Home Home Security

Wyze just launched their next home security product

NEWS – I’ve been keeping an eye out for the next product from the makers of the Wyze Cam with hopes that it would be an outdoor version of their popular affordable security cameras. Well, today is the day that Wyze announced a new product, but it’s not what I thought it would be. Their latest product is Sense. It’s a sensor system consisting of contact sensors, PIR motion sensors and a bridge that links everything together.

The starter kit includes a bridge that plugs into the back of an existing Wyze Cam or Wyze Cam Pan, two contact sensors, and one motion sensor. The contact sensors are used to send an alert to you when a door, cabinet, window, or another thing and closes. The motion sensor is used to detect motion and can then trigger a camera on the system to record video so you can see who came in the house or into a room.

The Wyze Sense starter kit is priced at a very affordable $20 and will start shipping in May. If you’re already a Wyze Cam user, you can pre-order directly thru the app. You better hurry though, it’s only while supplies last. I just ordered two kits.

Filed in categories: News

Tagged: ,

Wyze just launched their next home security product originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 27, 2019 at 12:52 pm.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

Arlo rolls out new Ultra 4K wireless security camera

NEWS– The home security camera market has become quite crowded in the last few years. Arlo’s latest camera, the Arlo Ultra, announced in late 2018 and on display at CES 2019, seeks to distinguish itself from the pack with features that include 4K video, 2-way audio, and an integrated spotlight.

My first generation Arlo camera has been pulling front porch duty at my home for 4 years now. While it’s served me well, save for a warranty replacement due to pink video resulting from a stuck IR filter, the video quality has ceased to impress me. Also, after looking at my neighbor’s Ring doorbell cameras and their ability to stream conversations, I became convinced that I needed to add audio to my home security camera package.

Enter the Arlo Ultra. In addition to the increased video quality, the Ultra boasts numerous enhancements to the original Arlo, including some that surpass what’s available in the current Arlo Pro 2. These include:

  • 4k Ultra HD with HDR capabilities
  • Enhanced Color Night Vision
  • Auto-zoom and tracking
  • 180-degree field of view
  • Dual noise cancelling microphones for clearer, more natural conversations
  • Built-in LED spotlights

If the new 4K video doesn’t place too much of a burden on the Ultra’s improved battery and the increased streaming demand doesn’t cause users to bump up against any of their broadband providers monthly data limits, Arlo could have a real winner on its hands with the Ultra which will be priced at $299.99. Head over to Arlo.com for more details on this new camera.

Filed in categories: News

Tagged: ,

Arlo rolls out new Ultra 4K wireless security camera originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on January 29, 2019 at 1:23 pm.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

LifeShield’s New HD Video Doorbell is a great addition to their home security automated system


NEWS – Last year, I tested and reviewed LifeShield’s DIY Home Security System that included a modern security base and panel along with a security camera and all of the necessary security accessories. This is a completely wireless security system although the base station does include the option for using an Ethernet cable and beyond your wireless network, there is cell service built in for continuous monitoring. Since I tested and reviewed the system, it has remained installed in my home as the security system of choice and has performed all functions reliably and effectively.

Now there is a new addition to add even more flexibility and automation. LifeShield has just announced the new HD Video Doorbell that can be added to their existing system and allow for video monitoring of anyone near your door. According to LifeShield, “The new Wi-Fi-enabled doorbell camera, featuring full 1080p HD video resolution and two-way audio support, allows homeowners to screen visitors with clarity and engage them in conversation through the LifeShield mobile app or security touchpad. The video doorbell can be installed and operated through hardwire or via an optional rechargeable battery. The LifeShield HD Video Doorbell also features sophisticated day and night vision modes, giving homeowners the ability to see approaching visitors at any time of the day, including in low light or cloudy conditions. Through the LifeShield home security system, homeowners can record and store media clips, and watch it live on-demand at their convenience. The camera’s motion detection technology can distinguish between people and other objects, preventing unneeded notifications and recordings.”

With the recent explosion of package thefts of packages left at front doors and on porches, several companies have released video doorbells. LifeShield’s new doorbell is a common sense addition to their current security ecosystem, and if it performs as well as the rest of their equipment, it will be a well-received addition.

The new LifeShield HD Video Doorbell will be available for purchase on their website in the second quarter of 2019.

