The Amazon Cloud Cam Reaches Its Best Price Yet For One Day Only
Amazon’s Cloud Cam Security Camera is designed to let you keep an eye on any room of your home no matter where you are, and for just one day only, you can snag one for your home at its best price in history. Woot’s one-day deal brings the first-generation Cloud Cam down to just $49.99 while supplies last. That saves you over 50% off its original price of $120, though it’s important to note that this model is not compatible with Amazon Key like the most recent model is.
Amazon Cloud Cam Hands
After testing Cloud Cam for a few months, we dove in with a comprehensive comparison of the indoor security camera. We compared it to Nest Cam, Canary, Logi Circle 2, and Arlo Q. We werent expecting much from Cloud Cam as it has a sub $120.00 price tag and is made by Amazon. However, we were thoroughly impressed and felt that the camera deserved a deeper dive.
Should You Be Worried About Privacy With Amazon Cloud Cam
Thats an interesting question. The official line is that your video is stored on Amazons servers and isnt shared with any third parties, and Amazon has a pretty good record on security.
However, we also know that a lot of Alexas intelligence comes from humans listening in, and in early 2018 Alexa accidentally sent an entire private conversation to someone in its owners address book an accident that, according to Amazons explanation, required an almost impossible combination of extremely unlikely circumstances.
So while you shouldn’t have to worry too much, if you are concerned about privacy then you might want to be careful about what you do in view of your Cloud Cam
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Blink Xt Vs Amazon Cloud Cam: Which Is Right For You
Last updated: by Patrick Sinclair
As home security camera systems continue to grow in popularity, they also become more effective, more efficient, and more affordable. These devices give users the peace of mind that allows them to feel safer and more secure whether they are at home or away. This and other reasons are why these smart cameras are in such high demand.
Two such smart security cameras are the Blink XT and the , which well review momentarily. For starters though, lets visit some of the reasons why folks may want to install a smart home security camera.
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What Are The Main Rivals To Amazon Cloud Cam
Googles the big one here: its Nest products include two indoor cameras, an outdoor camera and a doorbell. Theyre all more expensive than the Amazon Cloud Cam, though: the cheapest indoor camera is $199 / £159 / AU$249, although its sometimes discounted by retailers.
Like Amazon Cloud Cam, Nest cameras need a subscription to unlock their best features: theyre $5 / £4 / AU$7 per month for five days of video history, $10 / £8 / AU$14 for 10, or $30 / £24 / AU$30 for 30 days of recording.
Thats for one camera. Each additional camera requires a subscription too, and theyre billed at 50% of the normal cost so its $2.50 / £2 / AU$3.50 to $15 / £12 / AU$15 per additional camera per month.
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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 doubles the storage time to 14 days and supports up to five cameras, while Pro takes the storage up to 30 days and the number of cameras to 10.
Youll save a lot if you pay upfront for a year. The Basic plan is $6.99 a month or $69.99 a year, a saving of just under $14 Extended is $9.99 / $99.99, saving you just under $20 and Pro is $19.99 a month or $199.99 per year, a saving of just under $40.
How To Enable Sync Feature In Amazon Cloud Drive
Amazon provides you Amazon Cloud Drive, which help you to store files, documents, music, etc. to the cloud to secure your data. However, Amazon cloud drive does not offer file sync features in web while the app Amazon Photos for Windows/IOS/ Android supports sync feature.
Although Amazon Drive does not offer sync feature in web, you could still use it, here is how to enable sync feature in Amazon Photos application in Windows 10:
1. Open Amazon Photos interface, click Settings icon at the top right corner to go to Preferences.
2. Select Sync tab, and choose Enable Sync.
3. And the Amazon Photos will restart and your desktop will get Amazon Drive shortcut for you to sync. Amazon Photos will inform you to choose Amazon Drive Folder to save the sync files, and select Local Sync Folder , press Start sync button.
4. Choose Sync tab on the main window of Amazon Photos, and drag and drop your files to Amazon Photos, specify the location, and click Select, it will start sync now.
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Amazon’s Cloud Cam Should Work With Ring’s Alarm System
When I asked Ring whether its indoor security system worked with Amazon’s Cloud Cam indoor security camera, I got the following response:
“Ring Alarm does not work with Amazon Cloud Cam at this time. While I can’t comment on the roadmap at this time, what I can tell you is that we will make product decisions based on what will best empower Neighbors with an affordable, effective way to monitor their homes.”
The Ring Alarm Security Kit and the Amazon Cloud Cam should absolutely work together.
