HomeKit Blog

The best
Surveillance cameras
immoral
2020

Best Overall: Arlo Ultra 4K Wireless Security Camera

Arlo Ultra 4K is a security camera designed to provide high resolution images during the day and night through 4K and HDR video support. An included LED spot shines for motion events, making sure your recordings capture every detail, even when it's dark.

The Arlo Ultra 4K camera is completely wireless and weatherproof, making it capable of being placed almost anywhere inside and out. An included rechargeable battery lasts up to six months and a magnetic mount allows quick removal when needed.

Ultra 4K is included in a free year of Arlo's Smart Premier service, which enables powerful features such as advanced object detection and 30-day video recording. The service also supports the ability to call 911 right from the Arlo mobile app, if needed using e911 technology.

The Wyze Cam indoor wireless camera is a low-cost device that offers many of the same features that it offers competitors at higher prices. Even with its low cost, there are no subscriptions or additional fees involved, which means that the price you pay is the only price involved.

In addition to 1080p video recording, Wyze Cam supports intelligent sound recognition, which can warn you if a smoke detector goes out in your home. The best thing is that integration with Alexa Amazon and Google Assistant allows a quick and easy way to to call the camera feed.

The Blink Indoor security camera takes a different approach than modern wireless cameras. Powered by the two included AA batteries, the flashing camera allows placement almost anywhere in the house. Batteries last up to two years, making it a solution and forget it.

Despite its low power consumption and low power consumption, the Blink Camera can record videos at up to 30 frames per second in 720p. Free cloud storage is also included, with no additional costs required after the initial purchase.

Amazon Cloud Cam offers the best in smart home integration into a cost-effective package. Powered by Alexa, the 1080p HD video stream from Cloud Cam can appear at any time on Fire TV, Echo Show or Fire Tablet.

Amazon Cloud Cam can also work in conjunction with other Amazon Alexa devices in the house, such as door locks and garage door openers. This allows the Amazon Key service, which can give your trusted delivery partners access to your home to deliver your products safely.

Google's Nest Cam Outdoor company offers 1080p video and two-way audio, allowing you to monitor everything that happens outdoors. A degree of weather resistance IP65 ensures that your room will be well protected against the elements and can be placed in the perfect location for your needs.

Nest Cam also provides artificial energy through the subscription-based Nest Aware service. The camera can distinguish who or what is passing by and prevent it from sending you notifications for things like pets or cars.

The Logitech Circle 2 indoor 2 outdoor camera offers up to 1080p video recording and includes a built-in microphone to talk to those around your home. Logitech also offers several unique mounting options for the Circle 2, including a socket for a clean visual appearance and a window that allows direct placement of the glass, making it one of the most flexible cameras on the market.

HomeKit support allows Circle 2 to work with other devices in your home, opening up a world of possibilities. The built-in motion sensor allows the camera to turn on a light connected by automation. HomeKit Secure Video support also comes in Circle 2, which provides secure, privacy-focused recording that uses iCloud.

Sure and safe

Setting up a smart security camera around your home is an easy way to add a little extra security and protection both indoors and outdoors. Whether it's keeping an eye on your deliveries or just for extra peace of mind, security cameras are the best way to keep tabs on what's happening around your home, even when you're out and about.

If you're in the market for a camera that captures high-resolution videos and works both indoors and outdoors, then look no further than the Arlo Ultra 4K wireless camera. This carefully designed camera includes a magnetic mounting base, stunning 4K HDR images, weather resistance and a built-in charged battery, making it capable of capturing all the details from almost anywhere.

Smart plugs may not be the brightest HomeKit accessories, but they are definitely an essential element for those who want to automate their home. Despite being a smart home and an accessory that usually stays behind the scenes, there are only a few options available for the Apple platform that can be found for $ 20 or less.

However, there are values ​​to be found, some from us at HomeKit providers, such as Meross, who entered the market earlier this year with a sleek two-pack compact. Last week I tested a pair of Meross Smart WiFi Plug Mini and found them to offer a fantastic blend of performance, reliability and flexibility with its compact design.

All the basics

Meross Smart WiFi Mini Plug: features

Meross Smart WiFi Plug Mini, as its name suggests, emphasizes the small design. The white compact plug is one of the most compact HomeKit plugs available today, measuring just 2.7 inches wide by 1.5 cm high. The plug itself is devoid of any marks on the visible parts when used and sports on the HomeKit setup code label directly at the top, making access to the pairing easy.

The Smart WiFi Plug Mini has a single button, which is located on the right side next to a small status LED indicator. The physical button provides the ability to quickly turn the plug on and off on the device and also serves as a way to reset the plug, if needed by a long press. Activating the button manually or via the remote controls produces a soft mechanical noise, but it is relatively minor and not loud enough to notice if the camera is not nearly silent.

Connecting the Meross plug to the HomeKit takes place via 2.4 ghz Wi-Fi, which, like other HomeKit accessories, may not work with some mesh networks that use the same SSID name for both channels. The plug connects directly to home networks, without the need for a separate Meross hub. However, controlling the plug outside the home requires a HomeKit hub, such as an Apple TV or HomePod. Once connected to the HomeKit, the jack can be used with automation and scenes, as well as quick switches in the Home and Siri application.

In addition to HomeKit, the plug works with both Android and Amazon and Google Assistant. Additional plug specifications include a maximum charge of 15 amps and an operating temperature of 32-104 degrees Fahrenheit. The plug is not suitable for use in humid or outdoor locations, but includes overload protection, a flame-retardant cover, and ETL is listed.

Compact convenience

Meross Smart WiFi Mini Plug: What I like

Since someone has become accustomed over the years to bulky smart plugs from other manufacturers, it's incredibly nice to be able to use the other outlet on the wall if needed. Even if I may never get into a scenario where I need two of the mini-plugs from the same outlet, it's possible, and the plug works great with other devices that may have bulky bricks.

In the same vein, I love how the compact size of the plug extends and how far it sits from the wall once connected. Although not perfect, the short distance makes it possible to place objects on the lower outlets in high-traffic areas, and only looks so much cleaner than others, which can often seem comical. I also like how Meross has kept its overall design to a minimum, with a low profile button and a small LED indicator that doesn't light up a room at night.

With such a low price, we can expect the smart plug to suffer in other areas, such as performance, but this is not the case here.

With such a low price, we can expect the smart plug to suffer in other areas, such as performance, but this is not the case here. Both Meross plugs have been incredibly reliable and responsive since I started testing. The plug-in is quick to update its status in the iOS Home app, and sent commands are executed almost instantly. The same speed extends to Siri commands and it was so reliable that I can safely fit it into some of my most crucial automations, without worrying.

Finally, I really like the fact that the configuration of the plug did not require another application to download, because I managed to get it up and running quickly and using only the Apple Home application. The plug and play nature of the accessory and a no-account setup process means you can be on your way to smart home goodness within a minute or two of disconnecting.

Application issues

Meross Smart WiFi Mini Plug: What I do not like

As mentioned, the Meross Smart WiFi Plug Mini does not require an app or account, but there is one available for download from the AppStore. According to the Meross application, it is used for firmware updates, and HomeKit plugs should be detected automatically when trying to configure a new device.

However, in its current form, the app fails to see the plug because it does not require access to the HomeKit and guides users to try the standard pairing process. As you've probably guessed by now, the pairing process of the app will eventually lead to using the Home app, which will bring you back to the issue where the Meross app can't see the plug. Unfortunately, this means that the firmware updates are on the table for now.

