SMART HOME CAMERA

WYZE Labs has just launched its US$19.99 (RM42) WyzeCam smart home camera that offers a decent degree of visual security without breaking the bank.

The WyzeCam is a full-featured Full HD (1080p) smart home camera that is accompanied by 14 days of free rolling cloud storage, boasting a wide-angle lens and two-way audio.

The Full HD camera has a 2.8mm focal length and is equipped with a 110-degree wide angle lens, a 1/2.7-inch CMOS sensor and sports an 8x digital zoom. When the sun sets, fret not, there is Night Vision mode that relies on a F2.0 aperture, IR-CUT filter, and a couple of 850nm infrared LEDs.

The range offered by the night vision extends up to 9m, which should be more than enough for any decent-sized home. The two-way audio comes in handy, where both the integrated speaker and microphone allow you to communicate with those at home even though you are separated by several time zones.

You do not need to actively monitor your surroundings through the WyzeCam all the time, since it is also equipped with motion and sound detection that will send you alerts in real-time via push notifications to your smartphone.

The built-in microphone is able to recognise the unique sound patterns of smoke alarms, as well as carbon monoxide monitors so that you will be immediately notified to meet such specific emergencies without delay. With its free, rolling 14-day cloud storage, you will always have the latest recordings available no matter where you are. Whenever motion or sounds are detected, a 10- to 15-second video will begin recording automatically, where all videos will be uploaded securely through end-toend encryption in the AWS Cloud.

Alternatively, pop in a decent capacity microSD memory card and the WyzeCam will offer non-stop recording. Featuring an innovative three-axis design, the WyzeCam is able to point in virtually any direction and the accompanying magnetic mounting system with adhesive tape and metal plate ensure that you do not have to drill walls to mount it.