures that you don't have to worry thanks to the data protection lock. The $ 100 cost is worth it just because it's a camera you can trust.

How long it will take?

Although the all-plastic construction feels a bit flimsy, it comes with a one-year limited warranty that covers the camera for defects. Given that it is supposed to be stationary in one place, it should last a long time.

Is there a better alternative?

The SimpliSafe SimpliCam is worth considering just because, like this one, it has a mechanically operated privacy screen that you can see and hear. The main benefit is that it works with SimpliSafe's home surveillance system, so not only is it activated and deactivated every time the system is activated, but in an emergency, emergency responders can even access the camera's feed to assess the event.

The Eufy Indoor Cam 2K Pan & Tilt is worth considering for its lower cost and ability to articulate almost 360 degrees. It can even stow its camera when not in use. This is a slightly different way of protecting home privacy.

Should you buy it?

Yes. It's one of the few models that respects your home privacy and ensures you are informed when the camera is being accessed.

Editor's recommendations




23 Jan
Blog

Amazon Halo Review: No-Fuss Fitness Band, Privacy Disaster

Amazon Halo Fitness Band

Amazon Halo Review: Affordable but Questionable Fitness Band

"Amazon Halo is a no-frills fitness band, but privacy concerns tarnish an otherwise capable workout companion."

  • Slim, lightweight design

  • Informative sleep rating

  • Accurate body fat scan

  • Laboratory integration

  • Subscription for access to all functions

  • Questionable privacy

Amazon has taken its first steps in the wearable device market with its Halo fitness tracker. Much like its Echo and Alexa devices, the Amazon Halo is designed to blend in with the background and seamlessly track your health and fitness. The $ 99 Halo creates a niche with unique features not found on other fitness wearables. However, some of these features raise serious privacy concerns. We have both good and bad problems so you can decide if you want the Halo to be your next fitness machine.

Forget about simple carrying and design

The Amazon Halo has a simple design with a woven fabric band and a screenless tracker unit reminiscent of the older Fitbits. It has a single button that interacts with the Halo app, two microphones for speech analysis and an LED indicator. On the bottom there is an optical heart rate sensor and a charging area. Its straightforward design allows you to charge the tracker without removing it from the band.

Amazon Halo Fitness BandKelly Hodgkins / Digital Trends

The tracker unit is slim and mounts under the band with the heart rate sensor flush with your skin. The tracker clicks securely into place on the band, but it can be removed quickly and easily if you need to change the bands. The sensor unit is waterproof up to 50 meters, so you can swim and shower while wearing it.

The tape consists of a strong net with a Velcro fastener. The Velcro on the halo is just perfect. I can pull the Velcro as tight as I want without having to struggle with the various settings of a buckle. The mesh fabric is not as silky smooth as silicone straps, but it is pleasant on the skin even when perspiration builds up. If you don't like the web, Amazon sells a sports band with a more rubbery feel.

The Halo lacks a screen to grab your attention and lacks a vibrating motor to keep you buzzing. It's also incredibly slim and light (18 grams). It's so unobtrusive that I barely felt it on my wrist. I like that I could wear the halo and forget about it, but I miss the display, especially when I'm running. I can't check the time, watch my pace, or monitor my heart rate from my wrist like I can with my Garmin or Fitbit.

Activity tracking stays with the basics

The Amazon Halo is a more than powerful activity tracker with a heart rate sensor as well as a gyroscope and an accelerometer for movement tracking. It records all of the standard metrics for a fitness tracker. It counts steps, compiles calories and tracks selected workouts (walking, running, cycling and more) in real time. You can also add an activity manually if you forgot to start your tracker. One blatant omission is GPS. Most fitness bands have built-in GPS or at least connect to your smartphone.

Amazon Halo Fitness BandKelly Hodgkins / Digital Trends

The Halo takes a novel approach to measuring your activity level. You will earn points for every minute you are active. The Halo gives you two points for every minute of intense activity, one point for every minute of moderate exercise, and one point for every 20 minutes of light activity. Not only does Halo give points, but it also takes points away for every hour you are sedentary. You can set your own points goal, but Halo recommends achieving at least 150 points per week, which is in line with World Health Organization guidelines for physical activity.

The Halo's relaxed weekly scoring system has successfully kept me active.