Apart from the problem of the application, which may never come into play, because the card works exactly as announced, the low price of the card comes with some minor limitations. One is that the plug-in does not support power monitoring capabilities, which can be useful for identifying hungry appliances or estimating how much it costs to run. The other is that the plug is rated for indoor use only, so any dream of having a compact plug on the outside will be marked.

Affordable alternative

Meross Smart WiFi Mini Plug: Bottom line

4
of 5

With an incredibly low price and a compact design, the Meross Smart WiFi Plug Mini is a fantastic way to jump with HomeKit or add a little more comfort to your automated home. Throw in fast response times and solid reliability and you'll find it hard to find better value for HomeKit today.

Sure, the Meross Mini plug doesn't come with some of the funniest things like power monitoring or, you know, a functional app, but sometimes the simpler one is simply better. Open the box, connect it and scan with the Home app, it's really that simple. Just keep in mind that you may not be able to update it on the go unless something changes with the Meross app.

As someone looking for any reason to add smart technology around the house, replacing the Brilliant Home Control light switch has long been on my radar. However, with a premium price tag and lack of support for Apple's HomeKit, I was never able to come up with a justification for one of the Controls, even though they always seemed so amazing.

All that changed a few weeks ago, but when I was contacted by Brilliant about an imminent HomeKit update and was given the opportunity to test their support before going live. After installing two switch variants and after playing with everything they have to offer, I can honestly say that I shouldn't have slept on the switches. It is certainly not for everyone, but if you bought into the madness of the smart home, then it can be the light switch of your dreams.

Features for days

Brilliant home control: features

At its core, Brilliant Home Control works like any other smart light switch, with remote control, darkening and smart integration capabilities in the home. However, the biggest difference is that the Home Control includes a 5-inch LCD screen with touch screen, as well as convenient physical controls for multi-pole variants. The home controls have a single-switch configuration, as well as configurations that go up to four switches, and Brilliant offers six different color options for its faceplates. Although it is built for lighting, Brilliant Home Control can also work with ceiling fans, but does not adjust speed.

Installing the home control requires a neutral wire, which is a common requirement for smart lighting, but makes it incompatible with a lot of older homes. Everything you need for installation comes right in the box, except for a Philips screwdriver, including wire nuts and portions of extra wires to extend the existing wiring. Once installed, Home Control connects to home networks via Wi-Fi without the need for an additional hub and works in combination with the Brilliant app available on iOS and Android.

In addition to lighting, the house control is packed in a few other smart home staples, including a motion sensor, speaker, microphone and even a camera. The built-in motion sensor allows the switch to turn off automatically or turn on the connected lights, as well as the display, as it can be set to turn on only when someone approaches. The microphone, speaker and combination of cameras work in combination with other bright controls in the house for convenient intercom calls, audio or video, and for a quick look at the house.

Home Control also works with a variety of popular third-party services, allowing it to act as a kind of home control center. Integrations include Ring door bells, ecobee and Nest thermostats, Sonos speakers, August locks and Samsung SmartThings, to name a few. The built-in services work exactly as you expect, with the ability to view the ringtone when a visitor arrives, adjust climate controls via ecobee and play music through all Sonos speakers in the house.

As mentioned earlier, Home Control now works with the Apple HomeKit through a public beta and also supports Alexa and Google Assistant. However, Alexa integration is deeper than the others because Amazon's voice assistant is built into Home Control. Through the on-board microphone and speaker, Home Control is essentially an echo point installed inside a wall and can be used to shoot weather and sports scores with just one shout.

Rounding up the function list is the ability to display photos on the 5-inch screen. Brilliant includes several examples of images, from animals to skyscrapers, and users can upload their favorite photos directly to Home Control. A total of 50 images can be uploaded, using the Home Control function by self-cycling through images on its lock screen when the screen is not in use.

Guest design

Brilliant home control: What I like

Even with all the technology included in Home Control, it's still easy to install and small enough to fit most electrical boxes on the wall. Installing the home control requires basic electrical knowledge and follows the same wiring diagrams as standard and intelligent light switches. In most cases, the physical installation will only take about 30 minutes, depending on the model involved, but, as always, your mileage may vary.

After installation, pairing Home Control and setting up third-party integrations was also quick and easy, thanks to the touchscreen display. While I would have preferred an application-based pairing process, setting up internal control simply involves entering credentials and following a series of requests by pressing directly on the device.

Navigating the Brilliant switch is fast and familiar with most options, which is no more than a few clicks. I love how Brilliant offers the ability to customize the home screen with four dedicated sections that can be set to display shortcuts, scenes, and even quick access to third-party devices. When you use a third-party service, Home Control will display a custom UI by category. So, for my house, one of the four areas on the home screen is for climate, which allows me to view and adjust the ecobee thermostat directly from my switches.

I love how Brilliant offers the ability to customize the home screen with 4 dedicated sections that can be set to display shortcuts, scenes and even quick access to third-party devices.

The performance of the home control has been solid in the two weeks since I started testing it. I still haven't encountered situations where I couldn't access the device through the Brilliant app, and the lights in the HomeKit have always been responsive. The remote lighting settings take effect almost instantly and it takes about five seconds or less to extract the camera's live stream to my iPhone.

Turning to the camera, I appreciate how Brilliant has offered several ways to keep the privacy of its users in mind. One of these is the inclusion of an easy-to-use sliding privacy cover that blends seamlessly with the rest of its surroundings. When the camera is active, Brilliant makes it known to everyone in the room not only by flashing a red indicator next to the lens, but also by displaying a large message that requires interaction from the device.

Other cases of attention to detail of Brilliant come into play with the way the physical switch is controlled. Being a touch screen device, I expected there to be a long adjustment period, but I was pleasantly surprised to see controls based on available gestures. By simply swiping up and down anywhere on the screen, you can adjust light levels without having to point, and two-finger touch can turn them on or off completely.

Surprisingly, I'm very impressed with the quality of the Home Control display and how good the photos on the small screen look. Before installation, I wasn't going to use the photo capabilities, but I quickly changed my tone after posting a few family photos. Even if you have access to photos all the time on phones and PCs, having a display always rotated through your favorite moments is simply nice to have around.

Unhappy limitations

Brilliant home control: What I do not like

On the hardware side, positioning Brilliant Home Control on a wall can be challenging for some. Now, things can be different depending on your age at home or who built your house, but light switches are usually at a maximum height of about 48 centimeters on a wall. In my case, at 6 meters high, I have to bend down slightly to interact comfortably and to see Home Control. This slight upset is not an outcome for me, but for those on the high side, it is something to consider.

Moving on to the software, despite the recent addition of support for HomeKit in beta, Brilliant Home Control is pretty much missing when it comes to the Apple platform. The lights and fans connected to the Home Control are exposed to the Home application, along with the dimming functions, but other functions such as the camera and motion sensor lack HomeKit fun. HomeKit support is also not a two-way street, as Home Control does not provide controls for HomeKit accessories on the screen.

Unfortunately, Alexa's onboard capabilities are also quite limited. Invoking the Amazon Assistant via the Home Control system for anything other than basic commands will simply fail due to integration limitations. Also, the on-board microphone and speaker are not as good as a dedicated echo, and Home Control had problems when it took a long time to answer the basic questions.

