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

[FrankCT]

They probably will be asking to send those cams back to replace them with blink minis. I have 2 cloud cams. Email also included this.

FYI if you see my post, I spent 45 min with Amazon (transferred eight times) and they are claiming it is one camera per HH. I own 3 CloudCams so they are saying I have to eat the loss. They just kept saying the decision was made at the corporate level and to refer to the email I received. Clearly didn't want to do anything to make this right.

Also, the "free" camera link was not working for me and you need a subscription for the service which they claim is free for the first year but that also was not working. They could not figure it out and refused to escalate my issue.

Good luck!

 

[jav6454]

Just a note that if you see my post after my conversation with Amazon today they are offering ONE free replacement camera (I own three CloudCam cameras) so it looks like it is one per HH. Also, the link they sent me in the email did not work and Amazon could not figure out how to get it work.

So at this point I have zero free replacements and have a $375 loss on my cameras. Also, the new cameras require a subscription package (which they claim will be free for the one camera for the first year but again, no dice on that actually working).

Basically they really did several one-overs on your money.

 

[nickdalzell1]

This really makes the Harbor Freight 4-camera + DVR thing a better buy. At least those will work so long as your router never gives up!

 

[Apostolakis]

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:

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

i’m surprised that no one mentions that the blink camera they are offering for free to replace the cloud cam is not compatible with Amazon Key service.

 

[LittleByrdEee]

i’m surprised that no one mentions that the blink camera they are offering for free to replace the cloud cam is not compatible with Amazon Key service.

Oh that’s wild. They own Blink right? I have three Amazon Cloud Cameras. I’ve been offered only one Blink. I was a paying member for 4 years too. Total disrespect.

The cameras have been awesome. I’d hope someone could crack them so I could use on a local NAS

 

[CCuser2345]

I am also a long time cloud cam user and paid subscription. These cameras do EXACTLY what I need them to do. They detect humans and alarms and it shows up on your phone as an alert. I also have 3 of them. They pre-record so that you get a few seconds before the person or alarm sounds and then you get the entire clip with a few seconds after the event stops.

The system has a nice web interface and good app.


The blink mini camera apparently do not pre-record, so you miss the first few seconds of motion. They also do not identify and alarm (in my case I use it for a high water alarm and a smoke detector) and the biggest thing, the blink mini cameras are INFERIOR overall.

The only real alternative I see is nest as I'm done supporting amazon over this. I'm sure nest/google will do the same thing in 5 years, but for now it looks like I'm locked into it.

Had amazon given a similar ring camera for each one I'd still be on board, but to offer a 35 dollar camera for a 100+ dollar camera is an insult.

 

[Richdmoore]

I just found my cloud cam and hooked it back up. I had put it in the garage when I no longer needed a babycam, and forgot I still had it the last couple of years.

I am hoping to still get the free blink camera instead, I wonder if any one has had success after reactivating an older camera?

 

[kamranv]

Has anyone actually received the free Echo and Blink camera? It's been nearly 5 months since the original email promise was sent.

 

[addamas]

All Hail Home Assistant. Your IoT devices in your network on your server.

 

[Richdmoore]

Has anyone actually received the free Echo and Blink camera? It's been nearly 5 months since the original email promise was sent.

i know finding my camera then rehooking it up last week did not give me the offer. Has anyone figured out how to use the camera with alternative methods past the app shutdown, or is it a lost cause?

 

[nickdalzell1]

If it's anything like my IRIS by Lowe's cameras, they're dead, for all intents and purposes. I still got mine boxed, hoping someone can revive them like someone revived Wii connectivity, but so far no luck. I just can't accept e-waste or contributing to it. I got every smartphone I've owned, every headset, every tablet. Heck, every laptop. Neatly organized and tucked away 'just in case'.

Like RiiConnect24 did, it's possible someone can develop an app that acts like a gateway to 'fool' the cameras to work by fooling them to thinking they're connected to their cloud again, and that can be as simple as VPN redirecting to as complicated as rebuilding their entire infrastructure, depending on how they were coded.

 

[kamranv]

Hi All. Leaving this info to help set your expectations on what's going on with Cloud Cam.

