Arlo Introduces Pro 4 Security Camera With Easier Wi-Fi Setup, But Lacks HomeKit at Launch [Updated]

[MacRumors]

Accessory maker Arlo today introduced the Pro 4, a new version of its security camera that connects directly to Wi-Fi for easier setup as a standalone security solution, eliminating the need for a separate base station.

Like its Pro 3 predecessor, the Pro 4 features 2K video resolution with HDR, a 160-degree viewing angle, an integrated spotlight and siren, color night vision, two-way audio, and a wire-free, weather-resistant design. A removable, rechargeable battery continues to provide up to six months of battery life per charge.

Unfortunately, the Pro 4 is not compatible with HomeKit at launch, according to the Arlo website. The Pro 3 gained HomeKit support five months after it launched, so it is possible that the Pro 4 will receive HomeKit in a future software update. We've reached out to Arlo for comment on their HomeKit plans and we'll update this story if we hear back.

Arlo also introduced the Ultra 2, a new HomeKit-enabled security camera with improved range and connectivity compared to the original Ultra, expanding placement options beyond traditional cameras that require an outlet.

The Pro 4 is available for pre-order at Arlo.com and Best Buy starting today for $199.99, while Ultra 2 one- and two-camera kits start at $299.99 and are available for pre-order at Arlo.com, Best Buy, and Amazon. Each camera comes with a complimentary three-month Arlo Smart trial, providing extended 30-day rolling cloud storage for video recordings.

Update: Arlo informed MacRumors that it is "working to have Apple HomeKit available on products," but it has no updates to share regarding the Pro 4 at this time.

Article Link: Arlo Introduces Pro 4 Security Camera With Easier Wi-Fi Setup, But Lacks HomeKit at Launch [Updated]

 

[max2]

Good to hear about not needing base.

 

[AustinIllini]

No homekit, no deal for me

 

[whyamihere]

Surprising HomeKit isn't ready for launch. But it's a good sign how quickly they added it to the Pro 3.

 

[macsplusmacs]

I went 4K arlo this past january.

The worst consumer electronics experience in quite a while. So slow to start. so many base station issues.

I have great internet and great routers.

I gave up on them and went Eufy Pro 2 cams.

A dream compared to Arlo.

A dream......


Love to Eufy!

 

[eliaz]

You won’t hear back from Arlo for at least a few months, if that. Their attention to the customer and issues is horrible... I bought a 4 pack of Arlo Ultras and it’s just been one issue after another. I’m slowly going to phase them out for something by Eufy or any other company.

 

[btbeme]

I bought a 4 camera Arlo Pro 3 setup a couple months ago. It came with one small solar panel to charge one of the cameras (outdoor obviously). While the setup and connection process was quite easy and HomeKit was very much appreciated, I found the battery life to be seriously lacking.

Arlo says “up to six months” of battery life and I expected that half of that would be more realistic. I barely got two weeks of use, even when dialing back the settings. Apparently, these cameras would be of better use in an area where motion is rare or unexpected rather than an area you are trying to monitor. Motion detection and the subsequent recording, etc kill the battery quickly.

Nice cameras, but without power I found them of limited value. Of course, one could buy the extra charge cables, etc needed to power these, as even the solar panel struggled to keep up with the load, but that adds another $150 to an already expensive setup. I returned them. I’ll find a regular system I like and run the necessary cabling.

 

[PsykX]

OK for HomeKit, but Arlo lacks HomeKit Secure Video. THIS is what users really want in the HomeKit ecosystem.
Arlo Smart Plans are overly expensive. Too bad because Arlo has the best hardware on the market.

 

[fujitasenpai]

My Arlo Pro 2 cameras were one of the worst purchase I've made. So many issues with them. Same with @eliaz I'm in the process of phasing them out as well.

 

[eliaz]

What a meaningful quote by Arlo. I would expect nothing less than basically acknowledging your question and giving no actual answer. Happy to hear I’m not the only one here suffering through a less than stellar purchase. Good luck @fujitasenpai

 

[macsplusmacs]

I bought a 4 camera Arlo Pro 3 set up a couple of months ago. It came with one small solar panel to charge one of the cameras (outdoor obviously). While the setup and connection process was quite easy and HomeKit was very much appreciated, I found the battery life to be seriously lacking.

Arlo says “up to six months” of battery life and I expected that half of that would be more realistic. I barely got two weeks of use, even when dialing back the settings. Apparently, these cameras would be of better use in an area where motion is rare or unexpected rather than an area you are trying to monitor. Motion detection and the subsequent recording, etc kill the battery quickly.