Finally, the built-in Home Control camera, while adequate, lacks a few key features, making it less useful than I would have liked. In general, the image quality of the camera is good enough for quick viewing or calls during the day or in well-lit areas. However, things take a turn when it is dark, as the camera has no night vision capabilities at all, which is definitely a scratch.

To be fair, Brilliant does not market Home Control as a security device, but just having a camera on the device will no doubt conjure up the thought of using it for home monitoring for most people. The lack of focus on the camera is also evident in the Brilliant app, as there is no landscape view at all, letting users see the entire action from an incredibly small area.

Brilliant potential

Brilliant home control: Bottom line

4
of 5

I don't often summarize a review without touching all the available features of a device, but Brilliant Home Control is definitely one of those products. Home Control can be a light switch, dimmer, music player, voice assistant, intercom, digital photo frame and more. But the best part is that, at this point, it still feels like we're just scratching the surface of what can really become.

The current limitations of HomeKit and Alexa, the lack of night vision from the camera, the necessary neutral cable and its expensive price, make it more of a niche product at the moment. That being said, if you want a futuristic wall-mounted display that can meet some of your smart home needs, then Brilliant Home Control won't disappoint. However, for most, Home Control is definitely a product that requires careful attention before diving.

Air purifiers have evolved over the years, from bulky, fan-filled models to more elegant, more convenient Wi-Fi-connected offerings. One thing that has not changed, however, is the personal nature of air quality. For those with severe allergies or sensitivities, these are an indispensable element. However, for others, the fact that you have one in the house may not offer concrete benefits, at least on the surface.

If you are one who knows that you simply cannot live without an air purifier or if you want to make your first purchase, there are a lot of factors to consider. Features such as available fan speeds, noise levels, filtering prices, intelligent controls, design, air quality monitoring and, of course, price are all important, which makes some decisions difficult.

Fortunately, there are options available, such as the smart Wi-Fi purifier from Elechomes, which combines all the important things into one plug and play solution. I tested the Elechomes air purifier in my house last month and it comes with a lot of positives surrounding the way it lives to all these critical elements. However, there are some issues that prevent it from being a suitable option for everyone.

Solid and smart

Elechomes Wi-Fi Smart Air Purifier: features

The Elechomes air purifier features a modern, clean design with a white frame with a black control panel at the top. A large perforated section comprising about half of the front of the purifier allows air to pass through and acts as the access panel to the included filter. Air purification takes the form of a four-stage filtration process, which consists of a pre-filter, an anti-bacterial cloth, an activated carbon filter and a HEPA filter.

Elechomes states that the filtration system is capable of capturing up to 99.97% of airborne particles, and the purifier covers up to 325 ft. The filtered particles include standards such as dust, pet toothpaste, pollen, mold and allergens, plus it claims to trap bacteria, viruses, VOCs and formaldehyde.

The air purifier has a built-in air quality monitoring, and the measurements can be found in the control area, which is in the form of an LCD. The settings on the device are available with simple touch controls and include power, fan speed, stopwatch and child lock. None of the features are labeled, but are illuminated icons, except for a Wi-Fi setup and filter reset button that is used smoothly.

Although a physical remote control is not included, all Elechomes air purification functions can be controlled through the Smart Life app available for both iOS and Android. The purifier connects directly to home networks via Wi-Fi without the need for a separate hub, creating, most of the time, a plug and play adventure.

Once connected, the Smart Life app displays air quality data directly from the purifier in a beautiful and beautiful numerical form and also shows the outdoor air quality for your location. The app also records running time to determine when the filters will be changed, which are listed as needing replacement after 1,500 hours. Replacement filters are available directly from Elechomes and through Amazon for about $ 40.

In-app controls include fan speed settings, mode selection, and smart wizard integration access. Both Amazon, Google Assistant, and Siri shortcuts are supported for convenient voice control, but like many smart accessories, they don't work with the Apple HomeKit. Rounding out the feature set is a child lock that prevents accidental push of buttons, switches to activate negative ion functionality, programming and timers.

Air quality at a glance

Elechomes Wi-Fi Smart Air Purifier: What I like

Setting up the Elechomes air purifier was quick and easy, at least for things that aren't smart (more on that later) and can only take five minutes, including unplugging and installing the filter. Once set up, I liked seeing the clean design of the air purifier, which contrasts with a few others I have around the house, all of which have weird design options, like big fun lights or buttons and buttons.

I also liked the way the design provides easy access to the filter compartment, with a convenient push system that removes the front panel without tools, and the filters themselves had pull tabs at hand. Speaking of filters, I was pleasantly surprised by the substantial size of the main filter, which I would estimate to be about 3 centimeters thick. Although the size of the filter does not necessarily equate to cleaner air, it certainly shows the side and is thicker than any filter I have seen for a unit of this size.

Even though the Smart Life app offers on-demand air quality reading, it's sometimes faster and more convenient to look at a display on your device that the Elechomes purifier has. Taking real-time air quality measurements is not only great for general checks, but also to make sure the purifier is actually doing something. Although I can't feel or feel a difference in the air, often, just sitting near the purifier, it caused a peak in reading, which gives me the impression that the sensor is working.

Navigating the Smart Life app was fairly straightforward with the addition of the purifier, thanks to the clearly marked tabs and functions. Adjustments are never more than a faucet or two distances, and key data, such as air quality measurements and uptime, have been front and center through the use of larger fonts. Adjustments, such as application speed changes made by the app, took effect on the device about a second or two later, with air quality measurement updates occurring in approximately the same amount of time.

Net and measurements

Elechomes Wi-Fi Smart Air Purifier: What I do not like

As I mentioned earlier, setting up the non-smart part of the air purifier was pretty straightforward, and in theory it should have been the same via the Smart Life app, but unfortunately in my case it wasn't. so. The Elechomes air purifier suffers from a common but frustrating problem, which surrounds Wi-Fi networks that combine 2.4ghz and 5ghz in the same SSID, which means that its application will not be able to see the device.

In most cases, there are settings available for routers that can separate the two, but for my eero mesh router system, this option does not exist. After starting an AirPort Extreme that I set aside especially for this case, the Smart Life application could see it, and the pairing process actually took less than 5 minutes.

Turning to the air purifier itself, I found that it worked almost silently most of the time until it was time for the automatic mode to pick up. The sound levels on these occasions and with the highest speed setting are certainly not overlapping, the measurements taken by the Noise application on an Apple Watch measuring peaks between 50 and 55 decibels. During normal operation in car mode, the purifier itself did not have an impact on the sound level in my house, which dropped on average between 30 and 40 decibels.

The biggest problem I encountered with the purifier is that the first unit I tested suffered from strange measurements from the air quality sensor. Apparently at random, the purifier will display a measurement of exactly 500 particles, which caused the purifier to rise to the highest fan speed in auto mode. This was annoying, to say the least, but fortunately a later purifier sent by Elechomes did not exhibit this behavior, which led me to believe that the first unit was simply defective.

Clean design, clean air

Elechomes Wi-Fi Smart Air Purifier: Bottom line

3.5
of 5

When all this is said and done, you will definitely love the Elechomes Smart Wi-Fi Air Purifier. The clean appearance, the integrated air quality sensor and the convenient intelligent controls ensure it on the more expensive offers of the bigger competitors. Throw away the affordable price tag and low-cost replacement filters, then suddenly the Elechomes purifier becomes a viable alternative.

