02 Oct
Blog

Samsung Jet Bot AI+ Review: Home Security on Wheels is Here

Samsung Jet Bot AI + on hardwood floor.

Samsung Jet Bot AI +

RRP $ 1,300.00

"If you can afford its high price, the Samsung Jet Bot AI + is the best Samsung robotic vacuum cleaner yet."

advantages

  • Home security patrol function works well

  • More efficient cleaning performance

  • Good at avoiding obstacles

  • Minimal disposal through self-draining system

I've never been satisfied with Samsung's range of robotic vacuum cleaners. They were average at best, but never outstanding enough to put the company in the same sphere as iRobot or even Roborock. However, that may change with the introduction of the latest robotic vacuum cleaner for the home, the Samsung Jet Bot AI +.

A cursory glance at the bot is enough to raise your eyebrows, including mine, just for its stimulating design. Seriously, it looks like a mini tank on wheels instead of your traditional robotic vacuum cleaner design. What makes the Jet Bot AI + remarkable over other models is that it is a self-draining model and performs a dual role as a patrolling bot for home security. Some models do this, but none have yet assured me that they can do it effectively.

Finally a superior cleaning performance

One of the biggest reservations I had with the last generation of the company, the PowerBot series, was that they didn't do a good job of picking up debris from corners and edges. Even after a few cleanings, cat litter was still scattered everywhere. Fortunately, that changes with the Samsung Jet Bot AI +.

Samsung Jet Bot AI + on hardwood floorJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

With the help of its integrated lidar sensors, it maps rooms quickly and easily and then cleans them efficiently with the typical S-shaped cleaning pattern. It works pretty well with hardwood floors, vacuuming up any tiny dirt, grime, and cat litter. Given my previous experience, I was pretty impressed with this particular Samsung bot.

Instead of being equipped with an ordinary underside brush with bristles, the Jet Bot AI + has a soft roller brush, which is more effective on hard floors than on carpets. Don't get me wrong, the anti-static fibers aren't curled from overuse, but it lacks the inclusion of an ordinary bristle brush when it comes to carpets. It automatically adjusts its suction to the surface, with a noticeable increase when moved onto carpets and rugs – but I've still noticed some glued pet hairs clinging to the carpet.

Bottom of the Samsung Jet Bot AI +.John Velasco / Digital Trends

When everything is done, it will automatically find its way back to its combined charging and self-emptying base. The entire contents of the bin are disposed of directly in the bag inside the self-emptying base. This is less of a mess for me having to clean up every time the bot cleans, but just know that replacement bags for a pack of 5 are $ 40.

Smarter avoidance detection

It was noticeable from the start that this Samsung vacuum robot was light years smarter than the previous models. Thanks to its combination of lidar sensors and camera, the Jet Bot AI + exceeded my expectations in terms of avoiding obstacles and clutter – including some pesky cables that are known to be difficult to avoid. Although it was still stuck on one end of a ceiling, I couldn't find it getting stuck in tight spaces. It actually did a good job of navigating tight spaces, which is surprising since it's quite a giant.

Close up of the camera on Samsung Jet Bot AI +.John Velasco / Digital Trends

The Samsung SmartThings app displays the map of your home when the Jet Bot AI + first cleans and then automatically categorizes the rooms. He even managed to note down large pieces of furniture on the map, something I haven't seen with other robotic vacuum cleaners. The card can then be edited to include no-go zones, which is useful for making cleaning more efficient.

Patrol routes when you are not home

Without question, the most beautiful feature of the Samsung Jet Bot AI + is its ability to act as a patrol when you are away from home. Think of it as your personal security guard, moving from room to room, watching out for your every move. While the live feed of the video can be easily accessed through the Samsung SmartThings app, you will need to install the SmartThings video add-on to view footage recorded later.

This is the best home patrolling robot that I have tested so far.

Well, I'll argue that this is the best home patrolling robot I've tested so far, but it still takes some work to be even more useful. The only complaint I have is that it can't go into patrol mode automatically. I really would have liked to have a geofencing feature that automatically activates the robot for patrols when I'm not home and then turns off when I'm there. Instead, you can only set one schedule for now.

Still, it's really amusing to see the Samsung Jet Bot AI + leave the base to patrol different rooms in my apartment. It also doesn't clean while it's moving, so it's a bit quieter and saves battery. When it enters a room, it ends up staying in one place, but turning every now and then. When the camera detects movement, it records the event and sends a notification in the app. This is exactly the type of home security that is needed most as it doesn't sit in one spot like a typical security camera. There is still room for improvement here, however, due to its narrow field of view and fairly easy motion detection.

Our opinion

The Samsung Jet Bot AI + is the company's best robotic vacuum cleaner to date – there's no doubt about that. It's also one of the most advanced robotic vacuums on the market, offering top-notch features like a self-draining system, intelligent obstacle avoidance and home security.

The latter feature is especially noteworthy as few bots really do a good job, but the Jet Bot AI + is the first to offer some level of confidence when it comes to home security. It's not terrific, but the beginning of what's to come as more and more robotic vacuums become personal safety patrols on wheels. It's Samsung's best deal, but it's also an expensive one at $ 1,300.

Is there a better alternative?

The closest competitor to this is the Roborock S6 MaxV, which also has a camera for better obstacle avoidance and safety. While it doesn't offer that much of a comprehensive home security package, it doubles as a mopper – something the Jet Bot AI + doesn't offer. Plus, it's also available for $ 850.

In terms of cleaning performance, the iRobot Roomba i3 + does a great job of cleaning every corner of your home in an efficient manner. In addition, it has a self-draining base and a far more attractive price of $ 600.

How long it will take?

There are certainly many components involved in the Samsung Jet Bot AI +. Cleaning the robot, removing tangled strands of hair from its wheels, and emptying the bag in the cleaning base all help to keep it in optimal shape. There is a one year limited warranty that covers it against defects.

Should you buy it?

Yes sir. It's a really expensive investment, but given all the features it offers, it has some advantages.

Editor's recommendations



03 Aug
Blog

BodyGuardz 360 Review: Useful Utility for On-The-Go Security

BodyGuardz 360 camera in a hotel

BodyGuardz 360 Test: Useful Utility for Keeping Safe on the Go

RRP $ 199.00

“Not all surveillance cameras can go anywhere. The Bodyguardz 360 is one of the few that can do that. "

advantages

  • Portability on the go

  • Practical built-in night light

  • Saves videos to USB for offline use

  • Battery lasts five days on a single charge

disadvantage

  • The set up process was less than intuitive

  • The best features are locked behind a subscription plan

The BodyGuardz 360 camera is more like a thermos or portable bluetooth speaker than a security camera. This similarity becomes even more apparent when you first see how to store the cable and charging brick. Although it has a rather unconventional look to it, the BodyGuardz 360 offers storage straight to USB, offline functionality, and a 360-degree field of view, and beats its weight class at just $ 200.

Setup and Operation: Some annoying issues

The set up process had me ready to pull my hair out. What should have been a simple process turned into 10 minutes of troubleshooting. You will be prompted to first download the BodyGuardz app on your phone before pressing the camera's physical power button three times to put it in "scan mode". At this point, hold a QR code from the app in front of the camera. It's hard to tell exactly when the camera is watching; Although the on-screen instructions say there will be a beep, I didn't hear a sound until the camera saw the QR code.

After that, the setup went smoothly. I was able to install the camera and place it wherever I wanted with no further difficulty. The camera works fine when it's running, but most of the time when I minimize the app and try to open it again, I have to force the application before the camera comes back on. It has happened several times since I first set up the camera. It's a little nuisance that adds up when it happens almost every time.