After 1.5 hours of going back and forth with 6 (or 7) amazon reps regarding getting the promised equipment, I simply gave up just bought the promised 4th gen amazon echo myself. My eventual purpose of using Amazon Cloud Cam became remotely add and remove codes from my Kwikset Zigbee lock. I suppose this may be one of the reasons why they're discontinuing the service. (see my support conversation below for those who are interested. i hope it's helpful)

...when I got the Echo (gen 4), it did work in connecting with the lock via zigbee however there is one major part missing: the Alexa app will not manage the codes. I talked with support again (this time over the phone) and they confirmed that this feature doesn't exist in the Alexa app and that the only thing they can do is take a note for the developers to consider for future versions of Alexa to support adding/changing key codes on the lock. Read as = not gonna happen in time for the transition... or maybe ever.

so in the end, I just bought a new $300 yale lock. Sad thing is because this yale lock uses wi-fi directly, it means that battery replacement has to happen more often than the Zigbee lock.

The half-hearted email sent by amazon back in May is complete ********. They clearly didn't have a real plan and may not have one in the future.

This reminds me of the other smart home debacle that happened to me when Google acquired Revolv. I loved my Revolve smart hub. (sigh)

my amazon correspondence with amazon support is below... I know; "poor me" to have this issue on our "second home" Please try not to judge, just sharing in the hopes that you don't also wast your time with amazon on this nonsense:

Spoiler: Transcript

Messaging Assistant | Customer Service
Hi! It's Amazon's messaging assistant again.
So, what can I help you with?
11:38 PM
amazon key being discontinued
11:38 PM
Messaging Assistant | Customer Service
Ok, you can chat with an associate now or request a call back.
You can also go to your Customer Service hub to fix most things or to search help pages. What do you prefer?
11:39 PM
Chat with an associate now
11:39 PM
Messaging Assistant | Customer Service
If you have details you think would help the associate, type them here.
An associate will join the chat.
11:39 PM
A
Aleena has joined & will be ready to chat in just a minute.
Aleena | Customer Service
Hello KamranV, my name is Aleena I'm here to help you today.

A
11:39 PM
hi there. I have amazon key and got an email that it is being discontinued. there was an offer for a free amazon blink device+subscription as well as a free Echo dot. how do i actually redeem this?
11:40 PM
Aleena | Customer Service
May I know when did you receive the Email?
A
11:40 PM
may 27th.
To our valued Cloud Cam customer,

With your help over the last five years, Cloud Cam has served as a reliable indoor security camera and a hub for Amazon Key-compatible smart locks that work with Alexa. As the number of Alexa smart home devices continues to grow, we are focusing efforts on Ring, Blink, and other technologies that make your home smarter and simplify your everyday routines. Therefore, we have decided to no longer continue support for Amazon Cloud Cam and its companion apps.

What this means for you:
On December 2, 2022, you will no longer be able to use your Cloud Cam device or its companion apps. Until then, you will be able to download any video recordings if available. All video history will be deleted on December 2, 2022. Also, if you are using Cloud Cam – Key Edition as a Zigbee hub, you will no longer be able to use it to connect to compatible locks or manage pin codes in the Amazon Key app.

What’s next:
To thank you for your continuous support and feedback, we would like to offer you a complimentary Blink Mini and one-year Blink Subscription Plus Plan. Blink Mini offers customers an easy-to-use, indoor security camera experience with 1080p HD video, 2.4 GHz Wifi connectivity, night vision, motion detection, two-way audio, and works with Alexa. The Blink Subscription Plus Plan provides extra features and benefits for Blink devices – learn more https://support.blinkforhome.com/en...-blink-subscription-plan-through-amazon#plans.

Additionally, we would also like to offer you a free Echo (4th gen), which serves as a Zigbee hub so that you can remotely control your connected lock with Alexa.

Prior to December 2, 2022, you will receive detailed instructions on how to redeem your free Blink Mini and Blink Subscription Plus Plan along with a free Echo (4th gen) via email.

Downloading and deleting your video recordings:
To back up your videos from Cloud Cam app, go to Recorded Clips in the top right menu. Click on each individual video and click on the Download icon on the right side to save the video or click on the Trash icon next to it to delete the video. You could also delete all videos on Amazon Manage Your Content and Devices at any time.
If you have any questions about this, please reach out to customer service for additional information.

Sincerely,
The Amazon Cloud Cam team
11:41 PM
Aleena | Customer Service
Thank you for the information.
Let me connect you to a member of the team that will best be able to help you with this. It will only take a moment.
A
11:45 PM
thx
11:45 PM
S
Sangeetha has joined & will be ready to chat in just a minute.
Sangeetha | Customer Service
Hello, my name is Sangeetha. Please give me a moment to review the previous correspondence.
S
11:46 PM
okay
11:46 PM
Sangeetha | Customer Service
Thanks for waiting.
Just to be sure are you facing issue in accessing cloud cam?
S
11:51 PM
not right now but as of December you are cutting me off. This is installed at a second home and I need to address this issue asap, please.
11:55 PM
A
Anuja has joined & will be ready to chat in just a minute.
Anuja | Customer Service
Hello, my name is Anuja. I'm here to help you today.
Please allow me a minute to go through the previous correspondence.