Ring’s current lineup includes the following products:
All of these devices, except for the Ring Alarm Security Kit, are weatherproof, and designed from the start to be used outdoors. Incorporating an indoor-only camera from Amazon into the mix that works with Alexa would be a obvious move to round out Ring’s current offerings, but it doesn’t work that way, and there are no stated plans to integrate the two.
Amazon Cloud Cam: What You Need To Know
Earlier today, Amazon introduced the world to its new in-home delivery service, Amazon Key. Operating as an integral part of Amazon Key is the new Cloud Cam, which will allow you to watch deliveries as they happen through the accompanying app. There are actually quite a few details about the Amazon Cloud Cam that are worth knowing before you decide to buy one, so lets dive into them.
The Cloud Cam captures 1080p video at at 30 frames per second with a 120-degree diagonal field of view. One of the most intriguing features about the Cloud Cam is that it also offers night vision, so you can still see whats happening in low or no light. Perhaps most importantly, you dont need to sign up for Amazon Key to be able to use the Cloud Cam though Amazon envisions the two going hand-in-hand, the Cloud Cam is available separately from the Amazon Key In-Home Kit.
The Cloud Cam includes a built-in microphone, allowing you to take advantage of two-way audio, but it can also be paired with an Alexa device like the Amazon Echo or Echo Show to extend those capabilities. Speaking of Alexa, you can also use Alexa commands to see a live feed of your camera on any supported device, such as Amazon Fire TV or your Fire Tablet. Such integration is to be expected, but with the , its Alexa capabilities kind of flew under the radar.
Basic : 7 days of backup for up to 3 camerasExtended : 14 days of backup for up to 5 camerasPro : 30 Days of backup for up to 10 cameras
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Amazon Bought Ring Months Ago Why Don’t Their Products Work Together Yet
I just reviewed the $199 Ring Alarm Security Kit — a solid home security system from . Ring’s existing video doorbells and weatherproof security cameras work with Amazon’s voice assistant, Alexa, but its new security system doesn’t.
You also can’t use Amazon’s excellent indoor-only Cloud Cam security camera as a component in the Ring security system, and Amazon’s Key in-home delivery service doesn’t integrate with any Ring devices. That’s a mistake.
Amazon should pay close attention to . and most of Nest’s smart home products work together. The recent departure of former Nest CEO Marwan Fawaz puts Google executive Rishi Chandra in charge of the smart-home brand. Having a Google employee running Nest strongly suggests a closer alignment between Google and Nest hardware in the future.
If Amazon and Ring were to take a similar approach, it would be much easier for consumers to understand where both companies stand in the smart-home space — and how their products could work together in their homes. As it is, you have two fairly segmented brands, both with a variety of smart home devices that don’t currently work seamlessly together.
Here’s what Amazon needs to do to fix it.
Amazon Cloud Cam Vs Arlo
Both Amazon Cloud Cam and Arlo cameras are two solid choices for security cameras in your home. If youre looking for crisp picture with two-way audio, you cant go wrong with either company. Both provide motion detection sensors inside the cameras, and the ability to receive alerts based on what the camera sees. They can even tell the difference between a pet and a person. You receive free cloud storage with both, but also have the option to pay for subscription to unlock more video storage and other advanced features.
When deciding on Arlo vs. Amazon Cloud Cam, you should choose based on the size of your home and personal needs. Our Security Nerd has examined both offerings and broken down the differences and similarities between the two so that you have the information you need to make the right decision.
| No professional monitoring |
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Amazons Way Into Your Home
As with anything Amazon does, though, the Cloud Cams raison detre comes back to getting you to shop more. See, you can upgrade your Cloud Cam to also work with Amazons Key program. Amazon Key lets you give a delivery person access to your door lock using a one-time code so they can drop your packages inside and then close the door behind them.
When you sign up for , the company provides you with a lock and a Cloud Cam Key Edition. But if you already own a Cloud Cam, you can purchase a cable that connects to the Key smartlock and begin using the service.
The Cloud Cam is an integral part of Amazon Key, as it allows homeowners to see that the delivery person dropping off their package isnt also making off with the fine china.
Ring’s Alarm System Should Work With Alexa
Ring’s Alarm Security Kit doesn’t work with any of the major voice assistants, despite being owned by Amazon.
In contrast:
- SimpliSafe’s home security system works with Alexa.
- The Abode security system works with both Alexa and Google Assistant.
I really like Ring’s security system, and one of its selling points is its simplicity. Even so, its lack of voice integrations is baffling. Being able to say, “Alexa, arm my alarm system” is a basic feature at this point for any DIY home security setup.
Given that Ring was slow to introduce its security system, the team had plenty of time to add Alexa voice control as an optional feature for folks with .