You can control the camera from the app. It's not what I would call intuitive; You must tap and hold the phone screen before the controls appear. It feels like the app is more geared towards looking minimalist than simple controls. There's no reason the camera controls couldn't be placed under the rest of the buttons.

The BodyGuardz 360 offers limited intelligent control via Amazon Alexa and Google Home, but only for switching the night light on and off. There is no way to control the panning of the camera with an intelligent assistant, which limits the real benefits of the integration.

Subscription plan

There are three different levels of the BodyGuardz Smart Life plan.

Free: You get zero days of video history and can save footage locally. You'll have access to features like two-way talk, the 90dB emergency siren, and push notifications, but won't get smart detection alerts, desktop streaming, activity zones, or the ability to review and share videos.

Deluxe: The Deluxe plan is $ 4 per month per camera and includes seven days of video history. Motion capture is recorded as a video clip and you get access to smart detection alerts, desktop streaming, custom activity zones, and the ability to share and save videos.

bonus: The Premium plan is $ 10 per month for three cameras. It includes 30 days of video history and all the features of the Deluxe plan with the added benefit of an extended product warranty.

Unfortunately, you need the subscription to take advantage of many of the more powerful features. It's affordable at just $ 4 a month – but it would be a nice addition if it came standard with activity zones and smart detection alerts.

Image Quality: Clear video anytime of the day

The BodyGuardz 360 camera doesn't stream 4K content, but its 1080p resolution is good enough for all home (or on-the-go) use. The image quality is good enough to see most of the details. The camera can be swiveled around its entire base to give you a 360 degree field of view. You always have your home in view, from almost every corner. The 360 ​​also has an automatic night vision function. When the sun goes down, the view changes to black and white without losing image quality.

Color accuracy is another area where the camera is not exactly perfect. My walls are off-white, but the camera has always tinted them a faint shade of blue. In one picture, a black shirt hanging from the back of a chair looked purple. It could be something as simple as calibrating color temperature with the software, but the inaccuracies won't help either. You won't want to use the BodyGuardz 360 to admire a Jackson Pollock, but it's enough to keep an eye on activity in and around your home.

BodyGuardz 360 night light

It's worth noting that the camera includes a night light. It's not always active and you have to activate it manually – but it works well for placing in the middle of a dark room. To his credit, the night light doesn't seem to interfere with night vision much.

Features: A focus on privacy and alerts

If you want to customize your notifications, you can monitor for both sound and motion. The noise detection picks up all noises above 90 dB. The motion detection is self-explanatory, but can be broken down even further – just not in the free tariff.

When you subscribe to BodyGuardz's Smart Life subscription, you can choose to monitor all types of movement or just people. You can also set up activity zones to avoid false positives.

One of the great things about the BodyGuardz 360 camera is its attention to privacy. You can easily turn the camera on and off in the app. You can do the same with his microphone. If at any point you feel like the camera has captured something that it doesn't need, you can delete your video history.

If that's not enough, the camera even has a physical privacy screen that you can slide in front of the lens. It serves two purposes: On the one hand, to protect the lens when transporting the camera. Second, it blocks the video completely so you don't have to worry about it when you don't want to watch it.

Performance: portability for security on the go

The BodyGuardz 360 camera is a fully portable security camera. You can't live stream if you're not on WiFi, but you can plug a USB stick into the side of the camera and all activity around it will be recorded automatically. You can access these clips by connecting the USB drive to a laptop.

BodyGuardz 360 cable storage.

This makes the camera especially useful if you spend a lot of time in hotels. The battery lasts up to five days on a single charge, depending on the activity around it and how long it is used. Of course, activating the night light shortens the battery life. It should be noted that the camera also fits well in a standard-size cup holder in the car.

You can also connect the camera through its brick for unlimited use. The most surprising part of this camera, however, is the way the cable is stored. It's wrapped around the inside of the camera. The bottom slips like the bottom of a thermos and then you pull the cable out of its compartment. The stone is kept at the very bottom of the camera and pops out when the cable is free. It's a brilliant way to keep the cable out of the way, especially when using the camera while traveling.

Our opinion

The BodyGuardz 360 is a good – but not yet a great – surveillance camera. It packs a host of powerful features for a relatively low price, and its 360-degree view means you don't have to invest in multiple cameras for one room. The numerous small annoyances when setting up and operating the camera as well as the opaque nature of the actual panning could be resolved by software patches. It has a lot of potential, but it's not quite there yet.

Is there a better alternative?

There aren't many portable security cameras out there. The BodyGuardz 360 definitely hits a certain niche, but it has competition in the larger area of ​​home surveillance cameras. The Arlo Pro 4 spotlight camera costs $ 200 and offers high resolution and a respectable 160-degree field of view.

At the budget end of the scale, the Wyze Cam Outdoor is another versatile camera like the BodyGuardz 360, which offers 14 days of free cloud storage and 1080p resolution for just $ 60 – while also offering a convenient offline mode to continue recording videos when there is no Wi-Fi connectivity around.

How long it will take?

The BodyGuardz 360 is made of plastic. It's not the most durable camera in the world, but it's got enough weight and weight to feel sturdy. With proper care, it should last at least five years, if not longer, with regular use. In the event of problems, BodyGuardz grants a one-year guarantee from the date of purchase.

Should you buy it?

Yes. Despite its shortcomings, the BodyGuardz 360 is a powerful surveillance camera with many functions that are seldom found in other products. The ability to take it with you to watch your hotel room or Airbnb is impressive, and the relatively low price and huge field of view make it a firm competitor.

Editor's recommendations



03 Jul
Blog

Eufy SoloCam E40 Review: The Anti-Subscription Security Cam

Rectangular design of the Eufy SoloCam E40.

“Who would like to pay for another subscription service? The Eufy SoloCam E40 defies this trend. "

  • Does not require a subscription service

  • Razor-sharp night vision quality

  • Above average battery life

  • Fight with dynamic range

Digital subscriptions are ubiquitous, especially in the security camera world. Users can only access premium features like cloud storage or artificial intelligence surveillance by paying for a subscription service. Between paying for YouTube Music, Amazon Prime, and Apple Fitness +, my bank account withdrawals for recurring payments are at an all-time high – so it would be a relief to potentially prevent another pinning.

The Eufy SoloCam E40 is the first of many new security cameras to hit the market this year that frees us from the shackles of subscription services as it is a standalone all-in-one security camera system. There is no need for a separate hub to store footage on a microSD card or subscription service for remote access to footage. The included data sheet sweetens the deal as it offers 2K video recording and a battery life of 120 days. A dream comes true – or does it?

Design: Say goodbye to the hub

First of all, I have to point out that previous outdoor surveillance cameras from Eufy required the use of a bridge – something that excites me that is no longer the case with the Eufy SoloCam E40. Because the camera now connects directly to the WLAN, which is a welcome relief.

Back cover of the Eufy SoloCam E40.John Velasco / Digital Trends

With its design, an elongated, rectangular shaped chassis that is quite light and solidly built, there is nothing out of the ordinary. With the all-plastic construction, it has a waterproof protection class IP65, which keeps it operational in all weather conditions. Even if I don't mind the supplied screw attachment, I would have liked a magnetic attachment as an option for quick and easy removal.

Installation: Ready to use in around five minutes

With the hub not in the equation, getting the Eufy SoloCam E40 up and running is a breeze. In fact, it took me about five minutes to complete. Once out of the box, all I have to do is run the app and then point the QR code at the camera to connect it to my home's Wi-Fi network.

