Are you looking for a low-cost, DIY security system? Do you wonder what your pets are doing at home all day long? Do you want a great way to prank your coworkers?
Get the drop with Dropcam. It’s a hardware product and Web service, all wrapped into a easy-to-use technology package.
Hi, I’m Brian Jackson, and I’m on Dropcam. It’s easy to set up. Just plug it in with the USB cord, install a piece of software on the device, and select what Wi-Fi network you want to use. Then you just plug in Dropcam anywhere in range of that network and start spying – uh, I mean, monitoring. The cameras also come with mounts for permanent installation.
There’s two types of Dropcam you can buy for the service. One is a bit better than the other, but they have the same basic features. You get a wide angle view, low light vision, and a zoom-in capability. You can monitor sounds thanks to a microphone. You can even project your voice through the Dropcam with this little speaker. Turns out to be an awesome way to startle unsuspecting coworkers.
“Stop right there, Ankoo! Those donuts aren’t for you.”
“…Oh, my God!” (indistinct)
Dropcam can serve as an effective security solution. For example, I caught one of our videographers stealing this Justin Bieber poster. Motion detection will push alerts to you through app notifications, so you can quickly check to see if a burglar has broken into your apartment, or if it’s just the cat playing in a sunbeam.
My Dropcam’s use really goes beyond security. It’s a life-recording device, too. After I adopted a new kitten, I quickly became obsessed with monitoring it all day long. Dropcam helps me experience something that otherwise, I would have missed.
Thanks to the cloud video recorder, I can go back in time up to 30 days, and save memorable clips or post them directly to social media. You can also share your live camera feed with select individuals, or just make it publicly available, like this doggy daycare, the Ruff Club.
The base Dropcam costs $149, and Dropcam Pro costs $199. You can subscribe to the video recording service for one year at a cost of $99 for seven days of storage, or $299 for 30 days of storage.
For IT Business.ca, I’m Brian Jackson. Thanks for watching All Hands on Tech.