As with all things, there are some disadvantages that prevent the Elechomes purifier from being a more universal recommendation. Wi-Fi compatibility issues with some routers, slightly strong and low speed increase when in auto mode, and the lack of support for HomeKit is worth considering before buying. However, if you don't mind the occasional change in noise level, don't use HomeKit and know that your router is compatible, then the Elechomes Wi-Fi smart purifier is definitely worth considering.

Before today, if anyone had asked me which HomeKit camera to buy, I would have said Logitech Circle 2 because of its flexible design, weather resistance, and support for HomeKit and HomeKit Secure Video. Circus 2 has been incredibly reliable over the years and has only gotten better through upgrades, but has stayed a little behind.

My recommendation changed recently, however, as Logitech unveiled a successor to the Circle 2, the Logitech Circle View, today. Circle View continues on the same path as its previous incarnation, offering support for both HomeKit and HomeKit Secure Video, but comes with a sleek and new design. Also new is the fact that it only works with Apple platforms and even goes so far as to give up its own application, which supports HomeKit Secure Video right out of the box.

I tested Circle View last week and thought it was a strong follow-up to an already great camera. A clean modern design, an easy to configure process and the controls for the Home application make View a camera that I have no problem recommending to anyone who is concerned about privacy or who is integrated into the HomeKit.

Video security

Logitech Circle View: features

As its name suggests, the Circle View room offers a circular design consisting of a mixture of metal and plastic. Unlike Circle 2, View has a darker appearance, with an all-black frame and is no longer modular. The camera and stand are included in a single piece that allows for easy placement and the entire assembly can be mounted on a wall by attaching to a single plastic plate with hardware that is included.

The camera has an LED indicator that can be turned on and off near the top that reports the status. There is a single button around the back, which is used to manually turn off the camera, and the stand allows you to tilt up and down, which can be used to darken the view for those moments when extra privacy is needed. The camera is powered by USB, either with the included brick, or with an available USB port, and the 10-foot power cord is not removable, probably for weather resistance, which is IP64.

Circle View captures and streams 1080p HD images with a 180-degree field of view through its glass lenses. For night viewing, the camera uses 2 infrared LEDs that are able to illuminate objects at 15 meters. The camera also supports two-way audio through a built-in microphone and speaker, allowing users to have conversations with those in vision.

As mentioned before, Circle View only works with iOS and the Home app this time. Camera setup and management takes place entirely in the Home application, which requires a HomeKit hub such as an Apple TV or HomePod to operate remotely. The camera connects directly to home networks via 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, without an additional dedicated Logitech hub. Once connected, the camera can be viewed through the Home app on iOS, iPadOS, macOS, Apple Watch and even on Apple TV with third-party applications.

Recording goes through Apple's secure HomeKit video feature, which uses iCloud and requires a paid storage plan of at least 200 GB for 1 room for $ 2.99 per month and supports up to 5 rooms for 2TB for $ 9.99 per month. Recorded videos are stored for 10 days in a timeline format in the Home app, and videos can be saved and shared using the iOS distribution sheet. Despite the need for a paid iCloud storage plan, recorded records are not accounting for your data allocation.

Man, where's my app?

Logitech Circle View: What I like

Due to the lack of a separate application and the fact that it does not require an account, I absolutely like the fact that Circle View can be configured in less than 5 minutes. All it needs to do is turn off the camera, connect it, and scan the setup code with the Home app. Since the bracket and power cord are attached, there is no digging around the extra parts or assembly and even mounting it to a wall is easy with only two screws that have been provided.

The fact that everything goes through the Home app also gives me a much greater sense of privacy, so much so that I have no reservations about placing it inside the house. There's something special about not having to worry about potentially worsening eyes or my household chores being just a data breach, a dishonest employee, or a password guess far from being passed on to others.

The image quality of Circle View was also fantastic, with the camera offering a bright and detailed view both inside and out.

As with the Logitech Circle 2, the View was extremely reliable and responsive. During my testing week, I still didn't find any situations where I couldn't access the live feed of the camera or encountered any "No Answer" message. Uploading the live view is also fast, with most instances lasting only a second or two, which is amazing given that it is transmitted over a wireless connection.

The image quality of Circle View was also fantastic, with the camera offering a bright and detailed view both inside and out. The movement captured in the recordings and during the broadcast of a live viewing was just as impressive, with very little ambiguity or artifacts seen. The night vision of the camera gave a much brighter picture than I expected, although I found that it is a little too pixelated and not as good as some competitors, but it was certainly good enough for most scenarios.

Zero zero

Logitech Circle View: What I do not like

While HomeKit accessories, in general, sports have higher prices than options for other ecosystems, Circle View is still a little on the price side, at $ 160. Despite the pleasure of the elegant design with the metal support, I would have liked to have seen the camera priced close to the $ 100 range to make it more affordable. Circle View also only works with HomeKit and iOS, which, for the price, could demand a lot from those who are looking for the most money for their buck.

Speaking of the look of the room, there are aspects of its design that I consider only a little strange. Although it does not affect performance in any way, I believe that the decision to use a white power cord for a black camera makes the camera stand out from its surroundings. I also don't like how the latest Circle camera doesn't have accessories or a battery pack that makes it more flexible like the previous Circle 2 and its great mounting range.

Finally, as much as I enjoy Circle View's HomeKit Video Security integration and the lack of a separate app, the Apple Home app doesn't offer enough in terms of camera settings and features so far. Missing features include setting motion areas, adjusting bandwidth usage, adjusting image quality, and setting your preferred frame rate. Sure, the lack of options keeps things simple, but moving areas in particular are extremely necessary.

Complete circle

Logitech Circle View: Bottom line

4.5
of 5

Logitech's latest Circle camera is the HomeKit camera I've been waiting for and not just for my benefit. This camera gives Apple fans a simple experience, "just works" and keeps everything private, without the need for an additional application, cloud or account. This ease of use and lack of overwhelming options opens the door to the connected home for many, which is exactly what HomeKit needs to help consolidate its adoption.

That being said, Circle View is definitely not perfect. The lack of advanced controls, such as setting motion zones, will cause some frustration with notifications of sins, and the high price of its prices will limit the potential to achieve more. However, when all is said and done, Circle View is now the best HomeKit option you can buy today.

Over the years and in a rapidly evolving smart internal market, ecobee remains one of the industry leaders due to its ability to provide incremental but impactful hardware and software upgrades. The company's latest SmartThermostat, while having a look and feel similar to its predecessors, still offers the best mix of convenience, compatibility and smart features.

I recently upgraded to the latest SmartThermostat from an ecobee 3 Lite, and while the basic functions remain the same, the addition of a SmartSensor and Alexa to the mix definitely made me appreciate the new hardware. Although I would not say that it is worthy of an upgrade for those with previous versions, I can say that it is still one of the best options for those new to the game with smart thermostat.

Same, but different

ecobee SmartThermostat: features

The latest ecobee SmartThermostat retains the familiar look of previous offerings, with a black front touch screen positioned in the center. The 3.5-inch color LCD screen has a resolution of 320 x 480 and acts as a control center on the device, without finding additional hardware buttons. The display portion is attached to a white motherboard that houses the wiring terminals with a single click.

SmartThermostat is included in the installation, except for real instruments. SmartThermostat is compatible with most HVAC units today, whether it is oil, gas, electric, conventional or heat pumps. Unlike some competitors, ecobee includes a power extension kit that makes it compatible with homes that don't have a common thread right in the box. the ecobee pilot also works with HVAC accessories such as humidification systems and fans.