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How To Download Photos And Videos From Amazon Cloud Drive To Computer
Amazon Cloud Drive is an online storage service which allows you to backup photos, videos, music, documents to access from anywhere on any device. It offers 5 GB of free storage space to store photos, videos, documents and much more. You can upgrade your free 5 GB account to a paid yearly subscription plan for more storage space. Amazon Cloud Drive offers 20GB space for $10/year, 50GB space for $25/year, 100GB space for $50/year, 200GB space for $100/year, 500GB space for $250/year and 1000GB space for $500/year.
That Person Is Not A Person
None of this is unique to Amazons offering. The Nest Cam Indoor has the same features with a slightly wider field of view and sound detection, so if the camera hears a loud noise youll receive an alert. Amazons Cloud Cam cant do that.
What it can do, however, is learn over time using Amazons own Amazon Web Services. And thats good, because while the Cloud Cam detected movement in my apartment, it couldnt seem to differentiate between when my cats were wandering around and if someone was actually in my home.
Over the course of a day, I received a handful of notifications that said a person was detected when it was just my cat walking across my coffee table. The vast majority of the time the Cam knew the movement wasnt a person, but those false positives were still there.
Amazon, however, says that as the Cam is used, the software will become better at understanding the difference between pets and people.
The Cloud Cam also works with your Fire TV and Echo Show, so if you tell Alexa to show you the living room camera, youll instantly get a live feed of whats happening.
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What Google And Nest Are Doing Right
Google’s smart speakers, the , the Google Home Mini and the , all have voice integrations with the following Nest devices:
If you’re using a Nest security camera, for instance, you can ask your Google smart speaker to “Play your backyard camera on the living room TV.” You’ll need a -enabled display for this voice command to work . The Nest Cam IQ Indoor security camera also , so you can use it to ask general questions, as well as to control various smart devices in your home.
You can ask Google to arm your Nest Secure alarm system, or to give you a system status update. You can even instruct Google to “cancel security” if you change your mind seconds after arming your system with a previous voice command.
Ring doorbells work with Alexa in much the same way as Nest cameras with Google Assistant. You can say, “Alexa, show me the front door camera” to view the camera’s live feed on an or with a Fire TV Stick, but no Ring products have built-in Alexa speakers. And Ring’s security system still doesn’t work with Alexa at all.
You can also control the temperature of Nest thermostats with a Google speaker. Ask Google for the current temperature in your home, or to make it warmer or cooler. You can specify “68 degrees” or ask Google to “raise the temperature two degrees,” too.
What Is Amazon Cloud Cam
Amazon Cloud Cam is a wired, indoor home security camera. There are two versions of the camera, including a standalone camera and the Key Edition . The Key edition ships with a cable to connect it to a smart lock, which Prime members in select cities can use to activate Amazons in-home delivery service. You can always add the cable at a later time if you want.
Spec wise, Cloud Cam compares well to cameras that sell for nearly twice as much. It offers a 1080p resolution, films at 30 frames per second, offers a 4x digital zoom, night vision, live streaming, two-way audio, a motion sensor, and a 120° field of view. The camera lacks additional security sensors and battery backup. Instead of battery power, the camera is powered using a standard power outlet that connects to the cameras micro USB port. The camera ships with all necessary cables as well as a stand that can be placed on a flat surface or mounted.
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Needs A Louder/ Different Alert Sent To Phone When Motion Is Detected
Good video and audio. Quality night vision and fast/responsive alert of motion sent to iphone. The reason I bought the camera is to detect motion if someone opens the front door or walks near the steps after I go to sleep. The alert that is sent should be louder and be able to be changed so it will wake you up when motion is detected. If Im in a deep sleep a quick alert sound similar to receiving an email does not wake me up.. luckily it was only a family member staying up later than usual tripping the camera the times I havent woken up or Id possibly be robbed or in trouble.. *please add different alert sounds that would be effective in waking me up mid sleep, like an alarm where you have to physically turn it off or it will continue to alert you. If this feature is not added the camera will only serve the purpose of recording intruders when Im not home, but not protecting me from a possible burglary when asleep..
Motion And Sound Detection
Within the Cloud Cam app are a number of settings, most of which you can already find in other security cam apps.
You can opt to receive notifications if the camera detects motion, if it detects a person, or both. This worked as advertised I received one alert when one of my cats walked in front of the camera and a person notification when I walked in front of it.
A geofencing feature will turn the camera on automatically when your phone leaves a particular area and off when you get back home.
Zones let you specify areas within the camera’s field of view that let you ignore movement for example, if you just want to monitor a particular door and not an entire room, you can create zones to exclude everything but the door.
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