Amazon to Permanently Disable Cloud Cam, Offers Affected Customers a Free Blink Mini and/or Echo

[MacRumors]

Amazon today announced that it is dropping support for its Cloud Cam indoor security camera, which launched in 2017. In an email, Amazon said customers will no longer be able to use the Cloud Cam and all companion apps starting December 2, 2022.

Cloud Cam users will be able to download any video recordings until December 2, 2022, at which point all video history will be deleted, according to Amazon's email.

Amazon said it has decided to focus its efforts on other smart home technologies, including its Ring and Blink lines of products. Amazon is offering customers who still actively use the Cloud Cam a complimentary Blink Mini indoor security camera and a one-year Blink Plus subscription plan, while customers who still actively use the Cloud Cam "Key Edition" that works with smart locks will also be eligible for a fourth-generation Echo as a substitute hub for connecting compatible smart locks via the Alexa app.

Update: MacRumors received the following statement from an Amazon spokesperson:

Starting on December 2, 2022, customers will no longer be able to use their Amazon Cloud Cam and Amazon Cloud Cam—Key Edition. Those still actively using their Cloud Cam will be eligible for a complementary Blink Mini and a full year of a Blink Subscription Plan; those still using Cloud Cam—Key Edition, will also be eligible for an Echo (4th Gen). We will continue to offer innovative smart home security solutions for our customers through Amazon’s Ring and Blink brands.

Article Link: Amazon to Permanently Disable Cloud Cam, Offers Affected Customers a Free Blink Mini and/or Echo

 

[jav6454]

I wonder if this was out of the blue due to something malicious as they are offering free replacements.

 

[elvisimprsntr]

Another abandoned IoT device that leaves consumers holding the bag

 

[Danfango]

Internet of Trash.

Amazon should be forced to buy them back and recycle them properly.

 

[Robert.Walter]

How very google of them.

 

[dannyyankou]

Yikes, only 5 years of support.

 

[Danfango]

Thinking about this, it's probably because their staff turnover is so high that anyone involved is probably working somewhere else by now. And the new guys went "pfft" and asked to be transferred to a new team.

 

[nwcs]

Physical goods are required to have 7 years of support for warranty and parts replacement (from date of last sale I believe). I think IOT should have the same requirements for services to be functional.

 

[cjgrif]

I just wish all of the camera device lines/companies that Amazon owns shared a plan. I installed Ring doorbells before Amazon bought them, and I still pay a separate subscription. I got a Blink camera for free a while ago, but never used it after seeing that would need a separate Blink plan for a lot of the functionality. I don't know why it hasn't all been integrated into some "Amazon Security Camera" service. Maybe someone out there is paying multiple subscription fees for similar services from the same parent company, but that's not going to be me. So maybe Amazon ending one product line to focusing on Ring and Blink is good news.

 

[icanhazmac]

I wonder how this device failed to spy enough on its owner for Amazon to just kill it like this?

 

[XXPP]

Companies invent cloud-dependent devices, and then realize after a few years that it does not make money.

 

[ElRojito]

This is one of the reasons I just manage my own NVR. So dumb.

 

[Phil77354]

More reason for me to be sticking with HomeKit and (so far at least) managing to avoid all use of other systems devices.

Especially Amazon and Alexa; while I like Amazon for some (well, many) kinds of shopping and am very happy with my (multiple) Kindles, no thanks to their (and Googles) non-HomeKit stuff.

 

[goobot]

I have hoobs so I have ring in my HomeKit but sucks they promised HomeKit support years ago and still nothing

 

[SatoshiX]

Is it possible to flash any open source/alternative firmware onto the Amazon Cloud Cam? That'd be nice...

 

[erikkfi]

More eWaste for the furnaces, guv'nah!

 

[harriska2]

I also maintain my own PVR using BlueIris. 11 years with a total cost of ownership of $1200. Works like a charm to this day.

 

[Ion-X]

Just a friendly reminder that Apple, Target, Best Buy, and many other retailers offer free e-waste recycling.

I just wish Amazon wouldn’t make more of it.

 

[w5jck]

Cloud cams are a ripoff, and this is a prime example! Better to buy cams that can save to SDcards and local storage servers. You don’t have to deal with EOL nonsense or anyone ever seeing the data, assuming you lock down your private network, nor do you get stuck with a subscription fee. You do have to use your brain though, and that might be a problem for some, but it isn’t rocket science so it isn’t that difficult to figure out.

 

[MacClueless]

Cloud cams are a ripoff...nor do you get stuck with a subscription fee.

They didn't HAVE a subscription fee... but don't let facts get in your way.

 

[MacClueless]

Internet of Trash.

Amazon should be forced to buy them back and recycle them properly.

Well, they effectively are buying them back.

 

[m_emelchenkov]

A wonderful world of corporate clouds… (looking at my personal server and smiling)

 

[turbineseaplane]

Another example of why I purchase basically none of these types of devices.

 

[Nordichund]

Another reason why I would never invest in anything in hardware to do with Amazon. I would feel like a real sucker if I did. Mind you Apple isn't exactly innocent here.

 

[svish]

Existing users should have been given a choice of products between Ring and Blink