I am still reading the above
Did you receive any email about this offer
of Echo dot
or blink
A
12:04 AM
yes. what is above is copy and paste from the email.
12:05 AM
Anuja | Customer Service
okay
After this
sorry
when did you receive this email?
A
12:05 AM
the date is above. May 27
12:06 AM
Anuja | Customer Service
okay
after that
you might received another email
on how to redeem this
please check that
A
12:06 AM
I have not and I need to redeem this now while we're at our second home, please.
12:07 AM
Anuja | Customer Service
Sure
however the email sent will help you
please check spam
A
12:08 AM
i have. it doesn't exist. only the original email. all it says is "If you have any questions about this, please reach out to customer service for additional information."
this is what I'm doing.
12:08 AM
Anuja | Customer Service
okay
let me check with my team
when was he subscription last active?
A
12:10 AM
there was not subscription. what are you talking about? it's just cloud cam.
I bought a camera and lock and that's that.
I've been using amazon cloud cam+key for years.
12:12 AM
Anuja | Customer Service
Give me a minute here
Let me check the eligibility
You don't need to do anything at this time. Another email with instructions to redeem your concession and recycle your Cloud Cam will be sent out later.
A
12:17 AM
well because this is installed at a second location, redeeming this without having disruption would require taking time away and paying for flights to get here. i can't keep waiting can you simply refund me for the cloud cam and lock, both of which I purchased from you?
12:19 AM
Anuja | Customer Service
Please help me with the order number
and I shall check
A
12:20 AM
xxx-xxxxxxx-xxxxxxx
12:20 AM
Anuja | Customer Service
checking
Its 4 years old
I cannot refund this order
A
12:21 AM
this is the very thing that amazon is discontinuing.
this is what I got the email for.
12:22 AM
Anuja had a technical issue. We're transferring you to a new associate, please wait.
P
Prakash has joined & will be ready to chat in just a minute.
what the heck?
12:22 AM
Prakash | Customer Service
Hello, my name is Prakash . I'm here to help you today.
Hi,KamranV
I am sorry and I will help you sure.
Please allow me a moment to see your previous correspondence.
May I ask you are you referring to ''freea amazon blink device+subscription as well as a free Echo dot. ' ?
P
12:24 AM
hey prakash. I feel like i'm getting thrown around here. please review above. I got an email that amazon is discontinuing a service that I've relied on for years with a promise to send me hardware to replace however the promise has still not come to fruition for nearly 5 months. I cannot keep waiting. If you cannot provide these things, can you please refund my original order as discussed just before I was disconnected from the last associate?
12:24 AM
Prakash | Customer Service
I am really sorry, I will help you sure.
Please allow me a moment let me see your previous correspondence.
Thanks, To confirm it says it will discontinue from December and so before you will receive an email to get to get free ''complimentary Blink Mini and one-year Blink Subscription Plus Plan. Blink Mini offers customers an easy-to-use, indoor security camera experience with 1080p HD video, 2.4 GHz Wifi connectivity, night vision, motion detection, two-way audio, and works with Alexa.'' Item. Is that fine ?
P
12:29 AM
As I mentioned to the other person, it has been 5 months and because i have this at a second home, I cannot continue to wait. Dealing with this issue will require a flight+time off at this point. i've been patiently waiting for instructions. It is october with less than 2 months before the service stops. To change over is not trivial and not something I can stop everything to do. Please help me resolve this now.
12:32 AM
A
Anuja has joined & will be ready to chat in just a minute.
Anuja | Customer Service
Hello, my name is Anuja. I'm here to help you today.
A
12:32 AM
are you kidding me? are you my 4th rep? This is a simple issue to resolve either please send me the gear or refund me for the devices I purchased.
12:33 AM
Anuja | Customer Service
I am really sorry
please wait for the email
we cannot refund the amount
once you have the offer email
you can contact us
A
12:33 AM
it is unacceptable to discontinue a service without giving proper time to change over systems. it has been 5 months since the announcement and less than 2 months before the service ends. If someone asked you to change customer service platforms under these timelines, would that be reasonable?
12:34 AM
Anuja | Customer Service
I have already checked with my team
Please check your inbox once again
or spam folder
A
12:35 AM
i have. no follow email exists.
12:35 AM
Anuja | Customer Service
Would request you to wait
please understand my limitations
A
12:36 AM
i have... for 5 MONTHS.
12:36 AM
Anuja | Customer Service
I am unable to refund it
A
12:36 AM
can you refund another lock that I purchased for this system?
order xxx-xxxxxxx-xxxxxxx
12:37 AM
Anuja | Customer Service
this is also 2 years ago
A
12:37 AM
Anuja had a technical issue. We're transferring you to a new associate, please wait.
K
Karthikeyan Prabakaran has joined & will be ready to chat in just a minute.
I'm relying on this system. you're giving me very little time to change over and again I've waited 5 months already. has a follow up email been sent or not? it seems that you're both implying that an email was sent and also that the email has not been sent and will be sent a later date.
12:39 AM
Karthikeyan Prabakaran | Customer Service
Hello, my name is Karthik. Please give me a moment to review the previous correspondence.