Eufy SoloCam E40 on external screw mounting.John Velasco / Digital Trends

There were no problems with the installation, so I had to screw the bracket to the wall using the screws that came with it. Although it is advertised as an outdoor camera, it can easily be converted to an indoor camera as well as it is a wireless camera that does not require constant power to operate. If you want to save yourself the hassle of charging, you can connect it to a power source via its micro-USB port, which is hidden behind the rear cover.

Features: All the basics at your disposal

Today's cameras have some advanced features like face recognition to distinguish people, package detection to protect shipments from pirates, HDR recording, and even the ability to digitally pan and zoom a person. Advanced features like this can be found in top-notch cameras like the Arlo Pro 4, but the Eufy SoloCam E40 gives you the basics.

Well, that's not a bad thing, especially when it's effective in monitoring, detecting, and providing a general sense of security. The range of functions consists of activity zones, person recognition, night vision and local storage. With the latter, however, the Eufy SoloCam E40 does not use a microSD slot like other cams, but instead has its own 8 GB integrated memory. This can be alarming in the event of the camera being stolen, but the footage is protected by military-grade encryption.

The range of functions is rounded off by an integrated 90 dB siren, two-way communication and support for Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. These are all contemporary features of today's security cameras, but nothing out of the ordinary compared to what other notable cameras in the field have to offer.

Video Quality: A few minor nuances in 2K videos

Another aspect of the Eufy SoloCam E40 that I really appreciate is that it doesn't settle for 1080p footage, but instead opts for 2K (2,304 x 1,296) videos. The preview of the footage on my smartphones is very clear. It does struggle with dynamic range, however, which can be seen in how highlights are blown out unlike the rest of the scenery. In addition, the film material is sharpened too much and a colder color temperature is preferred. While the overall quality is still cheap, it records clips at a slower rate of 15 frames per second (fps) – far less than the 30 fps standard found on other cameras.

In contrast, the night vision material is incredibly clear, razor sharp and well lit. With the help of its infrared LEDs, the Eufy SoloCam E40 has captured some deer walking through my garden with breathtaking clarity. Fortunately, there is no drop in the frame rate with night vision as the same rate of 15 fps is maintained. The only things missing here that would add significantly to the arsenal are color night vision and a headlight.

Battery life: go the distance

After testing the Eufy SoloCam E40 for a week, I'm happy to report that the battery life is still 100%. I know it's technically not at 100%, but it's charged enough to indicate a full charge. My only complaint is that you have to go through the power manager's settings to see the percentage as the app only shows a battery icon with five bars on the main screen.

It's one less subscription service that you have to worry about paying.

Of course, battery life will depend on a lot of factors, but I'm hoping for the 120-day rating. It's ambitious, but certainly not out of style, as the Arlo Essential XL has been chugging for over 90 days since I last charged it.

Our opinion

Eufy's new camera isn't groundbreaking, but it doesn't have to be if it does the job safely by notifying me of relevant detection notifications. It's at least capable of distinguishing humans from animals, but the Eufy SoloCam E40 really gets my attention because it's a complete system that works out of the box – something that doesn't require paid subscription services.

At $ 130, it's mid-range, which is reasonable for its offering and performance. Hey, at least it's one less subscription service to worry about at the end of the month.

Is there a better alternative?

When it comes to features and performance, the Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight is still an incredible option because for $ 200 it offers 2K HDR video recording, advanced AI. Detection and color night vision.

The Wyze Cam Outdoor is a cheaper, full-featured option for $ 60 and even has a handy offline mode for recording footage to a MicroSD card when there is no Wi-Fi connectivity.

How long it will take?

The all-plastic construction feels sturdy, so I'm sure it will withstand all weather conditions. There is a one year limited warranty that covers defects.

Should you buy it?

You bet. It's one less subscription service that I have to pay for on a monthly basis. Plus, it strikes a balance with its price, features, and performance.

Editor's recommendations



02 Jul
Blog

Swann 4K Thermal Sensing Security Camera Review: Needs Work

Swann 4K thermal imaging camera outside in winter.

Swann 4K Ultra HD Dome IP Security Camera with Thermal Sensing NHD-888MSD

"It has excellent monitoring, but the software and user interface could use some tweaking."

  • Incredibly high resolution

  • Clear audio amplification

  • Thermal detection reduces false alarms

  • Face recognition gives you a better idea of ​​who is in your home

  • Installation can be a little tricky

  • No siren

  • Voice assistant support cannot be easily set up

Home surveillance cameras are the first line of defense in a security system, but many act as stand-alone systems. It only takes a few cameras to cover the front and back doors of a house, but a more comprehensive security system requires more than just a few cameras. Swann's new camera kit is the ideal choice for this – the included network video recorder (NVR) stores footage and allows you to view the feeds of all your cameras in a single location, usually a television or external display. Up to eight cameras can be connected at the same time.

Swann sent me an NVR and one of the new 4K Thermal Sensing Security Cameras (PRO-888MSD) to test. The Swann 4K Security Camera with Thermal Imaging is packed with powerful security features, including several that I have never seen in a security camera before.

Installation and setup: just a bit of confusion

Many smart cameras market themselves as "plug and play". Aside from tapping a few icons on your phone, there is not much involved in setting up the cameras. This quick and easy process is very attractive, but the Swann 4K Security Camera with Thermal Imaging Sensor doesn't offer anything. While it wasn't difficult to set up, incomprehensible instructions led to confusion before realizing I should look for a QR code on the NVR rather than the camera itself.

The whole process involved downloading the Swann app, registering an account, and then adding a device. It can be powered independently, but my kit did not include a power cord for the camera; Instead, it works via Power over Ethernet or POE. To do this, I had to power the NVR, connect it to my router via ethernet, and then connect the 4K dome security camera via a secondary ethernet cable that was included. Any ethernet cable will work, but there are advantages to using the included cable – it's one of the longest ethernet cables I've seen.

The NVR contains a mouse, which I found strange. To set up, the NVR must be connected to a monitor or television and set up using an on-screen keyboard. You need to create a password and username before you can sync your device using the mobile app.

Again, not difficult, but the instructions weren't clear so it took longer than expected for the system to work. But when the time came, it started without any problems.

Features: Few false positives

The features of the 4K Dome Security Camera stand out from comparable surveillance cameras.

There are three basic modes: Home, Night, and Away. Everyone has different attitudes that best suit their current needs. For example, Home Mode typically disables indoor cameras and sets outdoor cameras to detect moderate movement. The night mode sets the sensitivity for outside cameras to a higher level and activates inside cameras in unoccupied areas. Away mode arm each camera and set the sensitivity level to a medium to high setting. However, you can also configure any of these modes to best suit your preferences.

You can also activate do not disturb mode in the app. This means that your cameras will continue to register activity, but you will not receive any push notifications. The app also informs you about possible service problems. When I swapped an Ethernet cable for a longer one, the app notified me that a camera had gone offline for two minutes.

Advanced settings include face recognition with personalized alerts based on who the camera sees. You will also get fewer false positives thanks to Swann's True Detect system. The Swann 4K Thermal Security Camera uses thermal imaging cameras to provide more reliable alerts rather than relying solely on motion.

Performance: High quality footage

The Swann 4K surveillance camera with thermal image recognition works excellently both indoors and outdoors. The camera was developed with durability and weather in mind and has a weather protection rating of IP66. It can withstand most outdoor conditions with no problems, while the built-in night vision provides visibility of up to 60 meters as long as the ambient light is present.