SmartThermostat connects to your home network directly via Wi-Fi, without the need for an additional hub. In addition to Wi-Fi, the thermostat has radios for Bluetooth and 915MHz RF, which facilitate connections to accessories such as SmartSensor included. SmartSensor is a compact, completely wireless sensor that runs on a single coin battery and has an equally modern design, complete with a metal support. The SmartSensor is able to monitor temperature and movement, allowing it to work in tandem with the thermostat to provide a higher level of comfort by mediating or adjusting the previous camera.

As with the SmartSensor, the thermostat portion is equipped with a motion sensor as well as a busy sensor, and all sensors can be integrated with the Haven Home Monitor service recently launched by Ecobee. Haven aims to facilitate home security by automating the arming / disarming of the home based on presence and can warn users of any unusual activity captured while they are there. Presence detection also works with the latest ecobee accessories, SmartCamera and SmartSensor for doors and windows,

Both the Haven service and the controls for SmartThermostat take place through the ecobee application, which is available on iOS, Android and the web. Smart controls include staples such as temperature adjustment, program setting and usage trend review. Voice adjustments can also be made by integrating with HomeKit, Google Assistant and Alexa.

However, Amazon's Alexa integration is deeper than just connecting the account, with a microphone and on-board speakers that allow the thermostat to make adjustments with just one shout. Alexa also allows SmartThermostat to make / answer calls, act as an intercom with other Alexa devices in the house and even play music through services such as Spotify.

Thoughtful touches

ecobee SmartThermostat: What I like

Installing the ecobee SmartThermostat was incredibly quick and easy, especially since I upgraded from an ecobee 3 Lite. Ecobee has always included a few careful, friendly lines to install in their thermostat line and they are really present for the latest and greatest. These include wired terminals with clips, a built-in level, a power supply set for common wireless installations and a cutting board.

Joining SmartThermostat was just as easy, just the ecobee app needed to get things up and running. During the process, ecobee walks you through the account registration, Wi-Fi setup, and asks you a series of questions about your HVAC unit and your home. , but of course this can vary.

The SmartThermostat was also incredibly reliable, with adjustments never failing to affect.

Once paired, the ecobee application interface mimics the display on the device, making familiar adjustments instantly. Both the app and the controls on the device are responsive, react easily to taps and swipes, and the decision to go with a touch-based interface keeps things simple. I also like how the ecobee app provides an overview of the temperature in each room where SmartSensors are positioned and how the thermostat can be set to average measurements to decide when to start cooling or heating.

As with my previous ecobee 3 Lite, adjustments made remotely via apps or voice control are performed in seconds on the device. The SmartThermostat was also incredibly reliable, with adjustments that never managed to affect and there was never a situation where I couldn't access this at all. Speaking of access, I absolutely like the fact that ecobee takes an agnostic approach to smart home integrations. While Alexa is integrated, users can connect it to Google Assistant or HomeKit if they wish.

Even though I prefer to use HomeKit for anything, I'm glad I have Alexa available, without having to dedicate a meter or precious table space to another device. The on-board microphone is surprisingly efficient, taking Alexa commands from long distances, and the speaker, while not of the highest quality, is enough to provide easy-to-identify answers.

Prices and privacy

ecobee SmartThermostat: What I do not like

Compared to other smart thermostat options, the ecobee SmartThermostat is a little on the price side. The higher price does not guarantee that remote access will always be available, as with many smart home accessories, there is always the threat of server downtime. I would definitely like to have seen local control options for Android users or those who don't use the available HomeKit.

The ecobee application, although familiar and easy to use, suffers from time to time from some strange crashes on iOS. Through testing, I've come across several cases where the app simply fails to load data when it's launched, which can be frustrating. Although not necessary, creating and editing programs
in the app is just as frustrating because I haven't found a way to delete all the pre-programmed comfort times / settings or start from a blank slate.

As great as Alexa was baking even in SmartThermostat, his presence will surely scare some. Ecobee handles integration well by making Alexa an opt-in experience, providing quick controls to disable it, and providing a familiar blue light to indicate that Alexa is listening.

However, just having a device connected to the internet with a microphone on board will always be a little worrying for many and I would have loved to have seen a model give up the microphone. Of course the ecobee 3 Lite is still available, but it does not include compatibility with certain HVAC accessories and does not have a SmartSensor included.

Something for everyone

ecobee SmartThermostat: Bottom line

4.5
of 5

Even with a slightly higher price than others and some weird occasional applications, the ecobee SmartThermostat is simply one of the best thermostats on the market today. A sleek, modern design, easy installation, SmartSensor included, high levels of reliability and compatibility with all major smart home platforms make it easy to recommend to almost anyone.

The SmartSensor included in the ecobee continues to be one of the best innovations in the thermostat category, and when combined with a suite of smart features, it allows the ability to set it and just forget if you want. Energy users retain the ability to set custom programs and can decide which room in the house is most important to keep you comfortable. All this adds to the fact that Ecobee's SmartThermostat is one of the best smart home investments you can make today, and another option I don't know how to recommend.

Arlo's line of connected rooms has long been synonymous with smart home security and for good reason. Arlo has created wireless cameras completely in the mainstream by combining weather resistance, excellent battery life and high levels of reliability, all of which are included in affordable packages.

Arlo's mutation in the world of video bells, however, was delayed a little strangely. At a time when the category of video sounds took steam, Arlo's first entry did not include the video portion, leaving it on the line of his camera. Late last year, the company's first video soner finally made an appearance, as in the case of the strange launch program, the bell comes in its own way, a square video format.

For the last two weeks I have been testing Arlo Video Doorbell and I thought that the not so traditional approach is quite invigorating. The square format and a familiar method of interaction to answer the doors feel like home on the phone, which makes it one of the best options around you if you meet a few requirements.

One square

Arlo Video Doorbell: features

Arlo Video Doorbell captures out-of-home action with HD quality images at a maximum resolution of 1536 x 1536. Arlo's unique square resolution, labeled 1: 1 by the company, trades a wider, more common field of view for capacity you better see the land (and the packages) in front of it. The bell also supports HDR and uses infrared for night vision, along with a motion sensor that extends 110 degrees horizontally. A microphone and on-board speaker allow two-way listening, and for security, the speaker can play a range of siren tones on request.

Installing the ringtone requires wiring the existing ringtone, as a battery-powered option is missing. The power supply of the bell requires 16-24V from a bell transformer, which is typical for this category, and a small chime kit is included to allow it to ring the existing device. The Arlo bell is resistant to UV radiation and weather and can operate at temperatures between -4 and 113 degrees Fahrenheit.

Arlo's doorbell sport connects Wi-Fi, allowing it to connect directly to a home network without an additional hub. Door Sound works with the Arlo app which provides access to features such as call answering, motion detection, motion zones, smart notifications, packet detection via A.I. image analysis and remote activation e911.

Smart home integration includes Alexa Amazon and Google Assistant, but doesn't work with HomeKit at this time. Through Alexa, the ringtone can be configured to ring Amazon Echo devices around the house, be called live on demand, and ringtone events can be held hands-free.