K
12:39 AM
can an agent please call me a this point. you're my 5th agent.
are you still there?
12:43 AM
Karthikeyan Prabakaran | Customer Service
Yes, KamranV.
Thank you for waiting, KamranV.
May I know the reason for refund for the 916 SmartCode Traditional Electronic Deadbolt with Zigbee Technology?
K
12:46 AM
this a lock used on the cloud cam/amazon lock system. Since it seems that there is not information or way for me to redeem the offer within a reasonable timeframe, I'd like to be refunded on the equipment that I purchased for the system that I being discontinued. further more it seems like the 5th generation amazon echo dot no longer supports zigbee technology so will support for that be discontinued as well?
12:48 AM
B
Bhargavi has joined & will be ready to chat in just a minute.
Bhargavi | Customer Service
Hello, my name is Bhargavi. I'm here to help you today.
B
12:48 AM
OH MY GOD. rep number 6 for "a technical issue"
what is going one?
*what is going on?
are you there?
is anyone going to help?
12:53 AM
Bhargavi | Customer Service
Checking your previous messages
give me 2 minutes
I do understand your concern
B
12:56 AM
thank you.
12:56 AM
Bhargavi | Customer Service
That was an email sent to all our customers having cloud cameras. It was an indication that the cameras can be used till 2nd december. Before that date, you will receive an email with promo link/code to get blink camera with 1 year subscription and an echo dot device.
Preparations were going on send out automated emails to our customers
Here issue is that we cannot provide the promo link or code to you as that will be auto generated by certain team. It cannot be issued for individual customers whoever requests it
If it was not sent to you by 2nd December, you can get back to us. So that we can check what exactly went wrong
and provide assistance with that
B
12:59 AM
it has been 5 months. Dec 2 is less than two months away. We (customers) need adequate time to change over or we must invest in another system. This is quite a reasonable expectation.
12:59 AM
Bhargavi | Customer Service
We can provide the info given to us but cannot issue promo codes or links to obtain the offer.
I've taken your issue as a feedback and I'd definitely forward it to the concerned team on priority.
It's you people who let us know what you exactly expect from a product or service.
I'd appreciate your effort in taking time to write to us.
B
1:00 AM
if you can't fulfill the promise then please refund my equipment so that I can buy something else.
1:01 AM
Bhargavi | Customer Service
We cannot refund old orders especially cloud cams when there is an offer to be rolled out in 2 months
this is not an individual offer to be issued whoever rushes or requests it
this is major thing to be assisted for lot of customers
B
1:04 AM
again, that timeline is unreasonable as it takes time to switch systems reliably, especially for folks like myself who have been relying on these systems remotely at second homes. what you're saying is unreasonable... and again, it has already been 5 MONTHS of waiting. You're just going to spring this on us all at once, last minute, during the holidays? Seems pretty evil to me.
1:04 AM
Bhargavi | Customer Service
I've provided the related info and unfortunately there is nothing we can do from our end. We need to follow our policies and I've provided info based on that
B
1:06 AM
Send

 

[SatoshiX]

I haven't received any communication from Amazon since that first email saying that instructions on how to receive the free Blink camera to replace my Amazon Cloud Camera would be forthcoming. Has anyone received the follow-up instructions or know how to request the free replacement camera?

 

[CabanaBanana432]

I haven't received any communication from Amazon since that first email saying that instructions on how to receive the free Blink camera to replace my Amazon Cloud Camera would be forthcoming. Has anyone received the follow-up instructions or know how to request the free replacement camera?

