How to use your smart display as a security camera
Intelligent displays and smart speakers make interactions withsmart home deviceseasier when you use voice commands. In addition, they let you listen to music, place calls, and perform other actions. Some of them, like theAmazon Echo Showsmart displays and the Google Nest Hub Max, have built-in cameras to facilitate video calls.
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Be safe at home without breaking the bank
How to use your Google Nest Hub Max as a security camera
The Google Nest Hub lineup is popular among Google Assistant users. It comes in two versions: the Nest Hub and Nest Hub Max. Only the latter features a built-in security camera.
If you have a Nest Hub Max, you can use the Nest Cam feature to access its camera remotely using the Google Home app on your iPhone or Android device and check what’s going on at home.
Before using the feature, you’ll need to set it up:
After it’s set up, open your Nest Hub tile from the Google Home App and tapView Nest Cam. You’ll see a live feed from your device and be able to talk and listen through it. Alternatively, say, “Hey Google, show me the living room,” from another smart home device or your phone to get a camera feed of that location and two-way audio functionality.
Nest Cam provides a three-hour window to get snapshots from the device when it detects an event. If you want access to full-on continuous recording instead of only a livestream, sign up forNest Aware, which costs $6 per month. You can save and share clips for up to 30 days on the Nest app, set up activity zones, and get automatic notifications when the device notices something unusual.
How to use your Amazon Echo Show as a security camera
You may be more of an Amazon Alexa person when it comes to smart technology. The devices offer lots of smart home integrations that can improve your setup. Like the Google Nest Hub, not all Amazon Echo Show devices can be used as a security camera, so make sure you have the right iteration to take advantage of Home Monitoring, Amazon’s security camera functionality.
The Echo Show 5 (2nd gen), Echo Show 8 (2nd gen), Echo Show 10 (3rd gen), and Echo Show 15 are compatible with the Home Monitoring feature. Now that you know you have a compatible device, follow these steps to use your Amazon Echo Show as a security camera.
First, you need to activate home monitoring on your device:
Now that you’ve turned on home monitoring, here’s how to access the live feed from your mobile device:
You can now access your Amazon Echo Show as a security camera, providing a live feed from that device’s camera. If you have the Echo Show 10, swivel the camera back and forth by swiping left and right on the screen. You can also useRing Modes, which better integrate multiple Ring devices for easier functionality.
Like Google, Amazon requires you to sign up for a subscription to get a continuous recording. The plan for these devices is called Amazon Protect, and it costs $3.99 per month for a video history of up to 180 days.
How to buy a standard security camera
While smart displays perform well with home security cameras, there’s no replacement for the real thing. The Google Nest Hub and the Echo Show have perks. Security cameras from companies likeRing and Arloare better equipped for home security because they’re built with home security functionality in mind. EvenNest camerasprovide a solid option that integrates seamlessly with Google Nest Hub.
Home security cameras are often weatherproof, so you can place them outside to monitor more than your living room. Additionally, they typically offer better connectivity because they don’t power a full-on smart display on top of recording your home. On top of that, home security cameras are portable, allowing you to place and mount them wherever you like. You no longer have to put them on the entryway table where they might be in the way.
Keep your home safe and secure
Smart displays are an excellent addition to a home security setup and let you keep an eye on your home when you’re away. They’re not meant to fully secure your home and can’t fully replace adedicated security camera. These feature advanced functionality, allowing you to recognize people in specific zones, and can be placed differently for an optimal view. If you’re looking for a way to secure your home reliably, it’s better to count on those rather than your smart display.
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