HomeKit Blog

The best
HomeKit camcorders
immoral
2020

HomeKit cameras offer a level of security and privacy that other cameras and ecosystems cannot match, thanks to Apple's position to protect your data. Built-in HomeKit support allows you to conjure up the flow of your room with Siri, anytime, anywhere. HomeKit also allows for powerful automation, such as lighting up and locking your doors when your camera detects movement at night. Each market option ensures its unique take on the connected security camera. Here is our list of the best HomeKit cameras.

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The Circle 2 camera is one of the few options on the market that works both indoors and outdoors, just outside the box. Circle 2 follows a home with high quality videos, up to 1080p resolution, instant notifications and HomeKit secure video. A built-in microphone allows two-way audio, conversations with those around the camera quickly and easily, requiring just a few clicks. This camera is compatible with a range of optional media, such as one that attaches directly to the window on a window and one that wipes the cable and connects directly to a wall outlet.

$ 130 from Amazon

Arlo Pro 2 is one of the few HomeKit cameras around that can work completely wirelessly thanks to the built-in battery. This allows the camera to be placed anywhere inside or outside the home and can last up to three months with a single charge. Other features include 2-way audio, 1080p video resolution and an advanced night-view mode that lets you see things up to 25 meters in the dark. Best of all, Arlo offers seven days of free cloud-based video storage, which means you'll always have a backup just in case.

$ 327 on Amazon

Netatmo's presence room is made explicitly for the exterior, using the wiring in the existing luminaires for power supply. However, do not worry about losing an outdoor light, because the presence has a powerful 12 watt LED light built-in. This unique combination can work in tandem or independently through HomeKit. You can turn the light on and off with a tap or they can be configured to trigger when the camera detects movement. Video recordings are recorded directly on an included Micro-SD card and can also be set to automatically upload to an FTP or Dropbox server.

$ 300 on Amazon

EufyCam 2 is another completely wireless option for HomeKit that comes with a wallet price. The starter kit includes two cameras capable of indoor and outdoor operation and a hub that stores all your videos locally. In addition to standards such as HD 1080p video resolution and night vision, the eufyCam 2 has a massive battery life that can last up to 1 year on a single charge. The best part, though? These rooms do not require a subscription.

$ 276 on Amazon

Like eufyCam 2, 2C is a wireless, subscription-free camera that has a weather-resistant IP67 rating. This camera supports the same 1080p HD video resolution and night vision, but also includes a built-in headset for added security. However, the addition of flood light affects the battery life, as 2C can only take 6 months to charge, which is good, but not as convenient as eufyCam 2.

$ 240 on Amazon

The Netatmo smart interior camera is an elegant HomeKit Secure Video option, which has both gold and silver finishes, allowing it to blend in with the décor. A smart indoor room is more than simple, but it has the ability to detect faces and monitor alarms. This means that you will be notified if someone does not recognize that it is working, or if a smoke or carbon monoxide monitor rings. Privacy is also foreground, residing video stored on a Micro-SD card, along with the ability to upload to a Dropbox personal account if you wish.

$ 183 on Amazon

Monitor it

HomeKit cameras are a great way to keep track of things in your home and around you. These rooms offer rich notifications directly from the Home app, which include a thumbnail image of who or what they are. Siri can call your video feed using just your iOS voice and device. HomeKit automation allows motion sensors built into the cameras to turn on lights when something happens, providing an extra layer of security.

If you are looking for the most flexible HomeKit camera around then look no further than Logitech Circle 2. This affordable option supports Apple's HomeKit Secure Video feature and can support outdoor items. We like that this room has a few unique mounting options, which are available separately, such as a window mount that attaches directly to the glass and a socket, removing the need to tie the wires.

If you need a complete built-in wireless outdoor option, eufyCam 2 will receive our recommendation. These cameras have built-in rechargeable batteries that can last up to 1 year on a single charge. Do you mind the shorter battery life, but do you also want a flood light? Then check the eufyCam 2C camera. This small, neat room supports local storage on the included hub, with a battery life of up to 6 months and has a built-in security light.

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With the release of iOS 13.2.1, Apple has quietly introduced the ability to play seven unique ambient sleep sounds on your HomePod, making the smart speaker an awesome sound machine. The best part? They are absolutely free and can be used even without a subscription to Apple Music.

How to play ambient sounds on HomePod

Getting your HomePod to play ambient sleep sounds is very easy. The fastest way to do this is to say, "Hey Siri, play sounds." It will play a random ambient sound, which will be repeated once again until you tell Siri to stop. You can also ask Siri to play a specific ambient sound using one of the following phrases:

• "Hey Siri, play white noise."
• "Hey Siri, it's playing ocean sounds."
• "Hey Siri, play fireplace."
• "Hey Siri, play ring at night."
• "Hey Siri, play forest sounds."
• "Hey Siri, play sounds."
• "Hey Siri, it's playing rainy sounds."

Want to play a sound, but forgot the specific name? No problem! You just say, "Hey Siri, what sounds can you play?" and the friendly voice assistant will give you some examples.

How to set a stopwatch with ambient sounds on the HomePod

Now that you know the ambient sounds HomePod can play, you can combine them with a stopwatch to make them stop playing after a certain amount of time. All you have to do is ask Siri to listen to your desired sound first, then ask Siri something as follows:

• "Hey Siri, set a sleep timer for 8 hours."
• "Hey Siri, create a sleep timer for 5 hours."
• "Hey Siri, start a sleep timer for 2 hours."
• "Hey Siri, set a 30 minute stopwatch."

Using one of these phrases will play the ambient sound for as long as you ask, perfect for setting it to play only a short time until you fall asleep or for the whole night.

Change it

Even if there are only seven ambient sleep sounds provided by Apple, you can reach the huge library of tracks available on Apple Music through HomePod to change things. If you use a different track, follow the same process, ask Siri to play the song of your choice, and you're good to go.

Do you want the song to play all night? Say "Hey Siri, start the replay" while playing. You can also use the handy sleep timer to turn it off after a set period.

eufy Security has started launching firmware updates that bring HomeKit Secure Video support to eufyCam 2 today. The upgrade, which is available for free, adds secure video recording directly to the Apple Home app for users with a paid iCloud storage plan.

The eufy support for the feature was first unveiled during Apple's WWDC 2019 Keynote, but did not arrive with eufyCam 2 when it was released last fall. The update, which launches automatically for eufyCam 2 owners without any request, brings the camera to firmware version 2.5.9. Users can also use the firmware upgrade option in the eufy Security application to manually check availability.

eufy has not provided release details at this time, and the latest application update notes and release notes do not mention the addition yet. It is not yet known whether the other room of the HomeKit company, eufyCam 2C, is receiving the update or not.