Amazon Cloud Cam gives Alexa a new meaning: view. It's a security camera and a pet camera, a motion detector, and even a two-way intercom that you can use to chat with kids or bark at the dog. Amazon Cloud Cam was introduced at the end of 2017, although at the time you weren't able to view it via a web browser (which has now been added). It has been designed to work with Amazon Key, Amazon's security service, which allows customers to control access to their home for appointments and deliveries. Amazon also suggests you use it to keep an eye on the kids cooking in the kitchen or to keep an eye on your front door when you're traveling. It's a direct competitor to Google's Nest Cameras, as well as the recent wave of Wi-Fi and cloud security products.
(Image credit: Amazon)
What is Amazon Cloud Cam and how does it work?
Amazon Cloud Cam is a connected security camera that records and streams 1080p video as soon as it detects motion. the camera only activates if motion is detected, so it's not recording 24/7. Amazon Cloud Cam has night vision lights that can see in the dark, a microphone for listening and a speaker you can talk to, and it works with Alexa. To see what the camera can see, just ask Alexa to show your video feed. You can then watch live or view recorded clips on your phone or tablet, Amazon Fire TV, Fire Tablet, Echo Show, or Echo Spot. Of course, the main feature of a security camera is to let you know if something happens when you're not looking. Amazon Cloud Cam notifies your phone or Echo device whenever it thinks there's something you should know about, like the sound of a window breaking or an unauthorized visitor. You can adjust the frequency of notifications by disabling "Motion detection" in the app settings. Once notified, you can view the live stream on your phone, Amazon device, or web browser. Amazon Cloud Cam also stores images in the cloud so you can view them later. However, if you don't have a subscription, the storage lasts only 24 hours.How much does Amazon Cloud Cam cost?
As of this writing, Amazon Cloud Cam is only available to Amazon customers in the United States, and we're waiting to see if Amazon will make it more available. A single cloud camera costs $119.99 (about $95 / AU170), or $139.99 (about $110 / AU200) if you want a camera that works with Amazon Key and offers to buy you can reduce the price. You'll also need a monthly or yearly subscription to get the most out of it. Keep an eye out for Amazon business events like Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday, when Amazon tends to offer great deals on its own devices.What are the specifications of Amazon Cloud Cam?
(Image credit: Amazon) The Amazon Cloud Cam is available in a smart white finish and features a 1080p camera that can record up to 30 frames per second, with eight infrared LEDs for night vision and a 120 field of view. degrees. An ambient light sensor, an omnidirectional microphone, a small speaker, and a micro-USB port with a 10-foot power cord. There's no battery backup or display; Everything is controlled through the companion app. The app is available for iOS, Android, and Fire OS. Cloud Cam works with 802.11g and 802.11n Wi-Fi technologies, and a download speed of 2 Mbps is recommended.
Why do you need an Amazon Cloud Cam subscription?
Amazon's Cloud Cam may be a new product, but it's based on the same old business model as traditional security systems: For optimal protection, you need to sign up for a subscription. This subscription comes in three versions: basic, extensive, and professional. - see below for details. Some of Cloud Cam's best features are only available to subscribers. People detection uses intelligent image analysis to differentiate between people and objects. So you'll be notified when the kids come home or someone is trying to steal your TV, but you won't be interrupted if a sheet is turned or a curtain is moved. The areas are really useful. These allow you to tell Alexa to ignore particular parts of the piece. So, for example, if you have very large glass doors or windows, you can exclude them to prevent the slightest external movement from triggering the alarm. Zones can also be used for indoor objects like aquariums or for walls that tend to generate a lot of light reflections.
(Image credit: Amazon)
How much do Amazon Cloud Cam subscriptions cost and what do you get?
The basic plan gives you seven days of cloud storage and supports up to three cameras. Extended time doubles storage time to 14 days and supports up to five cameras, while Pro takes storage up to 30 days and the number of cameras to 10. You'll save big if you pay immediately for a year. The basic plan costs €6.99 a month or €69.99 a year, saving you just under €14; The extended amount is €9.99 / €99.99, saving you just under €20; and Pro costs €19.99 a month or €199.99 a year, saving you just under €40.Do you need to worry about privacy with Amazon Cloud Cam?
This is an interesting question. The official line is that your video is stored on Amazon's servers and not shared with third parties, and Amazon has a very good security record. However, we also know that much of Alexa's intelligence comes from the humans who listened to her and that in early 2018, Alexa had accidentally sent a private conversation to someone in its owner's address book - an accident that, according to Amazon's explanation required an almost impossible task. Combination of extremely unlikely circumstances. So even if you shouldn't worry too much, if you're concerned about privacy, you might want to pay attention to what you're doing with regards to your Cloud Cam.What are the main rivals of Amazon Cloud Cam?
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The Nest Hello Image Credit: TechRadar Google's flagship product: Nest products include two indoor cameras, one outdoor camera, and a doorbell. They're all more expensive than the Amazon Cloud Cam, though: the cheapest indoor camera is $199 / £159 / £249 AU, though retailers sometimes mark it down. Like Amazon Cloud Cam, Nest Cameras need a subscription to access its best features: $5 / AU$4 / AU$7 per month for five days. Video history, €10 / €8 / €14 for 10, or €30 / €24. / AU$30 for 30 days of registration. It's for a camera. Each additional camera also requires a subscription, which is charged at 50% of the normal cost. So it costs €2.50 / €2. / AU3.50 to €15/12 / AU$15 per additional camera per month.