Amazon's scoring system is great for those trying to get fit and need that extra encouragement. Since performance is measured weekly, I didn't feel compelled to exercise every day. I could spread my exercise over a week and mix a workout into my daily life if it fits my schedule. This relaxed approach successfully kept me active and kept me from becoming discouraged if I had to miss a workout.

Sleep tracking stays simple

Amazon's Halo competitor, Fitbit leader when it comes to sleep tracking. At night, the Halo can track movement, heart rate and even body temperature, giving you a detailed insight into what factors can affect the quality of your sleep. All of this data is summarized in a sleep score so that you can assess your sleep at a glance.

The halo accurately recorded my wake times, sleep times and movements during the night. The tracker not only monitored the length of my sleep, but also correctly rated the quality of my sleep. It was spot on with his assessment – when I woke up tired from a restless night, the Halo app knew instantly.

The Halo app goes one step further than simple analysis. It also provides insight into your sleep cycles. When I had a pattern of insomnia, the app gave me guidance on how to improve my rest. If I needed more detailed help, I had the option to sign up for a sleep laboratory. This third-party service offered activities that would improve my sleep, such as: B. Limiting caffeine in the afternoon (one of my bad habits!). The lab helped me implement these suggestions and then analyzed whether they actually helped improve my sleep.

The analysis of the tone voices is convincing and uncomfortable

The most impressive and controversial feature in Halo is tone-voice analysis. When enabled, Tone uses your Halo tracker's audio hardware to hear your voice regularly throughout the day. The idea behind Tone is to make you aware of how you sound to other people. Are you moody or positive? Do you sound tired or optimistic?

Amazon Halo Fitness BandKelly Hodgkins / Digital Trends

In order to protect privacy, Tone does not monitor the words you say, only the tone of your voice. In addition, the recordings are not saved. This eases some privacy concerns, but it limits functionality. Once marked as stubborn, I could think about the entire conversation. I couldn't hear exactly what I was saying.

I found the tone speech analysis compelling, but also creepy. I was checking my sound stats all day to see if I was negative without realizing it. I wish there was a notification that would nudge me if my mood changed. Instead of waiting afterwards, it would be helpful to be able to change my setting in real time. Although Tone recognized my mood for most of the time, I didn't feel comfortable with the device always listening in the background. The battery was also very discharged.

Although for the most part Tone recognized my mood accurately, it was a huge drain on the battery.

What I liked was the "Live" tab which offered on-demand, real-time analytics. I was able to practice a short speech and watch where my voice fell on the positivity and energy chart while speaking. I could then get a full analysis of how I sounded. This feature is incredibly useful for repeating a speech or preparing for an interview.

Body fat tracking with half-naked selfies

Many attached health devices promise to monitor your body fat, but few do exactly that. Most smartphone apps and even smart scales take your height and weight and put that information into a body fat calculator. However, this formula doesn't take into account whether the majority of your weight is fat or muscle. It also doesn't tell you where your fat is concentrated.

Amazon Halo improves body fat measurement by using your height and weight data along with photos of your body. These photos, taken only in your skivvies, can be used to determine if you are limp or fit for your weight. It also helps identify where your fat is located. When you are struggling with your body image, the process can be terribly uncomfortable.

All body scan photos are securely processed by Amazon in the cloud and then automatically deleted. They are only saved when you want to use them to keep track of your progress. This sets a privacy flag. They trust Amazon to handle your half-naked selfies discreetly. Do you feel comfortable with it?

Although uncomfortable and worrying, the body fat estimates can provide some accurate results, especially for those who are building muscle, not just losing weight. With the saved photo scans, you can literally see your body fat melt away. Just like with tone speech analysis, you need to decide whether leaving your comfort zone is worth the information it contains. For me, a one-time scan to test the function was sufficient.

The battery life is as expected

The Halo lasted up to a week with normal use on a single charge. Tone speech analysis was a tremendous burden, reducing battery life to a disappointing two days. Fortunately, the Halo charged consistently in just over an hour. The Halo may have hit Amazon's promised battery life, but we expected more from a tape that doesn't have a screen and only basic sensors. The Fitbit Charge 3 with color display, several sensors and smartwatch functions also lasts six days between charging cycles.

Labs

Like the Apple Watch, Amazon has partnered with third-party services to expand the health and wellness information you can get from your device. Most of these labs will help you develop healthy habits that will improve both your mind and your body. For example, you can receive training content from Sweat and take part in the American Heart Association's lunchtime powerwalks. With its clout and reach in retail, this is an area that Amazon could really develop in the years to come.