The technical details aren't too shabby either. With a 93-degree field of view, a built-in high-gain microphone, and easy mounting options, the 4K dome security camera is a solid addition to any home security system. The quality of the video footage is fantastic too, displaying the footage in near real time with minimal lag. Even when viewing the clips on a 1080p monitor, you will be spoiled with clear details. If there's a reason to buy this camera, it's great video quality.

The sound is also great – it picked up sounds that other cameras wouldn't have. In fact, it could pick up the sound of me typing from 9 meters away.

Software: your basic functions

The Swann app gives you an excellent overview of the activities in your home and the possibility to check the live stream of your camera. You can change the arming mode, check notifications, and play activity alerts throughout the day.

In addition, the functionality is rather sober. Although you can integrate the Swann 4K Thermal Sensing Security Camera with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, you don't do that through the app. Instead, you must first download the Alexa Skill or set up the device in your Google Home app before any of the intelligent assistants will detect the presence of the camera. After that, all you have to do is ask the assistant to stream the feed to your display.

Our opinion

The Swann 4K Thermal Sensing Security Camera is a rugged, powerful surveillance camera, but it leaves out many functions that have become almost standard. For example, there is no siren or the ability to pan or tilt. Both functions would significantly increase the functionality of the camera. The design of the camera almost looks like it should be able to move, but the camera is in a fixed position. The large field of view makes it useful for monitoring large areas at once, but sometimes you need to get creative with the mounting mechanism to get the angle you want.

This camera dropped some bells and whistles in exchange for better performance than many smart cameras. The 4K resolution, high-quality microphone and 60-foot night vision, as well as the NVR and Power-over-Ethernet functionality, are hard to beat. At $ 150, the price isn't bad – but you'll need to combine more than one of these to get the full benefits.

Is there a better alternative?

If you live in a small apartment, you don't need a full NVR and camera setup. An all-in-one camera like the Canary Flex ($ 130) provides you with push notifications, motion alerts, a siren, and more. On the flip side, if you want to go completely high-end with your camera setup, the Arlo Pro 4 has all the features you could need, but at a significantly higher price. For something more affordable, the Eufy Indoor Cam 2K Pan and Tilt is an amazing indoor camera.

How long it will take?

The structure of the camera calls for durability. With proper care and installation, this camera should serve you for many years. Outdoor cameras are more prone to damage just from exposure to the elements, but even then they should be used for several years. In the event that something goes wrong, Swann offers a 12-month guarantee on all of its cameras.

Should you buy it?

Yes, the Swann 4K security camera with thermal sensor is characterized by its main task: monitoring your home. If you live in a larger house and want to connect multiple cameras together and monitor them all in one place, the NVR makes it as easy as plugging the ethernet cables into the appropriate ports. While this might be a little on the expensive side for some users, the Swann's audio and video clarity make it one of the best options out there.

Editor's recommendations



06 May
Blog

Trifo Lucy Robot Vacuum: Prioritizes Security Over Cleaning

Trifo Lucy Robot Vacuum on hard wood

Trifo robot vacuum cleaner

"The Trifo Lucy can keep an eye on your home, but it may not do a good job cleaning it."

  • Useful surveillance camera function

  • Good at avoiding most obstacles and clutter

  • Terrible mopping implementation

  • Not efficient at cleaning

  • Jerky navigation in tight spaces / edges

Trifo's Lucy robotic vacuum first caught my interest during CES 2020 and was one of the first robotic vacuums ready to take the category in a new direction. What sets it apart from the crowded field is its ability to see its surroundings with an embedded camera right in front of the bot – with the promise of avoiding trippy wires, challenging furniture corners, and the dreaded droppings on the floor.

In addition to avoiding obstacles, the camera is designed to provide peace and quiet when you are not there as it doubles as a surveillance camera. Hence, it will pay attention to your every move and notify you if something is wrong. While we've seen other interpretations over the past year, I'm curious to see if it offers a more practical solution. However, it doesn't matter if it can't be cleaned well.

An example of the superiority of lidar

Read the specifications of the Trifo LucyIt seems like a promising bot that does double duty as a cleaning lady and babysitter. While Artificial Intelligence (AI), 1080p HDR video, Alexa integration, night vision, and 3D obstacle avoidance have a lot of technical jargon in them, I can't help but mention that all of these technologies don't distract my attention from the fact that this is it is not as efficient at cleaning.

Trifo Lucy Robot vacuum on hardwoodJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

Sure, moving my hardwood floors up and down in open spaces isn't a problem, but tight spaces and narrow hallways are a challenge despite all the technology on board. The most obvious thing is that it does not use a lidar (light detection and ranging) sensor which is used by many medium to long range robotic vacuum cleaners these days. Instead, the Trifo Lucy's navigation depends on a combination of the front-facing 1080p camera, the cliff sensors below, and the depth sensors.

The performance is a clear example of why lidar-based vacuums are so effective. While it does a good job of avoiding clutter, including loading cables on the floor that still plague many bots, it's puzzling to see jerky movements when trying to hug walls to get in a straight line clean. To make matters worse, this is a tight-knit navigational battle – it just moves in random directions. However, it avoided the false poop I put on the floor. At least you know it is smart enough to avoid it!

Maintenance is a must

The cleaning performance is average at best. It's nowhere near the most efficient or proficient at vacuuming. First, it is not so good with carpets, despite the suction force of 3,000 Pa. This is mainly due to the bristle brush on the underside, which catches tufts of hair in the process. While superficial debris is picked up, carpets never feel that deeply clean. Meanwhile, the side sweeping brush also suffers from tangled hair – frequent grooming is required to keep it in tip-top shape.

Trifo Lucy Robot vacuum floorJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

Fortunately, it works better on hard floors because the side sweeping brush doesn't turn too fast – so dirt and debris aren't flung in all directions when sweeping. Surprisingly, the Trifo Lucy's wheels can easily handle bumps and partitions, but I still had to rescue them so they wouldn't get stuck under a bedside table.

With the Trifo app, I appreciate the way a map of my apartment is displayed along with icons that indicate obstacles it encountered while cleaning. However, I would have loved to see an accompanying photo of these obstacles – similar to the Roborock S6 MaxV. Finally, it took Lucy three separate cleaning sessions to create a correct map layout of my apartment that could later be used to set up restricted areas that act as a virtual barrier.

All in all, it's an average performer who may take a few passes before you can be sure it's clean.

Don't worry about wiping

Yes, there is a wipe function on the Trifo Lucy, but it's a ridiculous implementation. This is due to the small water compartment and the disposable pads that you have to use. Because of the holder for the pads, it never seems like the pad is touching the floor when wiping. In addition, there is no way to adjust the water flow on the pad. Rather, it is simply based on gravity.

Security guard when you are not home

If there is any salvation grace for the Trifo Lucy, it has to be its safety function. This is basic for sure, especially considering that the camera detects all movement – regardless of what it is – and doesn't classify it in the app.

The cleaning performance is average at best.

Unlike other robotic vacuum cleaners, you need to be more careful with the placement of the charging station. This is because it can sense movement while it is charging in the base, even in the dark as it has night vision. If you have placed the base so that the robot can see the front door, it can therefore detect anyone who comes in.

Trifo Lucy Robot vacuum camera close-upJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

You can view all recordings through the app. What is missing, however, is two-factor authentication to really reassure home privacy. I hope this will be available in the future. Another missing feature I'd like to see is an option for some sort of patrol mode where the Trifo Lucy can patrol a given path. It's a decent secondary feature that's actually handy, but it's still difficult to overlook the other shortcomings.