I haven't received any communication from Amazon since that first email saying that instructions on how to receive the free Blink camera to replace my Amazon Cloud Camera would be forthcoming. Has anyone received the follow-up instructions or know how to request the free replacement camera?

I haven’t. If anyone has please let us know!

 

[kamranv]

I got the email to redeem the gear finally on Friday, giving us less than a month to order and figure out if this works at all. I hope you enjoy stopping everything and skipping the holiday to figure this out

A few notes:
1. No matter what I do, the Blink redemption code doesn't work. Anyone else get theirs to work? The echo code works fine.
2. Not sure if others do this but I use the amazon cloud cam app to change+add codes to the lock remotely. The Echo does not do this.
3. there is no direct support for this. only the normal channels which take a while to get people up to speed on the issue. I haven't had a chance to connect with support on the redemption stuff yet.

To our valued Cloud Cam customer,

In late May, we sent an email informing you that as of December 2, 2022, we will no longer support Amazon Cloud Cam and its companion apps. To thank you for your continuous support and feedback, for every active Cloud Cam device you own, we would like to offer you a complimentary Blink Mini and a one-year Blink Subscription Plus Plan, which covers all devices under your Blink account. Additionally, for every active Cloud Cam – Key Edition device you own, we would also like to offer you a free Echo (4th gen), which serves as a Zigbee hub so that you can remotely control your connected lock with Alexa.

Redemption instructions:

Based on your active Cloud Cam device(s), here are the promo codes for you to redeem by January 26, 2023. Simply click on the product link below, then at checkout, copy and paste your personalized one-time code. Because each order only allows one promo code, if you have multiple devices, you will have to separately checkout for each device.

Blink Mini (Black or White) – XXXXXX
Echo (4th gen) (Charcoal, Glacier White, or Twilight Blue) – XXXXXXX

Any questions with redeeming your coupon(s), order status or delivery should be directed to Amazon Customer Service.

To redeem your free one-year Blink Subscription Plus Plan, simply login to your Amazon account associated with your email address and place your order. It will show as free at checkout. A Blink account is required to activate your subscription plan. More details on activation can be found at Blink Support.

Important to know:

As a reminder, you can download any available video recordings until December 2, 2022. All video history will be deleted after that date. Also, if you are using Cloud Cam – Key Edition as a Zigbee hub, you will no longer be able to use it to connect to compatible locks or manage pin codes in the Amazon Key app and Ring app.

About Blink Mini and Blink Subscription Plus Plan:

Blink Mini offers customers an easy-to-use, indoor security camera experience with 1080p HD video, 2.4 GHz Wifi connectivity, night vision, motion detection, two-way audio, and even works with Alexa. The Blink Subscription Plus Plan provides extra features and benefits for Blink devices – learn more here.

Managing your subscriptions and video recordings on your Cloud Cam:

Feel free to continue using your Cloud Cam until December 2, 2022, then follow the next steps to back up your videos from the Cloud Cam app. Go to Recorded Clips in the top right menu. Click on each individual video and click on the Download icon on the right side to save the video or click on the Trash icon next to it to delete the video. You could also delete all videos on Amazon Manage Your Content and Devices at any time.

Recycling your Cloud Cam:

We strongly encourage you to recycle the Cloud Cam devices once you have received your new devices through the Amazon Recycling program. Click here to generate a free UPS shipping label at your convenience. If you’re interested in performing a factory reset on your Amazon Cloud Cam device, click here to learn how.

If you have any questions about this, please reach out to customer service or check our Support page for additional information.

Sincerely,

The Amazon Cloud Cam team

 

[CabanaBanana432]

I got the email to redeem the gear finally on Friday, giving us less than a month to order and figure out if this works at all. I hope you enjoy stopping everything and skipping the holiday to figure this out

A few notes:
1. No matter what I do, the Blink redemption code doesn't work. Anyone else get theirs to work? The echo code works fine.
2. Not sure if others do this but I use the amazon cloud cam app to change+add codes to the lock remotely. The Echo does not do this.
3. there is no direct support for this. only the normal channels which take a while to get people up to speed on the issue. I haven't had a chance to connect with support on the redemption stuff yet.

The Blink code didn’t work for me either. Amazon support insisted I restart my computer and try again 🙄. Lol I knew that wouldn’t fix a redemption code. They said I need to call Blink at 781-332-5465 or 351-777-1285 to troubleshoot the issue. I haven’t had a chance to do that yet.