Filed in categories: News

Tagged: ,

LifeShield’s New HD Video Doorbell is a great addition to their home security automated system originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on January 8, 2019 at 8:00 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

This holiday season, let ALC Wireless security systems keep you and yours safe and sound

NEWS – In today’s technology-driven world, everywhere we look there are security cameras on businesses and homes, and although businesses used to be the primary places for such devices, homeowners have caught on to the value of having this sense of security. At this time of year when all around the USA we seem to be dealing with package theft and other crimes even in neighborhoods once considered “safe”, many security companies are stepping up to answer the demand by consumers for affordable and effective security devices and systems.

Earlier this year, I reviewed a couple of security systems and security cameras from a few companies. One of those companies is ALC Wireless. This company offers well-built and reliable DIY home security cameras, systems and components, with no need for monthly fees or contracts. For the holiday season, they are offering 15% to 20% on Home Security Products. The following are some of their security systems and components along with the promo codes for great discounts:

  • Full HD 1080p Video Doorbell (model AWF71D): 20 percent off with promo code 20VIDEODOOR
  • HD 720p Indoor Panoramic WiFi Camera with On-Camera Recording (model AWF08): 20 percent off with promo code 20PANOCAM
  • Full HD 1080p Outdoor WiFi Camera with On-Camera Recording and Cloud Storage (model AWF61): 20 percent off with promo code 20HDOUTDOOR
  • Full HD 1080p Outdoor Pan & Tilt WiFi Camera with On-Camera Recording and Cloud Storage (model AWF53): 20 percent off with promo code 20OUTDOOR
  • SensorCam II Full HD 1080p Indoor Pan & Tilt Security WiFi Camera with Siren and On-Camera Recording (model AWF33-S2): 20 percent off with promo code 20SENSORCAM
  • 7-Inch Monitor Full HD Surveillance System with Single Outdoor Camera and Remote Access (model AWS337): 15 percent off with promo code 15CAMSYSTEM1
  • 7-Inch Monitor Full HD Surveillance System with Two Outdoor Cameras and Remote Access (model AWS3377): 15 percent off with promo code 15CAMSYSTEM2
  • Accessory Outdoor Camera for AWS337 and AWS3377 (model AWSC37): 15 percent off with promo code 15CAMERA
  • Home Security System Starter Kit with Control Hub, Built-In Siren, and Two Door/Window Sensors (model AHS612): 20 percent off with promo code 20STARTERKIT
  • Door/Window Sensor (model AHSS11): 20 percent off with promo code 20CONNECT
  • Remote Control with Panic Button (model AHSS21): 20 percent off with promo code 20REMOTE
  • Smart Power Switch (model AHSS41): 20 percent off with promo code 20PWRSWITCH

For additional information or to make a purchase, you can head over to the ALC Wireless website or to Amazon.

Filed in categories: News

Tagged:

This holiday season, let ALC Wireless security systems keep you and yours safe and sound originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 21, 2018 at 8:00 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

LifeShield DIY Home Security System review


REVIEW – For many years, I have been a firm believer in having a home security system not only for protection from theft but also from fires and other important events that can occur without warning. The LifeShield Security System seems to be feature packed and seems to have the potential to be the security system of choice for my home.

What is it?

The LifeShield DIY Home Security System is an all-in-one Do It Yourself security system that offers entry/exit protection, protection from fires and carbon monoxide (not offered as a device), video recording and image snapshots, as well as live monitoring.

What’s in the box

Depending on the package you order, the system comes in a large box that contains designated smaller boxes based on function. For this review, there are 4 boxes within the main box.



1 x Base Unit
1 x AC Power Supply Adapter
1 x Ethernet Cable
1 x Wall Mounting Bracket
1 x Phone Cable
1 x Wall Mounting Bracket
1 x Packet Wall Anchors and Screws
1 x Power cable and Wall Wart (Actually belongs to a component in Box 2 but came ion Box 1)
1 x Instruction Booklet



1 x Entry Keypad
1 x Stand
1 x Wall Mount
1 x Asus Tablet (Touch Control Panel)



2 x Motion Sensors
3 x Entry/Exit Sensors
1 x Keyfob Alarm Control
1 x Keyfob Case
1 x Fire Safety Sensor
Wall Anchors and Adhesive Mounting Strips



1 x Indoor Security Camera
1 x Camera Mount
1 x AC Adapter
1 x Ethernet Cable
1 x Wall Anchors and Screws

Design and features

Starting with the base unit, there is a mounting bracket that you attach to the wall and the base unit attaches to the bracket. You can also place the unit on a horizontal flat surface if you prefer not to mount it. At the bottom of the base unit, there is the AC power port, the Ethernet port, a telephone port, and an antenna jack. Neither the telephone port nor the antenna jack was used for this test and review.