The ringtone does not include any internal storage and relies primarily on the cloud for recording. Cloud storage requires a subscription to an Arlo Smart plan, which starts at $ 2.99 per month for 1 room / ringtone and goes up to $ 9.99 per month for 5 devices. Each plan includes 30 days of video history, which is presented as a timeline through the Arlo app. A subscription is also required for some of the advanced features, such as motion zones and smart notifications.

A familiar vision

Arlo Video Doorbell: What I like

The installation of Arlo Doorbell was simple, with only two wires on the doorbell, and two wires on the chime are most of the work. Arlo includes almost everything in the box, including a mounting plate, an angle, a power supply kit, a safety key, screws, anchors, wire nuts and wire extenders. For my installation, all I needed was a Philips screwdriver, and the physical part only took about 5 minutes.

As I mentioned before, the Arlo ringtone uses a square format for the video, which, surprisingly, I love. The square format is perfect for watching on a phone and I like the way Arlo has implemented live viewing right on the first screen of the application. Although not active at first, simply tapping the play button loads the power correctly in line without switching to a different screen. In addition, the app does not force you to orient your phone towards landscape orientation, which is simply beautiful.

The square format is perfect for watching on a phone and I like the way Arlo has implemented live viewing right on the first screen of the application.

Uploading the live stream is fast and responsive, takes only a second or two, and the image quality of the light bell is clear and detailed, even at night. The zoom is just as fluid and I like how most of the ringer controls are exactly where you need them. While I may never use it, I especially like having the ability to set the siren on demand through the app. Just having the capacity definitely adds to the feeling of security offered with the doorbell.

The button and movement events captured by the doorbell were delivered quickly and securely to the iPhone. I really like the way Arlo presents the push of a button as a standard call, at least on iOS, which makes the answering process instantly familiar. The integration with Alexa worked just as well as advertising, with the recently launched possibility of using an Echo device as a chime that works perfectly at my 3rd generation point.

Yes dawg, I heard you keep touching

Arlo Video Doorbell: What I do not like

While the actual physical installation process was quick and easy, installing the ringtone in the Arlo app was a bit annoying. The application section walks users through each step of the installation process, one by one, each with its own screen that either requires going through additional information or continuous touch.

In total, there were over 40 screens for the whole process, which almost made the application portion longer than connecting the doorbell. The app doesn't give users a way to skip anything, so in my case, where I'm pretty familiar with installing video bells, I completed the installation before I even opened the pairing app.

My final complaint about the doorbell is, of course, that a subscription fee is required for cloud registration, motion zone setting, and other smart features. To be fair, Arlo prices are reasonable and offer users a free 3-month trial of the Arlo Smart plan during installation, but if you don't like the idea of ​​subscriptions, then the Arlo ringtone isn't exactly right. .

Now there IT IS a way to register locally, but requires an Arlo base, which is not included in the box, so if you don't already have one, there will be additional costs involved after completing the 3 month process. It would be nice to see that Arlo offers a form of subscription-free storage in addition to having a base, such as just 24 hours or by supporting Apple's HomeKit Secure Video feature. Speaking of HomeKit, the sound at the door does not support it at all at the moment and I have my doubts about Arlo whether or not it will support the HomeKit Secure Video function, because it covers many of the advantages of Arlo Smart plans.

Solid square

Arlo Video Doorbell: Bottom line

4
of 5

Arlo Video Doorbell is a fantastic option for those looking for excellent image quality, easy installation and a host of smart and useful features. Arlo's unique field of view offers a more natural look at life right outside the door, and its iOS integration gives users a familiar way to respond remotely.

All this adds up to an easy-to-recommend ringtone if you can meet some of the requirements. If you have an existing wired door soner, have a capable transformer, don’t mind your subscriptions, and don’t have a preference if it supports the Apple HomeKit, then Arlo Video Doorbell is a great choice. However, if you do not meet the requirements, you will certainly have to look elsewhere.

In recent months, smart thermostat specialists, ecobee, have been working on a transition from a one-of-a-kind device company to an effortless home security company. New products from ecobee include a smart camera and a door / window contact sensor that works alongside a new home monitoring subscription service called Haven.

I tested the new ecobee tools in the last week and a half and was quite impressed with the debut of the camera. A simple setup process, excellent video quality, HomeKit support and a fantastic Smart Focus tracking ability make it one of the best options around, but it has a cost, both advanced and monthly.

-Packed in

ecobee SmartCamera: features

The Ecobee SmartCamera has a clean visual design with an all-black face, white frame and sleek metal backing. The camera mount allows for easy vertical adjustments, and its clever design allows it to be mounted on a single-screw wall. The camera is rated for indoor use only and does not have an internal battery, so if the power goes out, the camera will not be accessible.

The image quality of the camera is 1080p HD resolution, with a field of view of 180 degrees and records at 30 frames per second. For night viewing, the camera uses 3 wide-angle LEDs, and the camera supports 2-way audio with a built-in microphone. There are two physical buttons at the top of the camera that are used for voice control, one is a mute switch and the other is a manual Alexa activation button, which also serves as a dual setup menu on the device.

The ecobee camera connects directly to a home network via Wi-Fi, both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, without the need for a separate hub. The camera has an Alexa voice assistant built into Amazon, which allows voice commands for the camera and other skills and services. SmartCamera also supports HomeKit to stream live images on demand through the Home app, and while it doesn't support Google Assistant, it works with the Android Ecobee app.

Software features include digital panning, zoom and a siren activation option that works with other ecobee devices. Image processing, which is performed on the device by an 8-core processor, can distinguish between humans and pets and allows Smart Focus, which tracks activity by panning to track people in its vision.

While the camera has 4 GB of flash storage on board, it does not save local video. The footage is encrypted and sent to the ecobee cloud storage, which is available through the company's Haven Home Monitoring subscription service. A free one-month trial room is included with the room, after which the price for Haven starts at $ 5 per month for a single room. The service provides a 14-day timeline, and snapshots and videos can be saved to your phone's storage at any time.

Haven Home Monitoring works with other ecobee devices in the house, such as thermostats, room sensors and newly added door and contact window sensors. The Haven house monitoring approach allows the use of motion and occupancy sensors on existing devices to automatically arm and disarm the house, bypassing the need for keyboards or fobs. By tracking the location, family members who are connected to the ecobee application allow the system to distinguish whether an unexpected entry into the home requires a security notification.

Visual appeal

ecobee SmartCamera: What I like

Setting up the SmartCamera was quick and easy, the whole process takes less than 10 minutes from disconnecting to pairing. Attaching the metal bracket does not require any tools and all you need to do is connect the camera to an outlet. The association of the camera through the ecobee application was simple with a series of prompts that guide the way. As a HomeKit fan, I like how ecobee integrated HomeKit into the setup process and does not require additional setup later.

Navigating the ecobee app is simple, with the newly added camera appearing in the list of home devices at launch. Extracting a live stream is just an accessory and I like how ecobee put all the controls and settings of the camera in its own dedicated section. Speaking of controls, I like to have options for panning the camera view, mermaid and manual recordings, along with live streaming, both in portrait and landscape views. These commands are sensitive and fluid, each of them living almost as soon as you touch the associated button.

Uploading the live stream only takes a few seconds through the ecobee app, and oddly enough, it's even faster using the Apple Home app. The footage transmitted and captured by the SmartCamera is detailed and clear, remaining uniform with forward movement activity. The quality of the image remains clear through the black and white night vision, easily providing enough detail to identify people or any action that might be in his vision.

