(Image Credit: Netatmo)
Netatmo has announced their Welcome security camera is set to receive two big upgrades in the form of 'Welcome Tags' and the ability to connect your Dropbox account for automatic cloud storage of video. We caught up with two Netatmo representatives who explained the significance of these announcements.
When it comes to smart home security cameras, the Netatmo Welcome holds a place in our hearts for its superb facial recognition and beautiful design. Where the camera fell short was in the reliance on local SD card storage; which meant if the card went missing the footage would be lost with it.
Netatmo has announced that users can now connect their Dropbox account for automatic upload of video clips to a trusted cloud storage provider. This solves a key issue whilst also ensuring users have the option to expand the storage to cater for their individual needs – with no upload limit set from Netatmo themselves.
As usual, the user has full control over what they want the Netatmo Welcome to alert and/or record with the power of their facial recognition algorithms. The recognition system has always set the Netatmo Welcome apart from rival smart home cameras as it prevents users being alerted with every movement and focuses on just those which are suspicious.
Netatmo is launching door/window sensors called 'Netatmo Tags' which further boosts their ecosystem's security credentials. The sensors are waterproof, last for a year before requiring a new battery, and have been designed to be installed at house entrance points. Whilst similar to many other door/window sensors available on the market, the Netatmo Tags are unique in their ability to detect vibrations which can indicate an intrusion attempt before anything is forced open.
In countries prone to heavy wind and rain I had some concern this could set off the vibration sensor of the Welcome Tags. Whilst not denying this could happen, Netatmo representatives assured the sensitivity of the tags can be adjusted to reduce the likelihood of false alerts. You can also switch off alerts if trusted people are in the home.
To use the Welcome Tags you will need the Welcome Cam, which acts like the hub. After pairing via Bluetooth at short-range the Welcome Tags use a WiFi frequency to communicate up to 80 meters away from the camera; either horizontally or vertically.
Dropbox integration launches today with an update to the Welcome App. The Welcome Tags are now available in packs of three for £89.99 on www.netatmo.com and at John Lewis, Dixons, B&Q and Maplin. Welcome Camera retails for £199 on Netatmo's web store and at John Lewis, Argos, Currys, Dixons and Shopdirect.
We'll have a full review of the Welcome Tags in the coming weeks. For now, here's our previous video review of the Welcome Cam:
What are your thoughts on Netatmo's latest announcements? Let us know in the comments.
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