Our opinion

I had high expectations for $ 500 Trifo Lucy. In the year since it was introduced at CES 2020, we've seen several other robotic vacuums showing us the next evolution in robotic vacuums. Unfortunately for Lucy, the inability to clean efficiently makes it a difficult consideration when you have other bots doing better – while also providing that security camera functionality. Ultimately, the success of a robotic vacuum cleaner depends primarily on its cleaning performance. I cannot say with complete confidence that the Trifo Lucy is capable of this.

How long it will take?

Frequent maintenance is essential here as the brushes can easily get tangled. Cleaning the sensors and cameras also helps. There is a one-year limited warranty on parts only.

Is there a better alternative?

You'll need more than $ 700 for that Roborock S6 MaxV, but it is very similar to the Trifo Lucy in that it is a 2-in-1 vacuum combination that wipes, offers lidar-based navigation, and an A.I.-assisted camera for superior obstacle avoidance. And oh yes, its vacuuming and mopping performance is superior in every way.

Should you buy it?

No, although the security camera feature is a tempting package. If it can't clean well, its purpose of being a robotic vacuum is pointless.

Editor's recommendations




02 Jan
Blog

Kangaroo Home Security Review: Affordable and Powerful

Kangaroo security sensor alarm cameras ces 2019 motion door

"The Kangaroo Home Security System is easy to install, but its photo doorbell camera leaves a lot to be desired."

  • Affordable prices

  • easy installation

  • Telephone notifications from Kangaroo

  • Doesn't compete well with competing products

Home security is more important than ever now, especially with people spending so much time in their homes. A home security system should provide adequate coverage, be easy to install, and be affordable. The budget-friendly system from Kangaroo meets all of these requirements and offers professional surveillance around the clock. It is also one of the easiest to install systems on the market thanks to its peel-and-stick mounting system.

Friendly prices and plans

Kangaroo's five-piece starter kit is $ 80 and includes two motion / entry sensors, a keyboard, two Roo tags (keychain accessory that can be used to disable the system), a promotional sign, and five window stickers.

It's not bad value and individual components can be purchased at no great additional cost. For example, the doorbell camera with chimes costs only $ 20, while additional motion sensors are only $ 15 each. The water and climate sensor costs $ 30. The most expensive single component is the Siren + Keypad, which alone costs $ 70.

These prices are competitive and often cheaper than other security systems on the market. Kangaroo also offers three plan options.

Kangaroo completed

The first is Kangaroo Complete, which is $ 8.25 per month or $ 99 per year. This is the most comprehensive option and the best choice for someone who wants a serious security system. Many of the best Kangaroo features are behind the overall plan, including smart assistant integration, the ability to qualify for homeowner insurance discounts, and more.

Kangaroo Complete includes professional monitoring, notifications and 30 days of cloud storage. If you are looking for a real security system that has it all, Kangaroo Complete is the only real option.

Kangaroo Porch Protection Plan

Another option is the porch protection plan. At $ 23.88 per year, the name is self-explanatory: it focuses on protecting against package theft. It offers 365-day cloud storage for doorbell cameras, as well as package theft coverage of $ 300.

Kangaroo Basic

The Kangaroo Basic plan is the free option for Kangaroo users. It provides notifications within the app when activity is detected, enables the system to be activated and deactivated with just one tap, and offers up to 24 hours of cloud storage for all cameras. It lacks the more powerful features of Kangaroo Complete, but it would work for the security of an off-site storage shed or property that you don't need full coverage for.

Kangaroo's peel-and-stick system makes it easy to install on almost any surface.

Functionality through accessories

Kangaroo impresses not only with its affordability, but also with the level of customization it offers. Each sensor can be customized to suit your needs. You can notify individual sensors in a certain way. For example, if you only want a call when your bedroom sensor is off, you can turn off the voice notification setting. Below is an overview of Kangaroo's offers:

Kangaroo motion sensor

The motion sensors are incredibly sensitive. You record activity from a distance of 15 feet with a field of view of 120 degrees. The good news is that built-in pet rejection will automatically ignore anything up to 2 feet, 4 inches tall – though doing so carries the risk of break-in by precocious toddlers.

Kangaroo water + climate sensor

The water + climate sensor is a particularly useful addition. It monitors temperature and humidity and can detect leaks with just 1mm of water. It doesn't need to be mounted to anything either – just stand it up and lay it on the floor. I use it to monitor for leaks under the sink and around the washing machine. I didn't have any water leaks (and couldn't trigger the system by dripping water on it), but it warned me when the air conditioning failed and the temperatures started to rise.

Like the motion sensor, the water and climate sensor will warn you when a threat is detected or when the temperature is outside of user-defined limits.

Kangaroo doorbell camera

The doorbell camera + chimes is a good compromise for a smart doorbell, but not the best device I've ever used. It is not a video doorbell, but photos of activity outside your door. It doesn't pick up movement well – if someone walks across their field of vision, you'll be lucky enough to get a shot from the back of their foot.

The built-in button is directly connected to the carillon and rings when someone rings the doorbell. There are also several modes to better improve the picture quality, including sunlight mode when the camera is exposed to direct sunlight or night vision when there is no light on the porch.

The battery is designed to last a year of normal use and AA batteries are included. This is especially useful for apartment residents as the doorbell camera does not need to be hard-wired. If you live in a crowded area or an apartment complex, the batteries will drain much faster. Expect three to six months if the camera is triggered frequently.

Though better than nothing, the photos taken by the doorbell cannot be compared to real videos.

The data protection camera is a surveillance camera for indoor use that can be wall-mounted or placed on a shelf. It has digital zoom functions and two-way audio. You can also customize the privacy modes and there is no doubt when the camera is in private mode. An opaque field is displayed above the lens itself. A green LED lights up during recording.

Kangaroo siren + keyboard

After all, the siren + keypad is the heart of the system. While no hub is needed for most of the system, the siren + keypad is connected to other sensors and triggers an acoustic signal when the doorbell is pressed. If a motion sensor detects movement while the system is armed, the Siren + Keypad will give off a rather intimidating alarm before triggering the 85 decibel siren – definitely loud enough for neighbors to hear if they live nearby. The siren penetrates walls quite well.

The built-in microphone is even more impressive. The Siren + Keypad waits for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and notifies you when a hazard is detected. The microphone can only pick up sounds in the range of 3,000 to 4,000 Hz, which means that human speech is not recognized.

installation

The most surprising part of the whole setup was the installation. All sensors, from the motion / entrance sensors to the doorbell camera, use a peel-and-stick system that makes installation and assembly a breeze.

The setup is done via the Kangaroo app. Just tap the Settings icon, then tap Add New Device. The on-screen instructions are easy to follow (and include pictures from each device). Once the accessory has been added to the system, simply clip it to the wall or door and press for 30 seconds.

The setup process is just as easy for the privacy camera or siren + keyboard. However, these are not peel-and-stick accessories. The camera must be mounted with screws, while the siren + keypad has no mounting system.

The glue used is strong. Even after months, the doorbell camera kept a good connection when removed (and actually peeled some paint off the door).

Our opinion

The Kangaroo Home Security System is one of the easiest models to set up that I have ever used. Installation is simple and it is a breeze to explain how to activate and deactivate the system to people unfamiliar with the system (e.g. apartment maintenance teams).

Most of its powerful features are behind the $ 100 per year subscription. Even the integration of Smart Assistant in Amazon Alexa and Google Home is limited. If you invest in the premium subscription, Kangaroo is definitely worth it.