Not everyone is willing to forego some privacy for the sake of innovation.

Privacy is a deal breaker for some

We can't review the halo without mentioning privacy. Daily voice recordings and snapshots of your scantily clad body can make many people feel uncomfortable. However, Amazon is quick to point out that these features are optional. You don't have to use them to take advantage of the hands-off fitness tracking offered by the Halo.

subscription

You can use Amazon Halo to track basics like step count, activity level, and sleep. If you want more than just the basics, you can choose an optional subscription service that costs $ 4 per month and offers access to advanced features like sleep scoring and labs. Each Halo comes with a free six-month trial subscription. So give it a try and decide if it's worth the extra money.

Our opinion

The Amazon Halo is a straightforward fitness tracker for those who want to improve their health and fitness without worrying about it. The halo tracks the most important metrics. You don't have to view them every minute of the day. However, privacy concerns cast a long shadow over the device. Not everyone will be happy with their device if they take almost nude photos of them and hear them all day. Where you draw that line will determine whether you should buy the Halo.

Is there a better alternative?

The Amazon Halo brings some unique features to the table, but not everyone is willing to give up their privacy for the sake of innovation. Anyone looking for a fitness tracker with robust health and wellness features should consider the Fitbit Sense. Like the Halo, the Scythe focuses on your health and wellbeing, rather than just cross-threshold workouts.

How long it will take?

The Amazon Halo has a simplified design that interferes with a fabric strap that attaches to the tracker. There is no display and only a single button, which reduces potential problems with the device. As long as you do not abuse it, the halo will be used for many years. If you run into hardware problems, Amazon's Halo comes with a one-year warranty.

Should you buy it?

If you can look beyond the privacy issues, the Halo is ideal for those who prefer a hands-off approach to training. You just need to achieve a weekly goal and you won't be constantly reminded to move every hour. Those who want to track every metric and micromanage of their progress should pass the halo on and choose one of the many alternatives.

Editor's recommendations




08 Jun
Blog

Logitech Circle View Review: All About Privacy

Logitech Circle View on the edge

"This exclusive HomeKit camera attaches great importance to privacy from the inside out."

  • No additional app download required

  • The electronic lock helps protect privacy

  • Designed to work indoors and outdoors

  • Easy setup

  • A paid iCloud subscription is required to save videos

  • Expensive costs for basic security functions

I've been tracking Logitech security cameras from the start, starting with the original Logitech Circle in 2015, followed by its successor with Logitech Circle 2 in 2017. I enjoyed the plethora of accessories that the Circle 2 used as an indoor surveillance camera for the outside area as well as the "Day Brief" mode, in which clips were put together for a time-lapse overview.

With the introduction of the third generation model, the Logitech Circle View, these functions were dissolved. Instead, there is a big focus on privacy. The camera is even available exclusively for Apple's HomeKit smart home platform. Data protection is a hot topic among surveillance cameras today more than ever. Is the new Logitech camera enough?

You don't have to download an app

When setting up the circle view, I immediately noticed that no additional app had to be downloaded. Everything is done through the iOS Home app, so you don't have to register a new account or download an app – much like any other camera.

HomeKit optimizes the setup process. This is a stroke of luck for anyone who is not tech-savvy. After a few simple steps, scanning a QR code and choosing a routine, the circle view was ready to monitor my apartment. In a way, it is strange not having to download an app, but the obvious advantages of HomeKit's exclusivity are that it uses all of the camera's privacy features.

In comparison, setting up the ring cameras is a bit more complex, also because you have to download an app and register a new account. Who would like to remember a password? I am happy to just unlock my smartphone and use a native app. With Google’s Nest cameras, you’ll also need to download another app to sign in to your Google Account. Of course, it is convenient to use your Google account, so you need one less password to remember. However, you still need to download a separate app to access the camera.

Emphasis on privacy

Ring's problems have certainly changed the way people look at surveillance cameras at home, but we're beginning to see proactive measures to address the issue during the development phase – and Logitech Circle View is one of them. Appropriate measures are taken to address concerns. This is a relief as privacy is a top priority.

