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Arlo Introduces Pro 4 Security Camera With Easier Wi-Fi Setup, But Lacks HomeKit at Launch [Updated]
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This is the thing that Netgear doesn't make particularly clear with the Arlo system that users NEED to know: most of the Arlo systems use their own Wi-Fi network, even if you don't want that. I have clients who have spend big $$ on Ubiquiti and mesh Wi-Fi networks who decide they want to use Arlo cams (their end-user advertising obviously works!), and I was aghast to find the first time I unboxed them that they wouldn't use the well-built-out UniFi network that I had just so painstakingly built out. Instead, you're supposed to patch-quilt base stations all over the place and create interference for your main Wi-Fi network. It's absurd. (Even if you have Netgear networking hardware, like Orbi!)
I'm glad to hear that Netgear has finally backtracked on that. But I'd not recommend Arlo gear. I can't speak to Eufy, though I like Anker hardware in general; I just also don't generally trust sending data to other companies' clouds, esp if they operate outside the US. (No, not "xenophobia", "law and order" and the "reach of the 'long arm of the law'".) Security cams are a wasteland of garbage in general (starting with Hikvision and Dahua), and IMHO Arlo hasn't added much. None of the other vendors—including Amazon/Nest/Ring/Blink and Ubiquiti Protect—impress me much though either. AFAIC, nobody has it "right" yet.
But the assumption that an available client Wi-Fi network is so deficient as to require another independent Wi-Fi network should just be a deal-breaker.
jesus. the fine print at the bottom of the ultra 2 page says homekit only works if you have a compatible base station. for $100 additional
so much for being able to connect the cameras directly to homekit with compatibility for apple's ability to store your video feeds in the cloud.
hardcore pass on this. i'd otherwise love 4k cameras for the business
so much for being able to connect the cameras directly to homekit with compatibility for apple's ability to store your video feeds in the cloud.
hardcore pass on this. i'd otherwise love 4k cameras for the business
Just purchased a EufyCam2 4 camera kit. So far, I like what I see. I like that the base station stores all the video, not cloud subscription needed. HomeKit integration seams a bit odd, but I'm still new to HomeKit camera integration. So far, batter life seems ok. Jury still out on that one as I've only had them a week.
I read the article and saw the page on Arlo's site, but I'm still not sure.
What's the difference between Arlo Pro 3 and 4?
If Arlo had decided to cancel the HomeKit implementation on my Pro 3, after 120 days I wouldn't be able to return it anymore. They held their promises about this though, and since it's already across all their lineup, it shouldn't be a problem regarding Pro 4.
What's the difference between Arlo Pro 3 and 4?
It wasn't THAT fast, it took about 4 months.
If Arlo had decided to cancel the HomeKit implementation on my Pro 3, after 120 days I wouldn't be able to return it anymore. They held their promises about this though, and since it's already across all their lineup, it shouldn't be a problem regarding Pro 4.
I'm trying the Netatmo... Doesn't have all the bells and whistles but has the basics and no subscriptions/cloud. Supports HomeKit. And yes it is a French company so I don't want to hear about freedom fries...
edit - and this is to replace Arlo Ultra...
edit - and this is to replace Arlo Ultra...
No Homekit, no deal.
Count me among the people who want Homekit Secure Video, and that's not Arlo's plan, so again, no deal.
I invested in Eufy about a month ago, and so far I'm relatively happy.
Count me among the people who want Homekit Secure Video, and that's not Arlo's plan, so again, no deal.
I invested in Eufy about a month ago, and so far I'm relatively happy.
Have had an Arlo for a couple years before HomeKit was available.
It’s fine but am looking to upgrade it because I prefer HomeKit comparability.
So Arlo, if you want to get my replacement business you need to get cracking on HomeKit!
It’s fine but am looking to upgrade it because I prefer HomeKit comparability.
So Arlo, if you want to get my replacement business you need to get cracking on HomeKit!
Don’t support companies on the basis of features they “may add” in the future. Support those that have it today, on shipping products. If it’s not important enough to be a launch feature it’s probably not important enough for them to add it properly down the road.
I did the same thing but went with Ring. Arlo setup was horrible - the base station won't let you choose the channel, so it *always* interferes with your existing network (even though it's terribly underpowered). Low-light performance was horrible - literally unusable. Maybe the update will help, but until they dump the base station concept, it's always going to be an also-ran.
Maybe because homekit is largely irrelevant. Initially, homekit never took off because Apple fumbled the launch badly by requiring specific, specialized hardware. By the time they reversed and went to a software implementation, the world had moved on. Add in Siri's uselessness, the overpriced homepod, and it's the 'Newton' of the modern apple ecosystem.
The answer is "follow the money". HomeKit Secure Video doesn't allow Arlo to charge you monthly for storage. They become a one-time hardware purchase.
This is what HomeKit secure router is for! I have eero and under HomeKit I can fully block eufy from leaving my local network.
You hit it right on the head. I have used a plethora of devices and non are great. I tired Eufy for a bit too. It had it's own problems.
On the topic of Wifi, I think having option would be good. Yes, if you a mesh network or did proper design, you shouldn't need a base station. But, there are cases where the wifi stinks or interior becomes challenging.
I got the arlo ultra about a year ago: the thing did not come cheap. One of the cameras stopped working after 9 months. When I contacted support they were so useless I eventually gave up. The other 2 surviving cameras need to be recharged every 4-5 days. When I need to download a recorded video, from Arlo website, it doesn't come with timestamp...
In Summary, expensive product, the quality and durability are not there, Customer Service is very very bad. I am sure there are others that are happy with this product but I will never buy an Arlo again.
In Summary, expensive product, the quality and durability are not there, Customer Service is very very bad. I am sure there are others that are happy with this product but I will never buy an Arlo again.
But homekit secure video IS HORRIBLE - when will that junk be fixed. It should not be allowed especially seeing as it is in the field of security.
I get a thousand notifications that there is movement when I am the one moving - it should never notify while i m home. This only happens some days - so even the bug is bugged.
Then I get NO notifications when there is movement and I am out (like when I know my cleaner arrives)
And dont get me started on trying to scroll through footage trying to find the 30 second clip I need.
Surely i am not alone with this...?
I get a thousand notifications that there is movement when I am the one moving - it should never notify while i m home. This only happens some days - so even the bug is bugged.
Then I get NO notifications when there is movement and I am out (like when I know my cleaner arrives)
And dont get me started on trying to scroll through footage trying to find the 30 second clip I need.
Surely i am not alone with this...?