After all, most other security systems often cost more than $ 8.25 per month for all of the features Kangaroo offers. The system as a whole is tremendously useful, and the only real weakness is in the doorbell camera. While photos are good, the actual video would be significantly better.

How long it will take?

Kangaroo offers a one-year guarantee against defects in the system under normal use. The components are well built and should last for several years, although the doorbell camera can fail faster if exposed directly to the elements, simply due to increased wear and tear.

Is there a better alternative?

Kangaroo is a good choice, but it might not be the best. Both Ring and Simplisafe are alternatives with similar prices, but potentially more features. Ring's surveillance plan is also $ 100 a year, though the accessories are more expensive than Kangaroo's.

Simplisafe offers far more accessories to choose from, including glass break sensors, a panic button, smoke alarms and much more. The downside is that it is far more expensive than kangaroo.

While Kangaroo is a budget-friendly option, it lacks the features that more expensive brands offer.

At just $ 8.25 per month, Kangaroo's professional monitoring is a bargain.

Should you buy it?

For the price, Kangaroo Home Security is definitely a worthwhile investment. It's affordable in ways other security systems don't, but it lacks easy integration with a larger smart home system.

Editor's recommendations




04 Dec
Blog

Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera Review: Security at a Lower Cost

Arlo Pro 4 headlight camera

"The Arlo Pro 4 dispenses with the hub and delivers the same great performance as its predecessor at a lower startup cost."

  • Sharp looking footage

  • Additional details with colored night vision

  • No hub is required for setup

  • Smart security with Arlo Smart Service

  • The technical data are similar to those of the predecessor

  • Headlights required for color night vision

Security camera maker Arlo may have been quiet in the first six months of 2020, but the company was certainly busy in the second half of the year. After the introduction of the new Essential series of cameras, the Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight camera saved the best for last. This model replaces the more expensive Arlo Pro 3, which is noteworthy for realizing what it means to be the best camera out there.

Whenever a device makes a numerical leap, there is an expectation that it will propel things forward in a dramatic way. Let's find out if this is the case with the Arlo Pro 4 spotlight camera.

Drop the hub

There's no denying the fact that the Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera spec sheet is drooling, but what is often overlooked is how the system works. What's special about this camera compared to its predecessor is that it digs up the hub – so it's now a truly wireless proposition.

Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight camera bodyJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

Arlo Pro 3 required users to set up the Arlo SmartHub base station in order for it to work. Nothing is more annoying than having to connect another hub or bridge to your network. In most cases, they will need to be connected directly to your home WiFi router. This gets worse when the ethernet connections are scarce. It also means something that has to be plugged into a socket – also in short supply in my apartment.

That's why I'm thrilled that the Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight camera is now connected directly to my router. Therefore, it is easier to set up. For smaller rooms like my apartment, this direct Wi-Fi implementation works because everything is in close proximity to the router. I would imagine, however, that the SmartHub would be a benefit for larger households, as it manages the connection much better – while also extending battery life.

The camera performance of the Arlo Pro 4 is just as good as before.

Speaking of the battery, the Arlo Pro 4 has a removable battery that is designed to last for six months of juice. Since placing it in a high-traffic area, the battery life has dropped an average of 3% every day. That won't get me anywhere near that six month range, of course, but it will be enough to take a full month before a top-up is required. It comes with a magnetic charging cable that can be used to charge it at the same time.

Predictably sharp looking video

When we transitioned from Arlo Pro 2 to Pro 3, the camera's resolution increased dramatically from 1080p to 2K (2560 x 1440). Instead of doing another upgrade, the Arlo Pro 4's camera stays at 2K resolution. It's not bad, but it would have been nice to maybe jump to 4K – much like the ultra security cameras. On the other hand, this distinguishes the two camera lines.

The rest of the technical data shows that it is essentially the same hardware as before: a 4-megapixel sensor-inch camera sensor with a wide field of view of 160 degrees. This is impressive coverage, but most effective when strategically placed in corners. The functions are rounded off by HDR, automatic track and zoom, powerful infrared LEDs with blocking filters and a 12x digital zoom. This is no different from the Arlo Pro 3, which is surprising.

Despite the lack of changes, the Arlo Pro 4's camera performance is just as great as it was before – it creates crisp clips with lots of detail, sharpness, and accurate-looking colors. When there is ample light, the dynamic range is handled well throughout the scene to achieve even exposure. Highlights don't look exaggerated, which preserves details that might otherwise be lost. In poor lighting conditions, however, artifact elements tend to appear in shadow. It's not terrible, but it does soften the quality a little.

Arlo Pro 4 headlight cameraJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

When it's night I guess the night vision kicks in color. In order for this to happen the spotlight is turned on to bring some light into the scene, which makes the colors stand out better. Now I should point out that the headlight will turn on whenever motion is detected, but I wish there was some way to force the camera to shoot in color in night vision without it being on. While there is an option to turn off the spotlight through the settings in the app, the default night vision in black and white is used by default.

Smarter security behind a subscription

You will immediately receive a free three-month trial of Arlo Smart – the company's leading security company. Without it, the Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight camera is limited to seven days of cloud recording at 1080p, versus 30 days of 2K footage. Another benefit of Arlo Smart is that it gives you advanced features such as parcel, people, animal, vehicle and smoke / CO2 alarm detection. Arlo Smart offers a smart security solution that can help prevent false positives, but all of which are behind a subscription.

But, you know what? The $ 3 monthly plan for a single camera is well worth the cost for those who simply want more security. It's hard enough to juggle all the notifications on your phone. So it's handy that the Arlo Pro 4 can intelligently tell the difference between a stranger walking into the frame and the passing cat from the neighborhood.

I also appreciate that you can set up a geofence to tell the camera when to turn on or off. This is especially useful if you are using the Arlo Pro 4 spotlight camera indoors as you can set it to turn off at home. So you don't feel like you're being watched all the time.

Our opinion

In all fairness, I expected the Arlo Pro 4 spotlight camera to raise the bar. In reality, however, it shares many similarities with its predecessor. Still, I'm glad it didn't cost an arm or a leg to pick it up, which has made the Arlo Pro 3 a tougher consideration for those on a tighter budget. At $ 200 for just a single Arlo Pro 4 spotlight camera, this is a much smaller investment than the $ 500 startup cost of the Arlo Pro 3's base 2-kit system. The lower cost when combined with its direct Wi-Fi connectivity still makes it an attractive option for anyone who craves smarter security.

How long it will take?

Thanks to its weatherproof construction, it can withstand a temperature range of 4 ° F to 113 ° F. It is unlikely to fail. When this occurs, there is a one year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.

Is there a better alternative?

The Arlo Essential XL is an ideal alternative if you want to save more, but still need a smart security camera to monitor your home. All you have to do is spend more than $ 150 on it, which will save you $ 50. The only downside is that it is limited to 1080p recording and doesn't offer HDR video.

Another comparable camera is the Ring Spotlight Camera, which benefits from Ring's extensive smart home ecosystem. If you're really looking for a bargain, check out the Wyze Cam Outdoor, which has local storage, sharp footage, and offline mode for $ 60.

Should you buy it?

Yes, despite the strong similarities with its predecessor.

Editor's recommendations




27 Jul
Blog

Wyze Cam Outdoor Review: A Security Camera For Your Vacation

Wyze Cam Outdoor featured image

"No other outdoor camera can keep up with the versatility of the Wyze Cam Outdoor."