Nice cameras, but without power, I found them of limited value. Of course, one could buy the extra charge cables, etc needed to power these, as even the solar panel struggled to keep up with the load, but that adds another $150 to an already expensive setup. I returned them. I’ll find a regular system I like and run the necessary cabling.

Totally forgot that. Add to my experience batteries that last NO WHERE near where Arlo claims in my setup.

It's like you need your camera pointed at an empty field to get the battery length they claim.

 

[MvdM]

Rumors go Apple charges them 30% of the selling price to enable homekit.

 

[Pipper99]

I went 4K arlo this past january.

The worst consumer electronics experience in quite a while. So slow to start. so many base station issues.

I have great internet and great routers.

I gave up on them and went Eufy Pro 2 cams.

A dream compared to Arlo.

A dream......


Love to Eufy!

good to hear: I went with Eufycam Pro 2 as well a couple of weeks ago.

 

[Idgac Mal]

I went 4K arlo this past january.

The worst consumer electronics experience in quite a while. So slow to start. so many base station issues.

I have great internet and great routers.

I gave up on them and went Eufy Pro 2 cams.

A dream compared to Arlo.

A dream......


Love to Eufy!

I thought Anker is China company ?

 

[macsplusmacs]

I thought Anker is China company ?

So?

Are you saying ALL Chinese companies that make video cameras spy on Americans?

Look up the term: Xenophobic

 

[jbpiv3]

Returned my Arlos after one day. Arlo charges Monthly fee to use features my bee Eufy’s has for free.

 

[macsplusmacs]

Returned my Arlos after one day. Arlo charges Monthly fee to use features my bee Eufy’s has for free.

Great point!

I forgot about that. While I don't mind paying a monthly fee if I get that back in value.

Arlo gave me none.

I therefore will be saving $150 or so a year by going the Eufy cams.
[automerge]1601997692[/automerge]

 

[jbpiv3]

Returned my Arlos after one day. Arlo charges Monthly fee to use features my bee Eufy’s has for free.

 

[gavroche]

I went 4K arlo this past january.

The worst consumer electronics experience in quite a while. So slow to start. so many base station issues.

I have great internet and great routers.

I gave up on them and went Eufy Pro 2 cams.

A dream compared to Arlo.

A dream......


Love to Eufy!

I also was looking to switch... and got a two camera kit of the Blink cameras (Amazon owned). They were very easy to set up amd I like the app better. $139 for two at Best Buy right now. That’s for the old version... but the newer version appears to be largely identical, and requires cloud subscription (similar to Arlo the new versions)

 

[lederermc]

I'm using Homebridge for all my cameras. If this has RTSP and a snapshot via http then it's as compatible as all most other cameras. The one HomeKit only camera I had was a piece of crap.

 

[EvanBatter]

OK for HomeKit, but Arlo lacks HomeKit Secure Video. THIS is what users really want in the HomeKit ecosystem.
Arlo Smart Plans are overly expensive. Too bad because Arlo has the best hardware on the market.

Exactly! It would be great if the article could be updated to make clear that ARLO ist not saying that HSV will be supported. Arlo is really silent about this topic in its support-forums and a lot of users are asking for HSV.
Standard HomeKit-support from ARLO is quite useless - you can just see the camera-stream and not even turn them on or off (experienced this with my Arlo Pro 2 system).

 

[joecomo]

Their only interest seems to be in selling their subscription services - going forward I will look into Anker Eufy

 

[GIZBUG]

Why would you release a product, in late 2020, with no HomeKit support at launch? 😕

 

[redgreenski]

No thank you. I don’t do half baked products.
Also my last camera from Arlo was disconnecting 1-2 times per day. Each time I had to manually pair the cameras for them to work.

 

[rictus007]

So?

Are you saying ALL Chinese companies that make video cameras spy on Americans?

Look up the term: Xenophobic

I’m aware that American companies/NSA spy on us.... but sometimes I notice that some Chinese tech, specially for surveillance “call Home” too often... and too many encrypted packages (uploaded to some server in China). I once bought a surveillance camera at Amazon (some well know brand), I noticed the problem and contacted their support. They told me that this camera was not supposed to be sold in the American market. Short story I’m a regular guy who had few DoS attack at my home after staring to use these cameras. We might have a Cold War with China - so I’m staying away from their products (almost impossible)