Skip to main content

Do more with your smart home camera thanks to Canary firmware updates

Say Hello to Canary Talk
You may not have eyes in the back of your head, but Canary can make it seem as though you do. The smart home camera company released a firmware update that introduces three new and “highly coveted features” to the platform. Inspired by user requests and feedback, the three additions to Canary include an optimized Watch Live experience, two-way Canary Talk, and a web app update that allows you to stream content live to your desktop.

First and foremost comes the addition of Watch Live. Already one of Canary’s most useful and well-liked features, this live-stream functionality was not exactly live before. Rather, users had to endure a five-second delay in their video feeds, which while insignificant, could have presented an issue in the case of an emergency. But now, the company’s improved Watch Live experience actually gives users a real-time view of their homes. But don’t worry — just because latency has been reduced does not mean that Canary has gone soft on any data security measures. All video content remains immediately encrypted before it is uploaded to the Canary Cloud. This feature will become available to Canary owners this week.

Related Videos

Then, there is the introduction of Canary Talk. Available to those with Canary All-in-One users with Membership, this feature, as its name suggests, allows you to talk to folks in your home via the smart camera. To use the function, simply tap and hold the microphone button on your smartphone as you are watching live, and your home inhabitants will hear your voice. Once you release the button, you will be able to hear others’ responses (think of it as a 21st century walkie-talkie).

And if you want to have an impromptu conference call, you can do that through Canary Talk, too. If multiple members are using Canary Talk simultaneously, the app will display the active speaker.

Finally, Canary members can now use a web app to stream their video content from a desktop browser. Previously, content could only be seen from a mobile app, but Canary notes that this new medium “makes it easier than ever to keep an eye on the shop, nursery, workers in your home, or even the couch.”

Just remember to upgrade your Canary app to take advantage of all these new features.

Editors' Recommendations

New Windows 11 update adds ChatGPT-powered Bing AI to the taskbar
Microsoft has released a new Windows 11 feature that makes the OS photos app compatible with Apple's iClould.

Microsoft has just unveiled the latest update to Windows 11 which has already started rolling out. There are plenty of changes on the horizon, including those involving the ChatGPT-based Bing AI search.

The new update lets Windows 11 users communicate with the AI-powered version of Bing right in their taskbar. The AI model itself also seems to have received an update that might make conversing with it less bizarre.

Read more
The best smart home devices for 2023
An iRobot Roomba 694 next to a wall, vacuuming pet hair.

With hundreds of incredible products available, it can be intimidating to piece together a smart home. From smart displays and smart thermostats to smart light bulbs and video doorbells, not only are there tons of categories to browse, but each category is filled with highly reviewed products that can be difficult to distinguish from one another. If you’re in the market for a new smart home gadget or are just starting your smart home journey, there are tons of factors to consider.

If you need help navigating all the products, here’s a look at the best smart home devices of 2023 across a wide variety of categories. It’s hard to go wrong with products from big names like Ring, Arlo, Amazon, and Google, but if you need a bit more guidance, here are some of our top picks.
Voice assistant

Read more
Arlo Pro 4 vs. Arlo Pro 5S: which security camera comes out on top?
The Arlo Pro 4 home security camera installed outdoors.

Arlo is responsible for two of the best smart security cameras on the market -- the Arlo Pro 4 and the Arlo Pro 5S. The Pro 5S clocks in at $250, while the older Pro 4 is a bit cheaper at $200. But is it really worth dropping an extra $50 to snag the newer Arlo Pro 5S? From video quality and built-in extras to power usage and more, here’s everything you need to know about the Arlo Pro 4 and Arlo Pro 5S security cameras before making a purchase.
Resolution and night video

Both the Arlo Pro 4 and Arlo Pro 5S capture footage with a resolution of up to 2K. They also support HDR, making most images crisp and easy to decipher. You’ll also benefit from color night vision and a 160-degree viewing angle. In other words, both security cameras produce high-end footage that’s easy on the eyes.

Read more