  • Solid construction

  • Excellent battery life

  • Local memory

  • Affordable price

  • Works offline

  • App has some quirks

  • Inconsistent video quality

  • Weak speaker

Wyze has certainly been busy since the Wyze Cam v2 was released in 2018, redefining the entry-level surveillance camera segment. It was an absolute home run, partly because of its incredibly low cost and rich features. After the company established itself, ambitious plans eventually led to other fertile smart home devices – most recently Wyze Lock and Wyze Scale.

In a further step to diversify the portfolio within the smart home, the Wyze Cam Outdoor wants to achieve the same success outside the home as a surveillance camera for the outside area. In fact, it has many of the same features as previous Wyze cameras, so you can expect tons of features at a low cost. They say that wisdom comes with age. I will find out here if this is the case.

Same identity, but more versatile

What made the original Wyze Cam unforgettable was its cube-shaped design, which the Wyze Cam Outdoor really follows – even though it is bigger and has a lot more power. This is to be expected as it has to withstand the rigors of nature. Put it next to its indoor sibling, and it's obvious that the Wyze Cam Outdoor is stronger.

Wyze Cam outdoor profile viewJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

Although it is made entirely of plastic, it is solidly built and robust. Thanks to the plastic base, which is attached to the camera via magnets, there is a little articulation. Fortunately, it's not easy to take apart, and although it sits enthroned along an edge or window, it comes with the necessary mounting screws to attach it to walls or ceilings. Due to its protection class IP65, it can be operated in a temperature range from minus 4 to 120 degrees Celsius – it is also waterproof.

It is solidly built and robust.

Overall, it retains the same design identity that Wyze is known for, and as an outdoor surveillance camera, it's a refreshing shot. Honestly, it's an unusual design among outdoor cameras, but it's worth noting that it's not just an outdoor camera. It is something that you can use in the house or even while traveling and on vacation. This versatility comes in handy when you change your mind about the location of your camera or when your needs change.

App hiccups

For this test, I had to use a beta version of the Wyze app for Android and iOS. This is important to note as I hope that some of the app experience issues will be fixed later with future software updates.

The setup process includes not only the camera, but also the base station, which can only be connected to a router via a wired Ethernet connection. Since my Xfinity router has two additional Ethernet ports, it would be helpful if the Wyze Cam Outdoor could connect directly to my Wi-Fi network. Instead, the base station is needed – mainly to reduce the congestion of my home's WiFi network.

In addition, it is better to manage connectivity if you want to add more cameras later. There is a microSD slot in the base station that enables local storage. This is an incentive that goes beyond the usual cloud storage option.

The app has a simple layout. However, it would often get stuck when connecting to the live stream view. So I just restart the app to fix the problem. As a surveillance camera, this is fairly easy because there is no distinction between what is detected and there are no custom detection zones that can be used to reduce notifications. There are options for creating timelapse clips as well as scheduled recordings.

The more fascinating part of the Wyze Cam Outdoor is the travel mode, with which you can effectively record videos offline. No internet connection is required, but a microSD card inserted in the camera is required to save clips. However, the limitation is that it did not automatically detect motion and did not automatically record clips. So don't expect to drop them anywhere in the forest and pray that Sasquatch will catch them walking by. I can record clips in three ways: manually via the app, schedule a recording, or schedule a time-lapse.

Wyze announces that it can record video when the PIR motion sensor is triggered, but Wyze is still working on this feature and promises that it will be available for the official app version. It is a fascinating function because it opens up a world of possibilities, e.g. For example, to keep an eye on your belongings on vacation, to keep them in your brand new car, to see who is roaming the neighborhood, or even for hunters who want to monitor their traps.

Areas of opportunity

The Wyze Cam Outdoor records videos with a resolution of 1080p and a frame rate of 20 frames per second, which drops to 10 fps for night videos. This is choppy and the low frame rate is clearly visible when watching clips. Choppy performance isn't the most disruptive part of Wyze Cam Outdoor's performance – it's the consistency of its quality.

With a 1 / 2.7-inch sensor and a lens with a 1: 2.5 aperture, the technical data of the camera are by no means up to date. It is strange that the quality can vary widely. Sometimes it looks sharp, but sometimes artifact elements and pixelation become glaring problems. The corners also tend to show this distinctive fish-eye look, which makes things appear more stretched than what they actually appear. Night vision looks surprisingly good and covers a range of up to 25 feet. In my case, it could see some deer crossing the path of the camera at night.

The other blatant part of the Wyze Cam Outdoor is that it is largely hampered by a narrow 110-degree field of view. This is much narrower than some of its established contemporaries – like the 160-degree field of view with the Arlo Pro 3. For an outdoor camera, I would prefer to have a wider field of view to cover as much space as possible outside. Finally, the internal speaker enables bidirectional communication, but it's too weak, crisp, and difficult to see.

Surprisingly good longevity

When packing two 2,600 mAh batteries, I was impressed with how well it lasts. During the first five days that it was used exclusively as a surveillance camera, the battery dropped to 95%. This is a comforting level considering that it is rated for more than three to six months of normal use, which Wyze classifies as 10 to 20 event videos a day.

Wyze Cam Outdoor in handJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

However, I have found that the battery drains faster in travel mode. It could be because it is sending its own Wi-Fi network for local access, but it just seemed to be using up the battery faster.

Our opinion

Very few outdoor surveillance cameras fly below $ 100. When the Wyze Cam Outdoor reaches $ 50 for the outdoor starter bundle, it's a serious statement to her competitors. Expanding the system is also easy, as additional cameras cost $ 40 each.

It may not be perfect and there are a few bugs that need to be fixed, but its versatility makes it hard to miss – it goes beyond a mere outdoor camera. It is an indoor and outdoor security camera and something to take with you on your trips.

How long it will take?

The all-plastic construction is surprisingly good and robust, so I am confident that it will withstand the outdoors. A one-year limited warranty to cover defects is provided.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes and no. If you look for other cameras, you will find that nobody else can touch the price. In addition, there is rarely an outdoor camera that can work offline independently.

The leading providers continue to include Arlo Pro 3 and Google Nest Cam IQ Outdoor, both of which offer a wider field of view, exceptional video quality and advanced detection capabilities. On the other hand, they are not cheap!

Should you buy it

Yes. There is room for improvement, but a low price and excellent versatility make the Wyze Cam Outdoor a solid choice.

Editor's recommendations




17 Jul
Blog

Eufy Security Smart Lock Touch Review: Not So Smart

Eufy Smart Lock touch dial pad

Eufy Security Smart Lock Touch review: Not so intelligent

"It looks scary, but its functionality is too tame."

  • Robust design

  • Unlocked quickly with your fingerprint

  • Can set up temporary codes

  • Not a good value

  • Bluetooth connection only

Eufy was in a tear on the smart home market last year. So far it has been shown that the product line strikes a balance between functions, performance and price. The company has tackled everything from robotic vacuum cleaners to surveillance cameras. Now Eufy is breaking into the world of intelligent locks.

Enter the Eufy Security Smart Lock Touch, which appears to be business. What is a bit surprising is the price, which at $ 250 is a bold statement for a company that is proud of the budget prices for many of its devices. Is this reward worth it?

Long installation

Here's the first thing you should know. To use Eufy's Smart Lock, you must replace the entire existing deadlock. I was not particularly impressed by this, because it means that I have to replace my existing key set. Even if you, like me, are familiar with installing smart locks, the installation process can be tedious.

The entire installation process from start to finish took approximately 30 minutes.

Overall, the entire installation process took 30 minutes from start to finish. This is more than twice the time it took me to install the SimpliSafe Smart Lock and Level Lock. With both you can use your existing lock.