The security pad also comes with a wall mount bracket that I decided to mount as well. I chose an appropriate area near my front door. At the back of the security pad, there are two back up AAA batteries and the AC adapter power jack. Conduits are built into the back of the unit to route the AC wire. On the front of the security pad, there is a numeric pad, one-touch function buttons, and the LCD status display screen.




A Keyfob remote control is also included. It allows you to arm and disarm the system, and to trigger the panic mode if necessary.


On the front of the included camera are the microphone, the lens, and the infrared sensor. This camera produces clear HD images that can be viewed as a single image or as a video via the app.



On the right side, there is a micro SD card slot for onboard recording. Much like cloud recording, the onboard SD card records based on your custom setup which can be set to record at specific dates and times or when a sensor is triggered.


LifeShield also sent a repeater with a built-in sounder to ensure that there is a strong signal from the base unit to all of the sensors and that the alarm is loud enough to attract the desired attention. On the surface of the repeater, there is a status LED and a sound vent. On one side, there is a reset button and the AC jack.


Performance

The alarm system arrived with all of the included sensors already paired to the base unit. The instructions are clear which makes the DIY process simple enough for anyone to accomplish the installation. The hardest part is figuring out the best location in your home for mounting the camera and the motion sensors. The entry/exit sensors go in the obvious places that would protect the exterior access to your premise. Three entry/exit sensors were included. In my case, I installed one on my front door, and one on my fire escape window. Since I live five floors up, the other windows are inherently safe. I decided to use another sensor on the door to my equipment safe. I have a few safes, and I am still contemplating the placement of the third sensor.


I installed the base unit first, and then in order, followed the instructions to set up the included tablet touchpad. There are packages that come without the Touchpad, so I would assume that if yours does not have the touchpad, you would move right on to the security pad. As you can see in the picture below, when you first install the system is in test mode. It remains this way for the first 7 days while you learn to use the system and become familiar with it. The security pad has the keypad to enter your security code, and buttons to are the systems in the available modes and also to disarm it. As a side note, you are also required to set up an account online via the following link: https://login.lifeshield.com/#/login


When the system is active, the LED around the “off” button turns blue.


I mounted one motion sensor on a corner wall of my living room and the other in the kitchen.



The Fire Saftey Sensor recognizes the alarm sound from your existing fire/Carbon Monoxide Sensor to trigger the Lifeshield alarm and to alert the live monitoring station. I use a Nest system, and I mounted the Fire Safety Sensor next to one of the units. The manufacturer suggests a distance of approximately 3 inches between the sensor and your smoke alarm unit.


Below are pictures of the touchpad that once setup allows you to control all of the functions and settings of the system.





App Screenshots


Notification Screenshots

What I like

  • The build quality of all of the components
  • The capabilities and flexibility of the system
  • The professional and prompt customer service
  • The types of integrated components that are available, like the Touchpad
  • The expansion capabilities

What can be improved

  • The package should include an integrated fire/carbon monoxide sensor unit
  • Possibly a slightly lower monthly live monitoring cost

Final thoughts

LifeShield DIY Home Security System is really a very easy system to set up and includes all of the necessary functionality to manage the system both locally and remotely via the app. There were a few times when I had to reach out to their customer service, and they were extremely responsive. The system is very responsive and while I did not trigger a real emergency response for obvious reasons, I did test the sensors in Test Mode. I do believe that the live monitoring would work well. This is a very good security system, and the quality of the included components is great. Overall, it gets two thumbs up!!

Price: 24/7 Professional Monitoring at $39.99 per month for 36 months. (Equipment included for free)
Where to buy: Lifeshield Website
Source: The sample for this review was provided by LifeShield.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged:

LifeShield DIY Home Security System review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 17, 2018 at 9:00 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.