Arlo’s A.I.-infused security cameras can recognize cars, pets, and packages

By AJ Dellinger Published October 26, 2018

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Most internet-connected cameras are branded as “smart,” but how smart are they really? Anyone who has ever received a false alarm notification triggered by a rogue squirrel might tell you, those cameras aren’t as smart as they seem. Arlo is trying to solve that problem by infusing its line of security cameras with artificial intelligence that gives them the ability to identify specific objects.

Recommended Videos

According to the company, the new A.I. infusion will allow Arlo security cameras to recognize animals, vehicles, and packages. The ability to spot these things will help to cut back on incidents where the camera is accidentally triggered by things that should be no cause for alarm.

It will also give users the ability to customize notifications in a way that better fits their needs. If you’re waiting for a package to arrive at your front door, Arlo cameras will be able to spot the box and let you know that it’s ready for you to bring in. If you’re keeping a close eye on your house, you can set up a notification to pop up when a car pulls into your driveway or when an animal has wandered its way into your yard.

“The introduction of animal, vehicle, and package detection to Arlo Smart marks the next generation of precise A.I. and video analytics offerings,” Pat Collins, senior vice president of Arlo products, said in a statement. “By leveraging the power of Arlo’s advanced A.I. and computer vision capabilities, our users can enjoy added peace of mind and convenience to tailor their notifications to only the important events they truly care about.”

The best part about Arlo’s new computer vision features is that it doesn’t require you to overhaul your hardware. The tools will roll out as part of the Arlo Smart subscription service that is available to Arlo camera owners and will work on existing devices. The subscription will run you as little as $3 per month and can range up to $15 per month depending on what features you’re looking for and how many cameras you have. If you’re already a paying subscriber to Arlo Smart, the features will show up at no extra cost.

Topics

Contributor

AJ Dellinger is a freelance reporter from Madison, Wisconsin with an affinity for all things tech. He has been published by…

Smart Home

Blink Mini 2 vs. Wyze Cam v4: Which is the better budget security camera?

The Wyze Cam v4 installed outside.

The Blink Mini 2 and Wyze Cam v4 are two of the most affordable security cameras available in 2024. Both offer a compact footprint and impressive filming resolutions, and both can be used indoors and outdoors. However, there are some major differences between these two budget-minded products -- and while frugal shoppers will find a lot to love about both, one of them is a better product for most homes.

Here's a look at the Blink Mini 2 and Wyze Cam v4 to help you decide which to purchase.
Pricing and monthly fees
The Blink Mini 2 costs $40 and is available in black or white. If you want to use the device outdoors, you'll need to pick up the Weather Resistant Adapter, which bumps the price to $50. You'll also want to spring for the Blink Basic Plan, which costs $3 per month, to access features like cloud history.

Smart Home

Ring is launching its first integrated pan-tilt security camera later this year

The Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam Starlight on a shelf.

Ring's catalog is growing a bit larger this month with the arrival of the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam on May 30. This marks the first time the company has released an integrated pan-tilt camera, and for shoppers seeking a device that can capture all corners of their room, it should be an enticing option.

Using the Ring app, you can control the viewing angle of the Pan-Tilt Cam remotely. Its motorized base can swivel up or down and pan left or right, allowing you to move the camera as you see fit. That allows for 360-degree horizontal coverage and 169-degree vertical tilt coverage. Ring says it designed the camera to deal with a variety of common situations experienced by its customers -- such as scanning a living room to check on a pet or attempting to monitor multiple doorways and windows throughout the home.

Smart Home

Blink Mini 2 vs. Ring Stick Up Cam Pro: Which is the best security camera?

The Ring Stick Up Cam Pro on display the 2023 Amazon Fall Devices and Services event.

The Blink Mini 2 is one of the cheapest security cameras you can buy. It's pretty well-rounded too. It's capable of filming in HD and offering support for outdoor use when paired with an optional accessory, making it a great choice for shoppers on a budget. That makes it wildly different from the Ring Stick Up Cam Pro, which carries a hefty price tag and supports both indoor and outdoor use right out of the box without the need to purchase a secondary accessory.

But is the Ring Stick Up Cam Pro a better investment than the affordable Blink Mini 2? From pricing and video resolution to the installation process and additional features, here's a look at the Blink Mini 2 and Ring Stick Up Cam Pro to help you decide which is the best choice for your home.
Pricing and monthly fees