The quality of the SmartCamera microphone was also quite impressive. When watching a live stream, the quality was good enough for real conversations, with no weird gaps or delays often seen with other cameras.

The quality of the camera speaker is about what you would expect for this type of device. The music played by Alexa was tinny and, without the bass, I would equate it with a first generation dot echo. Alexa's voice responses were loud and clear and, for some reason, sounded richer than real audio playback through the speaker.

Premium prices

ecobee SmartCamera: What I do not like

Make no mistake, ecobee SmartCamera is expensive compared to the existing offers on the market. While the camera offers impressive images and the ability to track movement, it does not offer features such as an internal battery or a local storage option.

Even if the ecobee SmartCamera does sports on the device's processing, the recorded videos are stored in the cloud. Video recording requires a subscription to Ecobee's Haven Home Monitor service, which only adds to the already high cost of ownership.

Without a service subscription, the room is fine, it is not a security room at all. Sure, you can stream live video on demand and use it for use with HomeKit and your Alexa device, but the lack of recording capability is definitely a problem. Obviously, I would have liked to have seen the company offer at least one day of recording or a local option available, but I understand that cloud video storage is certainly not free for ecobee. I asked about HomeKit Secure Video, the iCloud storage solution for Apple's privacy center, and I was told that it is something that is up and running and should be available in the coming months, which will give users a Haven subscription-free registration option. .

My final complaints contain how the SmartCamera handles notifications for motion events and video sharing at HomeKit. For motion events, the iOS ecobee app will send an alert within seconds of the activity event, however, the notification doesn't include a picture of the action happening in front of the camera. The notification only displays the following: "Activity alert! We detected activity while your home was armed."

On the HomeKit front, I noticed that turning off the camera in the ecobee app did not affect the HomeKit and you can continue to watch live video through the Home app. Equally strange is that turning off the camera in the ecobee app turns off the camera's automatic night viewing mode, so the Home app view won't turn on during the night. Certainly, this is an extremely big issue, which I don't think many will face, but it is worth noting for privacy reasons.

Awesome debut

ecobee SmartCamera: Bottom line

4
of 5

At the end of the day, the ecobee SmartCamera offers some really compelling features, including excellent image quality and on-device processing. While I was expecting great things from ecobee hardware, I was still surprised at how well it performs, given that it is the company's first foray into the category.

However, the SmartCamera is priced at the top of the connected camera market and requires a subscription to register. This makes the SmartCamera more of an investment, leading it from an easy recommendation for most, to a recommendation based on price sensitivity.

If you don't care about prices and just want a solid, good-looking camera with great features and images, then you won't be disappointed with the ecobee SmartCamera. If you have reservations about the price, you may be more suited to another option, which is unfortunate given how good this room is.

Launched with the ecobee SmartCamera just a few weeks ago, Ecobee's SmartSensor for doors and windows is another key part of the company's momentum in the internal security market. The latest accessories work in tandem with ecobee SmartThermostats and camera sensors, to allow a hassle-free way to keep tabs in the house.

With movement, occupancy, geo-fencing and Ecobee's Haven Home Monitor service, homeowners can come and go as they please, without having to mess with keyboards, apps or fobs. I tested SmartSensors together with Haven service in the last week and a half and I can say that having everything working harmoniously is quite convincing. As always, there are a few things that keep the service going, from being the perfect solution for everyone.

Contact and movement

ecobee SmartSensor: features

The Ecobee SmartSensors feature a typical two-piece white touch sensor design, but include beautiful touches like soft rounded corners. The larger part of the sensor houses all the smart technology, rendering the condition of the home directly to an ecobee SmartThermostat or SmartCamera, which is necessary for operation. The smaller portion consists of a magnet that allows the smart sensor to determine when a door or window is open or closed depending on proximity.

Both parts of the sensor are attached to doors, windows and gaskets using a double-sided fixing tape that is pre-attached. The installation of the sensor is quick and easy, with a shell and a stick only after the lining of the two parts on the desired surface. The sensor has a small on-board LED that flashes green when a state change occurs, and the entire operation is powered by a CR2477 coin-shaped battery, which is rated for up to 3 years of use.

Unlike other contact sensors, SmartSensors also houses a motion sensor. Although the extra sensor may seem a bit redundant at first, it actually makes a lot of sense if your home consists of large open areas. This allows the sensor to monitor the main entry points, as well as other windows and doors in its vision, without the need to place a sensor on each.

The status of the sensor is communicated wirelessly to an associated hub device at 80 meters, via a 915 MHz RF signal. Using RF allows the sensor to work directly with SmartThermostats and SmartCameras outside of potentially congested Wi-Fi and Bluetooth frequencies. If you have both the camera and a thermostat in the house, you are given the opportunity to choose during the configuration on which it will act as a hub for sensors.

When combined with other ecobee devices and ecobee's Haven Home Monitor subscription service, sensors can send notifications when unusual activity is detected. ecobee's Haven uses all the sensor data in the house, as well as geofencing on the phones of everyone in the household, to automatically arm and disarm the monitoring without user intervention.

The price for the Haven service starts at $ 5 per month for unlimited entry detection with SmartSensors and includes support for video recording with SmartCamera. In addition to notifications via Haven and the ecobee app, the sensors report their status via the Apple HomeKit and are available for use with automation and quick status checks via Siri.

Simply fast

ecobee SmartSensor: What I like

As previously mentioned, setting up ecobee SmartSensor is fairly easy, with a simple scan of the peel and stick code and association. The ecobee app quickly lifted the sensors and I like to have the option to decide which device acts as the hub they are associated with, although there are no explanations or suggestions to recommend one over the other. We estimate that the entire setup process, from unboxing to pairing, took about 5 minutes.

After installation, I like how well the sensors are integrated with the rest of my ecobee sensors and through the Haven service. By default, SmartSensors are ready to be used for home monitoring, which when combined with RoomSensors, SmartThermostat and SmartCamera, gave me a sense of security, basically covering my whole house. By using geo-fences with ecobee's Autopilot mode, I really like the way ecobee incorporates not only one person's phone, but all members of the household to do automatic arming and disarming.

I also liked the way the ecobee app keeps things simple for home monitoring. When launching the application, I liked to see a small status displayed for each sensor and how the sensor activity is merged with the rest of the house in an activity timeline. Each event is easy to understand, with only the sensor name, time and type of activity listed, such as "Pantry Door" open.

Notifications for events captured by the sensor when the house is armed arrived within seconds and were reliable (although times varied, more thereafter) for each occurrence. While the iOS app notification only states that there is "Activity while your house was armed", touching it has created a careful and informative screen within the ecobee app. This screen provides the exact time of the event on which the device was triggered and gives you the option to view SmartCamera streams, turn on the camera siren, reject the alert, or reject and disarm.

Incredibly inconsistent

ecobee SmartSensor: What I do not like

While the ecobee SmartSensor packs into a motion sensor and delivers power, it's expensive compared to its competitors. The sensors are only sold in packs of 2 at the moment for $ 79, which puts them at a much higher price point, so much so that you can buy 3 or 4 alternatives at the same price. Some competitors also include temperature and humidity sensors, which almost seem to be given on a sensor from ecobee, but are strangely absent.

Speaking of other contact sensors available on the market, the ecobee offer is quite large than the rest. The large size makes the sensor a decent distance from the door or window on which it is installed and is easy to see, even on white surfaces. I also found the vertical orientation of the ecobee SmartSensor to be slightly strange after using sensors installed horizontally for years, but it doesn't affect performance.

