Skip to main content

Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

Swann introduces two new DIY home security systems for different budgets

You can never be too safe these days, and we’ve got another home security system to add to the collection. This one comes with some perks, like an app for remote viewing on all your devices.

Swann Security has just released a new line of cameras: The SwannCloud Plug & Play and the SwannCloud HD Pan & Tilt. Both cameras record and save 720p HD video and 1280 by 720 HD pictures. If you download the free SwanCloud app, you can actually save the media right to your phone or tablet or even control the Pan and Tilt’s 350-degree horizontal and 100-degree vertical motions.

Recommended Videos

For an added bonus, once you’ve recorded the video to your smartphone, you can stream it live or view it later.

If you really need that added comfort of knowing all’s well, the SwannCloud app will send you an e-mail if any action is detected by the cameras, including facial detection or damage to the camera. The SwannLink tech sets up in minutes with a unique QR code included with each one.

Since everyone’s looking for easy solutions to their home or business monitoring needs (who are we kidding — everyone is looking for easy solutions to everything) DIY monitoring systems have become a handy tool.

“With the new SwannCloud HD cameras, we are able to provide an easy and powerful security monitoring system paired with a user-friendly app so you have the tools you need to actively monitor and protect your home or office,” said Jeremy Stewart, Swann’s VP Global Marketing.

Some additional features include on-board infrared LEDs for night vision capabilities, light-sensor activated LEDs (12 on the Plug & Play, eight on the Pan & Tilt), and built-in microphones so you can hear sounds in real-time. Oh, and you can even yell at those pesky intruders to get off of your property by using the mic on your smartphone or tablet.

Both cameras are now available: The SwannCloud Pan & Tilt goes for $151 on Amazon and the SwannCloud HD Plug & Play for $110 on Amazon.

Nicolette Emmino
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Nicolette is a technology writer, but wishes the days of paperback books and print newspapers were still thriving. She’s a…
Roku rolls out its security camera monitoring feature
The Roku Smart Home camera webview.

On December 17, Roku began the process of automatically rolling out a new feature it had previously announced in October: tighter integration between the platform's operating system and security cameras. Once the update hits your Roku TV or streaming media device, you'll be able to:

Automatically cycle through camera feeds on your television, using motion detection to intelligently display the correct camera.
See additional notifications on the television when an event is detected. (You'll need to turn this on in settings.)
Be able to watch all your camera feeds from a website, on a computer, or on your phone or tablet.

Read more
Ring Protect rebrands to Ring Home and adds 24/7 recording
The Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 installed near a door.

Ring owners seeking to unlock everything their devices have to offer are likely familiar with Ring Protect Plans. By paying a monthly fee, you can access features such as 180-day video history, snapshot capture, and smart alerts. Today, Ring has officially rebranded Ring Protect to Ring Home -- and it’s gained some cool functionality while still retaining the same pricing structure.

Previously offered as Ring Protect Basic, Protect Plus, or Protect Pro, you’ll soon be greeted with Ring Home Basic ($5 per month), Home Standard ($10 per month), and Home Premium ($20 per month). All that’s changed here is the name, as your monthly payments will remain identical to the old Protect Plans. However, you can now add individual services to the Home Standard and Home Premium Plans -- so if you want to tack on a Virtual Security Guard or Alarm Professional Monitoring, you can do so for an extra fee.

Read more
Aqara shows off new smart home lineup with Matter support
A collage of the new Aqara products from IFA 2024.

Aqara offers a variety of smart home products, running the gamut from smart locks and sensors to smart lights and smart curtains. The brand is now ready to expand its catalog even further, with the reveal of several new smart home gadgets at IFA 2024. A common thread throughout the reveal was support for Matter -- making it easy for shoppers to integrate the devices with the rest of their home.

The Camera Hub G5 Pro is the standout product, as it's Aqara's first security camera built for outdoor use. Its 4MP camera captures color night vision and uses onboard AI to identify people, pets, vehicles, and packages, allowing for more accurate notifications when motion is detected. And since it's officially rated for outdoor use, you should have no problem finding a good spot for it on your property.

Read more