Why does it take so long? On the inside of your door there is a mounting plate for the internal assembly, in which the batteries and the locking switch are located. Positioning and assembling is not a challenge, but a bit fussy.

Solid design that means business

I admit that the Eufy Security Smart Lock Touch has an intimidating presence. The design includes a metal frame, shiny plastic accents and a striking fingerprint sensor. Seams are barely visible on the outer assembly, while the keyhole is protected by a metal cover. The digital keyboard appears invisible to the eye unless it is touched, which activates the backlight.

Eufy Smart Lock touch dial padJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

The durability is low because it has a weatherproof protection rating IP65, so that it can withstand extreme temperatures and weather conditions.

Although powered by four AA batteries, there is a micro USB connector on the bottom of the external assembly that can be connected to a power source. This is useful when the battery is empty and you don't have the physical keys. The battery is designed for one year and still shows all five bars after two weeks.

It may look chunky, but given its durable design, I agree with the bulky and intimidating look.

It could be smarter

Convenience is important, so I like an intelligent lock that can get me in in no time. The fingerprint sensor is without a doubt my preferred method of unlocking the lock as it can recognize me in less than a second. It was just right to see my fingerprints.

The digital keyboard is my next choice. However, you will encounter the problem that fingerprints are visible on the surface. This problem can make it easier for someone to guess your passcode by examining the keys you pressed in the past.

There is a function in the Eufy Security app, the scramble password, with which you can enter random numbers before or after entering the passcode. It's a nice idea, but seems too annoying to use at any frequency.

Of course, you can also use the Smart Lock app to unlock it. However, it relies heavily on a Bluetooth connection, so it will take a few seconds for the connection to be established when you approach the lock.

This means that you can't unlock remotely through the app when you're not at home. Alexa and Google Assistant are not compatible with Eufy's lock. While other smart locks can detect when your phone is nearby and unlock it automatically, you won't find this feature here. These restrictions bother me because they seriously affect the comfort of the lock.

Still, there are options to set up temporary access for individuals. You can select the dates and times when these temporary codes are active. This is ideal for guests or dog walkers. You can also check in the app who unlocks the door at what time.

If you're concerned about data protection, you just know that fingerprints and in-app data are stored locally with a bank-quality AES128 encryption chip.

Our opinion

Eufy had a number of solid smart home devices, but the Eufy Security Smart Lock Touch lags behind the competition. With an inflated price of $ 250, it's a huge investment that lacks the intelligence of other locks.

Is there a better alternative?

The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock achieves the same amount as this, but offers more features and easier installation while keeping your existing lock. The level lock is also a similar option that turns any existing lock into a smart lock. If you are on a budget, the $ 100 Wyze Lock is hard to beat.

How long it will take?

It's solidly built and Eufy offers a 1-year limited warranty for defects. Smart locks are not misused much because they are fixed in one position. So I would expect Eufy's castle to last for years. You will probably want to replace it with newer locks due to upgrades long before it breaks.

Should you buy it

No. Eufy's expensive Smart Lock Touch lacks too many features that are common among competitors.

Editor's recommendations




11 Jul
Blog

Eufy Security Indoor Cam 2K Review: Covering The Basics

Eufy Security Indoor Cam 2K on the table

Eufy Security Indoor Cam 2K

"Eufy's Indoor Cam 2K delivers impressively sharp video quality."

  • Excellent 2K video footage

  • Inexpensive

  • Local storage option

  • Easy setup

  • Boring design

  • Weak internal speaker

Inexpensive cameras usually have a less than excellent reputation. But now and then someone comes and surprises us. One example is the Wyze Cam V2, which offers exceptional functions at a very low price.

We recently put Eufy's latest offering, the Indoor Cam 2K Pan and Tilt, through its paces and were amazed at what a $ 50 surveillance camera could offer. Now it's time for another affordable camera – the Eufy Security Indoor Cam 2K. It has all the functions of its sibling, minus the pan and tilt function. And it's only $ 40.

2K material that won't disappoint you

By far the best thing about the Eufy Security Indoor Cam 2K is the razor-sharp 2K video material that has a resolution of 2304 x 1296 pixels. The quality looks the same as in the pan-and-tilt version. This is not a big surprise as the same 1 / 2.7-inch sensor with a 125-degree field of view is used.

Eufy Security Indoor Cam 2K camera close-upJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

Details are plentiful, while colors tend to get a little saturated. Overall, the footage is impressive, but the dynamic range could be better as the highlights tend to be overblown compared to the scene's neutral exposure. Impressively, there is no major deterioration even with night vision material. It's good to keep details, even in almost pitch-black conditions.

Not much to see

Eufy didn't think much about its design. The Security Indoor Cam 2K is made entirely of plastic and is lightweight and is supplied with power via a micro USB connection. The camera's square box is located on the top of the base so that it can be adjusted for the ideal view. It does the job, but there's nothing noticeable about the design.

It's good to keep details, even in almost pitch-black conditions.

Since it is a static camera, you have to be strategic when placing it, as the field of view is 125 degrees narrower than most other cameras. Corners are ideal and offer the best vantage point to cover rooms. It comes with a mounting plate with which it can be attached to a wall. However, you should still be careful (or bring an extension cable), as the power cord is only about 3 m long.

A basic surveillance camera

As is to be expected in view of the price, it is a basic surveillance camera. It marks all the markings in what you want to include so that a simple setup is done in no time and nothing more.

Once you've downloaded the Eufy Security app, you'll find controls for motion zones, notifications, and motion detection. It does a great job of detecting people and pets that appear as a notification with a small screenshot. You can set the sensitivity so that you are not bombarded every time something is discovered.

The choice is always a good thing, which is why I appreciate that the Eufy Security Indoor Cam offers 2K cloud and local storage options. If you choose the former, you get a free 30-day trial of Eufy's cloud storage, saving you up to 14 days of recordings. You will then see $ 2.99 per month for a single camera or $ 29.99 for an annual subscription.

Eufy Security Indoor Cam 2k Rating 7 out of 8

Eufy Security Indoor Cam 2k Rating 8 by

Whenever the camera is accessed for a live view, the camera's LED status indicator lights up blue.

The built-in speaker isn't particularly loud. So don't rely on the siren's alarm to scare someone away. However, your pets may be scared at first when the camera detects them and shouts, "Hey, what are you doing there?"

It is possible to switch off the camera in the app and effectively switch off the camera and microphone. If you're worried that Big Brother is watching, you can rest easy. However, Eufy is still missing two-factor authentication, and that's a privacy issue.

Our opinion

If you can exceed the additional $ 10, choose Eufy's other camera – the Eufy Security Indoor Cam 2K Pan and Tilt. I think Pan and Tilt's heading feature is worth the extra $ 10. Nevertheless, the Indoor Cam 2K works just as well as its siblings, and you can save yourself a Hamilton if you absolutely do not need the pan / tilt function.

How long it will take?

This should hold better than the rotating model because there are fewer moving parts. In the event of a malfunction, Eufy grants a 1-year limited warranty for defects.

Is there a better alternative?

As mentioned earlier, the Eufy Security Indoor Cam 2K Pan & Tilt is the better buy at $ 50. You pay a little more, but you get this 360-degree coverage – and more security in terms of privacy because the camera is not visible. Alternatively, the Wyze Cam V2 remains the benchmark to beat due to its outstanding cost of $ 20.

Should you buy it

Yes. The price is affordable and the image quality of the camera is impressive.

Editor's recommendations




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