First, there is a button on the back of the camera that can effectively cut audio and video. This is useful if you are still paranoid that someone is watching on the other end. The disadvantage of this data protection lock, however, is that you cannot remotely turn on the camera with the home app. This is a useful feature for those who are concerned about privacy. Logitech takes an extra step by designing the camera to tilt all the way down to point to the base.

Logitech circle view down

Logitech Circle View rear privacy button

Second, thanks to the support of HomeKit Secure Video, the camera saves recorded footage in your iCloud account. However, you must adhere to Apple's 200GB iCloud plan. That means you have to subscribe to the $ 3 monthly plan. Unfortunately, the free 50GB plans for 5GB and $ 0.99 per month do not support video cloud storage, but you can still access a livestream and have two-way audio. Since the encrypted footage is stored in iCloud, there is little concern that a third party can view it. including Apple.

Designed for inside and outside

With the redesign of the camera, the Circle View does not support the multitude of accessories that the predecessor was able to provide. I really enjoyed how the Circle 2 transformed from a stationary camera into something that can be plugged in, attached to a window, or even battery operated. Nevertheless, the design of the Circle View with its metal base and matt surface gets a higher quality construction. It is a nice looking camera.

It is frankly a good looking camera.

It also helps that it can be used indoors and outdoors thanks to its IP64 degree of protection. The only challenge when mounting outdoors is to find a nearby outlet because the attached power cord is 10 feet long. Speaking of which, the cable cannot be detached from the camera because it is integrated. I prefer a micro USB or USB-C connector for the power supply, but it makes sense to integrate the cable for weather resistance.

Data protection comes at the price of functions

I welcome the camera's focus on privacy. Compared to its contemporaries, however, the Logitech Circle View lacks some urgently needed functions.

As a surveillance camera, the 1080p clips are sharp, filled with solid details and the colors are displayed precisely. It helps that the field of view is 180 degrees, which ensures adequate coverage, but there is a noticeable fish-eye effect. In poor lighting conditions, the quality of the film material becomes softer, but this is typical. When it is completely dark, the infrared sensors snap into place to illuminate areas up to 15 feet away. For small apartments (like mine) it is sufficient. It does, however, follow the range of other cameras, such as the 20-foot range of Nest cameras.

There are controls in the Home app that let you choose what type of motion the camera should detect. This includes people, animals and even vehicles. However, some of the more advanced features we get in other cameras are missing, such as: B. Zone detection and face detection. I would very much have liked the ability to select zones in camera view to monitor motion just because it helps reduce the number of notifications sent to my iPhone. Many budget cams actually have this feature, like the Wyze Cam V2 for $ 20 and the Blink Mini for $ 35. This is mainly due to the fact that HomeKit does not support this feature, but an update to the platform may finally bring it.

A relief to know that privacy is top priority!

I'm also excited to see how the camera can be used with other devices supported by HomeKit to improve its functionality through automation. For example, it is wonderful that there is an option to automatically turn off the circle view when it detects that I am at home (via the GPS location of my iPhone), but I also want it to work in conjunction with another gadget , maybe a smart lock to automatically record footage when the door is opened or closed.

Our opinion

If privacy is a top priority in your list for a surveillance camera, the Logitech Circle View is an excellent choice. For Apple users, this is one of the few options currently available on the market that support HomeKit.

Security camera privacy scorecard
Logitech circle view
2-factor authentication X.
Mandatory 2-factor
Privacy lock X.
Local memory
App lock
Detection zones
face recognition X.

Is there a better alternative?

The $ 160 price for the Logitech Circle View is expensive when compared to some of its direct competitors. Take EufyCam 2, for example. In addition to HomeKit, it also supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant with a recent firmware upgrade. Although it costs $ 220 more, you get two cameras instead of a single while offering local storage.

At the other end of the spectrum, the Ring Indoor Cam is a balanced $ 60 surveillance camera that has received some new data protection features and can be integrated with other Ring products for a more comprehensive security solution. If you're on a serious budget, the Wyze Cam V2 is an excellent budget offer for $ 20 and doesn't skimp on features.

Do you want more options? Check out our favorite smart home surveillance cameras.

How long it will take?

Thanks to its solid construction, high-quality materials and protection class IP64, the Logitech Circle View does not give the impression that it will soon go bad. In this rare case, however, a one-year limited warranty applies.

Should you buy it

Yes, especially if the setup is a breeze, you don't need to install another app and data protection is paramount.

Editor's recommendations