One of the first DIY smart home security systems I tested was Abode. In recent years, we've tested Abode systems, including their smart home security kit. They all worked well and were reasonably priced. Recently, Abode sent their new outdoor security camera, Abode Cam 2, for us to test with our Abode iota smart security system. We managed to pass it through our tests and here is what we discovered when we introduced this new exterior and interior security camera through the bell.

Abode Cam 2 uncollected.GearBrain

What is Abode Cam 2?

Abode Cam 2 is a smart, compact, versatile, weatherproof security camera. It works on a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection and comes with two-way communications, low-color night vision, 121-degree field of view (FOV), 1080p Full HD and 24/7 video recording capabilities. And the camera can work either indoors or outdoors, as well as with or without connecting to an Abode home security system.

Abode Cam 2 comes with Abode's Smart Detect, which helps prevent fake notifications and alerts. Smart Detect intelligently captures a clip when a person has entered your default activity areas, which are configured in the Abode application during installation.

A new feature of the new Abode camera is the mounting options. Abode Cam 2 offers flexible mounting options. The base of the camera has a solid base for your camera and allows you to orient the camera in a variety of directions. The entire housing is weather resistant with IP65 protection, so don't worry about water during those rainy summer days or storms in the winter months.

Smart Home Integrations

The home has a robust smart home ecosystem. Their smart home security systems work with both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa compatible devices. You can set up the Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa smart display to view live videos on Abode Cam 2, or use voice commands with Amazon Alexa smart speakers to schedule routines. If you're an Apple HomeKit user, good news. Your Abode system works with HomeKit. You can have Siri control your Abode system and devices, including the Apple HomePod and Apple Watch. Voice control can also be done with Siri. Ask Siri or any of the voice assistants for Abode Cam 2 to start recording and it will be completed. (You can find other smart devices that work with Abode by visiting The GearBrain, our smart home compatibility search engine. It's free and easy to use.)

How to store videos with Abode Cam 2

When it comes to security cameras, one feature you need to be aware of is recording taxes. When your camera is activated and recording a video, you need to know if there are any charges for saving or accessing the video once it is stored. Some security cameras offer a free 30-day trial period to test your video storage. And after 30 days, you have to pay to save your videos and access them after recording. For Abode Cam 2 and all Abode security cameras, you don't need a plan to use your security camera, but you do need a plan to store your videos. They offer two video storage and self-monitoring plans, but do not require a contract.

One of the features that make Abode unique from other smart DIY security systems are their monitoring options for smart home owners and the flexibility you have in choosing the right plan for your system and room. Abode offers a self-monitoring plan that gives you full access to your Abode system free of charge. But if you want to upgrade to a plan whenever you want, you can easily do so from the Abode app. No strings attached.

Abode has two plans if you add a camera to your system, Standard and Pro Plans. The standard plan comes with self-monitoring and access to home automation for unlimited use. It also provides access to live and recorded videos, person detection and more. And there is no limit to the number of rooms for this plan. You can watch a live stream and review the captured videos at any time for up to 10 days. These videos can be viewed on your timeline along with the event history (i.e. opening and closing doors or triggering alarms). The standard plan allows compatible smart devices to work together automatically when a security event occurs. You also receive in-app panic alarms, non-stop priority support from the Abode customer service team, and person detection in your room. The cost of this plan is $ 6 per month (approximately $ 0.20 per day), or USD 60 per year if paid in advance.

Plan Pro includes all the features of Standard Plan plus 24/7 professional monitoring and cellular backup for your videos. Cell backup is great because it allows your system to work with lost internet connection. If this happens, Abode Cam 2 can still record videos in the event of an event. This plan offers free ground transportation for any purchase of Abode products and access to exclusive offers and discounts.

What makes the plan unique is the discounts you can get from insuring the owner. Abode will provide a monitored security certificate, which many insurance companies will honor and offer discounts on your insurance premiums. (We recommend that you contact your insurance company to see if they offer discounts with this certificate.) The Pro plan costs $ 20 per month ($ 0.66 per day), but if you pay the first year in advance, the first year costs only $ 100. Each year thereafter, the plan costs $ 200.

If you don't want to pay for video storage or professional monitoring, don't worry. Abode Cam 2 and Abode smart security systems will work without a plan. The home offers a planless option that allows you to control and self-monitor your system. You'll be able to watch live videos and take advantage of Abode push notifications and integrations with Apple HomeKit, Alexa, Google Assistant, Sonos, and more available with Abode. However, you will not be able to capture videos and reviews. And you won't be able to run automations.

Cost

Abode Cam 2 has an attractive price. It costs only $ 34.99 and is available on the Abode and Amazon websites. This is a very attractive price for smart home security, with the features available from Abode Cam 2.

Performance

We mentioned that we tested Abode Cam 2 in our Abode test house, which has the intelligent security system for Abode iota houses. Using the free Abode app, the setup and integration process was perfect. We had no problems associating the camera with our system. However, I encountered some connectivity issues when installing the camera outdoors.

Abode Cam 2 can be used as an indoor or outdoor security camera. It requires energy that you need to consider when deciding where you want to install it. As with all outdoor security cameras, we recommend that you check the Wi-Fi signal at the location where you plan to install the camera. For Abode Cam 2, you need to check the signal and make sure you have a socket as well. We installed the new Abode outdoor room outside our test house. We tested different locations and found that once we headed more than 25 feet from our home router, we had connectivity issues. If this happens to you, you may need a Wi-Fi extender to improve your wireless signal. Also remember with security cameras, they need a strong good signal to record and transmit videos over a wireless connection.

The videos are clear and crisp from the Abode Cam 2 security camera.GearBrain

In addition to the over 25-foot connectivity issue, the Abode Cam 2 worked extremely well. The clarity was excellent. He had excellent motion detection. We really liked the size of this room. It is small and can be easily seen when installed on the side of the house. Intruders may not notice what is good to take into account. We also liked the way the stand can provide more viewing angles. This is important and has been helpful in allowing us to find the best viewing angles. And when we moved the camera inside, it worked extremely well as we expected. Overall, it's a great addition to your Abode system.

Finally, Abode Cam 2 reminded us of the Wyze Cam 3 camera. They look identical, but their features vary. Wyze is battery powered and Abode is not. Wyze stores videos locally, while Abode Cam stores videos in the cloud. Both are priced under $ 35, but the Abode Cam 2 works with a fully intelligent home security system and an ecosystem with smart locks and smart garage door openers.

summary

Abode Cam 2 is a good addition to Abode Smart Home Security systems. It can also be an outdoor security-worthy room to help you start building your own smart DIY home system. You will see that it is easy to install and works on a Wi-Fi connection. You also get Smart Detect motion detection from Abode, which helps you capture videos as soon as someone is detected. Abode Cam 2 has color night vision and uses ambient light to illuminate those low light conditions outside the house. But the price and flexible mounting options make this security camera the perfect device to help you secure the inside or outside of your smart home.

Pro

• Price
• Flexible mounting options
• Works in tandem with accommodation systems or as a standalone device
• 1080p HD video resolution with color night vision

Versus

• Field of view is medium (121 degrees)
• Works only on 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection
• You need a socket nearby to connect the camera.

Abode Cam 2 | Security camera connected indoor / outdoor WiFi plug-in with full video in low light, motion detection and two-way voice

iota unboxing smart home security kit

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