Although notifications are reliable and delivered every time, my biggest problem with SmartSensor is that the actual response times through both the ecobee app and the HomeKit are inconsistent. Sometimes status updates and notifications can take up to 2 to 3 seconds, but other times they can take up to 7 or 8 seconds. Since the sensor doesn't use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, I expected the ecobee solution to be faster and more consistent than others, but unfortunately it's not, which was a bit disappointing.

Smart coverage

ecobee SmartSensor: Bottom line

3.5
of 5

In the end, ecobee SmartSensors are somewhat out of a mixed bag. On the one hand, I certainly like the way the sensors are reliable and can monitor more than just the door to which it is attached, through the built-in motion sensor and how simple it is to manage them. On the other hand, the response times of the sensor can be inconsistent, which prevents them from being suitable for other things such as HomeKit automation.

Smart sensors from ecobee are also expensive, and you will need a SmartThermostat or SmartCamera to pair them to work effectively as intended. Combined with a subscription to the Haven Home Monitoring Service, the purchase of sensors is carefully considered in advance and not just an easy-to-purchase purchase.

If you already have ecobee devices in your home, or if you just want a quick and easy way to add extra security without having to set up HomeKit, then SmartSensors are definitely a great option. For those who use HomeKit and want a toll-free DIY monitoring solution, then other options may be more appropriate, but ecobee sensors are reliable, which is not always the case with HomeKit. Finally, for those who do not have a thermostat or ecobee camera and do not intend to choose one anytime soon, well, your decision has already been made.

A wise person once said that you can never have too many rooms around the house. As prices fall and wireless camera technology improves, we are really living in times when it is really possible to cover an entire house. One company that is driving the momentum towards a truly safe home is the eufy of the smart brand from Anker, which started from the end with updates and product launches.

I tested a pair of eufyCam 2Cs around my house in the last few weeks, both indoors and outdoors, to accompany my existing eufyCam 2s, which I am very fond of. Even though I was already familiar with how great the eufyCam 2 was, I was even more impressed with the 2C and I can easily say that it is simply one of the best cameras around.

He supports them all

eufyCam 2C: features

EufyCam 2C has a thinner profile, more compact than its brother, which gives it a much more pleasing appearance from an aesthetic point of view. The camera is completely wireless, powered by an internal rechargeable battery that, according to the company, lasts up to 6 months between tasks. When it comes to charging, the camera uses micro-USB, which has a port covered by a small flap when not in use and is located on the bottom of the chassis.

2C communicates wirelessly with eufy Home Base 2, just like eufyCam 2, and the base connects to Wi-Fi or directly to an Ethernet router. Movies captured by eufyCam 2C are stored locally on Home Base 2, which practices a 16 GB internal eMMC. eufy claims that 16 GB is enough to keep about three months of recordings, and videos can be exported directly to the Photos app on the iPhone or shared via the standard iOS sharing sheet.

The video captured by eufyCam 2C has a 1080p high definition resolution, with a field of view of 135 degrees. For night viewing, the camera uses infrared for black and white images, and the spotlight allows a color video when it is dark. According to eufy, the flood light produces about 12 lumens of light at a distance of 1 meter (3 meters).

Weather resistance for eufyCam 2C is rated as IP67, which covers dust penetration and water burst, which means it should be more than adequate for most outdoor scenarios. The camera can be mounted on almost any surface using a simple 2-screw installation method that requires only a few minutes to set up.

Once attached to the wall, the camera attaches to a wire on the stand, making it easy to unload when it's time to charge it. While this makes the camera somewhat easy for someone to just get up and take, the camera has a built-in siren, which can be activated manually or in motion.

Completing the list of features are the skills of rapid armament and disarmament, programming, geofencing, movement areas and A.I. detection of A.I. detection allows the camera to filter notifications for things like animals or cars, and motion zones are available to fine-tune the areas in front of the camera.

All of these features are available for free, with no premium subscriptions to worry about. The eufy approach to home security is certainly welcome, especially as more and more of its competitors are moving towards the subscription business model.

The king of night vision

eufyCam 2C: What I like

Setting up eufyCam 2C with my existing base 2 was a quick and painless experience. Since I already had an account with eufy and the base, I was able to get up and run in a few minutes, the whole process just need to press the sync button on the base and then on the camera.

Once paired, the camera was added to the eufy Security and HomeKit apps, all without the need to open any apps. Of course, this will vary if you set up a new system, which in this case will involve tracking a series of requests within the eufy application and performing the same sync buttons.

The night vision using IR was particularly impressive and gave me all the other rooms in my house, including eufyCam 2.

Managing the camera through the eufy Security app is quick and easy, as the app puts most camera controls directly in live view. Controls include activating rainlight, switching the siren, turning on the 2-way microphone, taking snapshots, and recording videos. Advanced functions such as setting motion zones are available in a settings panel and are set by simply pressing an add button and moving / adjusting a box on the screen.

The video quality of 2C is clear and detailed both during the day and at night. The night vision using IR was particularly impressive and gave me the best of all the other cameras in my house, including the eufyCam 2. Turn on the built-in spotlight at night allows the camera to record and stream color video, which is great, but I preferred the video quality in IR mode.

I also like how eufy offers the possibility to set your night vision preferences in the application. Options include a strictly black-and-white night vision or the flood light can be set to turn on automatically when motion is detected.

Speaking of choices, I like the way the camera is available both in the eufy Security app and in the Apple Home app. From now on, you'll need the eufy app to access your recorded videos, but the company plans to release an update soon that will integrate with HomeKit Secure Video, which will give Home a way to store and access your recordings.

Siren slip-up

eufyCam 2C: What I do not like

As mentioned earlier, the eufyCam 2C wraps in a siren that can be used to deter thieves. However, there are only two settings available for the siren in the eufy Security application, a manual switch in live view or automatically when motion is detected. Unlike eufyCam 2, 2C does not have an "Anti-theft detection" mode, which means that the siren is a total problem or nothing.

Battery life, although estimated at up to 180 days, is still an important moment for me. I've only been using the camera for a few weeks now, so I can't say very well if it will achieve this goal, but I can say that eufy warns that if you connect it to HomeKit it will drain faster. I'm definitely okay if I only get a few months between charges, but I'm a little worried about the battery aging, because the internal battery can't be replaced.

The biggest problem I see with 2C is that, apparently, at random, extracting a feed in the Apple Home application takes a long time, up 10-20 seconds. However, most of the time, it only takes a few seconds, which is great, but it's overwhelming when you hit one of these spells. Speaking of the home app, the 2-way eufyCam 2C audio and spotlight is nowhere to be found in Apple's smart home app.

Compact guardian

eufyCam 2C: Bottom line

4.5
of 5

Minor issues aside, which can be addressed through upgrades, eufyCam 2C is a fantastic camera, capable of HD videos and excellent night vision. The completely wireless nature of the rooms and the flood light allowed them to be installed almost anywhere around the house, and the low price means that, without a doubt, an entire property could be covered.

Also, eufyCam 2C has no subscription service at all, i.e. features like A.I. detection and motion zones are available to everyone, unlike some of its competitors. eufy also seems to be dedicated to its security line as it has provided frequent updates to add support for things like HomeKit. All this adds up to a smart room that is really easy to recommend and certainly places it among the best rooms available on the market today.