Abode builds some of our favorite DIY home security systems—the Abode Smart Security Kit and the Abode Iota—and now the company is launching a new budget-priced home security camera that can be deployed independently or in conjunction with either of those gateways. Set to be priced at $34.99 when it ships in April, the compact Abode Cam 2 can be preordered this week for just $29.99.
The compact, cube-shaped camera measures just 1.97 x 1.97 x 1.97 inches and comes mounted to an articulated base. With a weatherization rating of IP65, the Abode Cam 2 can be deployed indoors or out, as it’s completely protected from dust ingress and can withstand being sprayed from a hose with a nozzle attached.
Abode says its compact camera records video in 1080p resolution and is equipped with a Starlight sensor that provides full-color night vision.
Abode
A Starlight sensor onboard the Abode Cam 2 home security camera enables full-color night vision.
Once connected to your home Wi-Fi network (2.4GHz only), the camera will send you alerts whenever motion or a person is detected, but you’ll only be able to see a live video feed—on a mobile device or on an Amazon Alexa- or Google Assistant-powered smart display—unless you subscribe to one of Abode’s service plans. In that case, the camera will record to the cloud 24/7 (you can turn this feature off if, for example, your ISP imposes a draconian data cap).
The company intends to add pet and package detection features to the camera later this year. Person-detection events—and later, pet- and package-detection events—will be indicated on a timeline to make them easier to find. Two-way audio support enables you to have a conversation with the person in front of the camera.
When deployed in conjunction with either of Abode’s gateways, the camera can be tied into Abode’s CUE automation system. This will enable users to incorporate it into smart home and home security “scenes” involving smart lights, smart locks, and other connected devices. While both of Abode’s existing gateways are Apple HomeKit compatible, the Abode Cam 2 will not be—at least not at launch. You can read all about Apple’s smart home ecosystem in this article.
Author: Michael Brown, Executive Editor, TechHive
Michael is TechHive's lead editor, with 30+ years of experience covering smart homes, home networking, and home audio/home theater. He holds a BA in Multimedia Journalism, authored the book Desktop Video Production, and was awarded Best Online Review by the Computer Press Association. Michael built a smart home in 2007 and used it as a real-world product-testing lab. Now living in the Pacific Northwest, he is converting his 1890 Victorian bungalow into a modern smart home. Michael has worked at CNET, PCWorld, Electronic Musician, and Maximum PC. As a freelancer, he contributed to New Media, Camcorder, MacWeek, and more.