Latest news with #securityCameras
Geek Wire
25-06-2025
- Business
- Geek Wire
Former Amazon Devices VP joins Wyze as president and COO of smart-home hardware startup
Wyze President and COO Melissa Kirmayer Eamer. (Wyze Photo) Melissa Kirmayer Eamer, who spent nearly 20 years at Amazon, including as vice president of the company's Devices division, is the new president and chief operation officer at Wyze, the Seattle-area maker of smart-home security cameras and more. Kirmayer Eamer adds to the Amazon pedigree at Kirkland, Wash.-based Wyze, which was co-founded in 2017 by three veterans of the tech giant — CEO Yun Zhang, CMO Dave Crosby, and CPO Dongsheng Song. After leaving Amazon in 2019, Kirmayer Eamer spent a year as COO at beauty supply company Glossier before founding wellness/longevity clinic Modern Age, which was acquired in 2024. 'Amazon is a massive company, and in the 20 years that I was there I really started to miss that startupy feel of chaos and sort of building from scratch,' she told GeekWire. She called Wyze a 'perfect combination' of what she was looking for. 'The co-founders have the Amazon DNA of starting with a customer and working backwards,' Kirmayer Eamer said. 'And they have this business that's really built on the combination of hardware and magical software and making people's lives better.' Wyze originally started with security cameras but expanded to various other smart-home devices, now offering more than 70 different products, from light bulbs to vacuums to scales. The company raised $110 million in 2021 and ranks No. 18 on the GeekWire 200 list of top Pacific Northwest startups. Kirmayer Eamer, who oversaw product development and sales for Amazon's Kindle and Echo, said her goal is to lean on her experience from Amazon and help Wyze get to the next level and scale the business. 'When I think of the future of really being able to monitor what's going on with your safety, with your security, with your well-being, there's so much more surface area for us to cover,' she said. 'I'm really excited to help bring accessible devices into all of those segments.' Kirmayer Eamer's appointment follows a series of new product innovations from Wyze, including AI-powered video search capability and a 'NBD' Notifications Filter which uses AI-enabled descriptive alerts to identify events that are 'no big deal,' only sending notifications for events worthy of attention. Earlier this month Wyze released the Bulb Cam, which combines a lightbulb with a security camera to turn any light fixture into a motion-activated surveillance object. For its part, Amazon offers a variety of its own competing smart-home security devices from its subsidiaries, Ring, which it acquired in 2018, and Blink, which it acquired in 2017.
Forbes
24-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
TP-Link's New Tapo Cam Lineup Matter With The HomeBase H500
Tapo H500 and new cameras launched TP-Link is beefing up its Tapo smart home lineup with a raft of new security cameras, headlined by solar-powered 4K cameras, a clever dual-lens HybridCam, and a much anticipated smart hub that adds facial recognition and Matter support to the mix. The new Tapo Smart HomeBase H500, which was first teased 18 months ago at CES 2024, is finally here. More than just a local storage box and bridge with software smarts - as per companion hubs from the likes of Arlo and Reolink - the H500 is able to act as a Matter controller for third party devices too, so presumably you'll be able to create automations across the Tapo ecosystem and devices from other manufacturers. This being Matter though, there is a slight caveat in that it can't control all device types. The CSA gives brands the tools to support a huge range of categories and gadgets now but it's up to individual brands and platforms to implement those tools. In the case of the H500 it's limited to just lighting, sensors, switches, plugs, and door locks for now. We'd hope that more categories will be added down the line and, of course, you'd expect it to be all set for when security cameras do finally come to the Matter party. Aside from the Matter action, the H500 also boasts AI smarts, face tagging, and support for up to 16 Tapo cameras and 64 sensors. The new Tapo Smart HomeBase H500 (rear ports) It comes with 16GB of onboard storage and room to expand to a whopping 16TB via SATA, giving you the option to keep recordings completely local, with no subscription required. It connects via Ethernet or over dual-band Wi-Fi, and the H500 processes AI detection locally, so it can spot faces, vehicles, pets, and even track strangers across multiple cameras, without sending anything to the cloud. Cameras still aren't part of the Matter spec, as mentioned, so the Tapo cams only work with Alexa, Google Home, and SmartThings for now, but that's true of everyone else, too. On the camera front, the new Tapo MagCam 4K Solar (C460 KIT) and Tapo VistaCam 360 Solar (C660 KIT) are the standouts from a bumper launch. The new Tapo MagCam 4K Solar (C460 KIT) Both feature 8MP image quality, color night vision via a starlight sensor and F1.65 lens, and built-in solar panels so you don't have to mess with recharging every few weeks. TP-Link tells us they can run for up to 55 days on a full battery, and only need around 45 minutes of sunlight per day to stay topped up. The VistaCam model adds 360-degree pan/tilt control, while both support 24/7 recording to the H500 or a microSD card. If you're looking for something indoors, the Tapo RoomCam 360 (C260) brings the same 4K chops to an outlet-powered pan/tilt cam. It's got AI detection for people, pets, and vehicles, a physical privacy shutter, and can even listen out for specific sounds like crying babies or breaking glass. Tapo's new HybridCam Series is also pretty interesting, especially the $69.99 Tapo HybridCam Duo (C246D). It combines a fixed 125-degree wide-angle lens with a separate 6mm telephoto pan/tilt lens, so you can keep tabs on wide spaces and zoom in on details without needing two separate cameras. Smart tracking is built in, so if one lens spots movement, the other can automatically follow it. There are more affordable options in the lineup, too, with 1080p, 2K, and 3K pan/tilt versions starting at just $29.99. All support on-device AI detection, multi-mounting, and IP-rated weatherproofing. The wired VistaCam C560WS fills out the range at $99.99, offering facial recognition and 24/7 recording at 25fps, with night vision and pan/tilt control. All of these new Tapo cams can record locally, either via microSD cards or to the HomeBase, and include free AI-powered alerts for people, pets, and vehicles. No cloud subscription is required, although TP-Link still offers its optional Tapo Care service if you want offsite backups. With the HomeBase in place, you also get a bunch of extras like facial recognition across all Tapo cameras (even older non-AI ones), smart event categorization. There's also a dock for a tablet and TV integration is possible from its HDMI port for multi-camera live views. There's a built-in mic and speaker too, so the hub can double as an intercom for your cameras or video doorbells and it also has a 110dB alarm siren on board too. It's a big ecosystem push from TP-Link, especially with Matter support now baked into the H500. While the platform still doesn't cover cameras, that's on the roadmap so TP-Link is nicely placed to benefit. All the new cameras, along with the HomeBase H500, are available now on Amazon or direct from TP-Link.
CNET
12-06-2025
- CNET
Can You Legally Record Audio or Video on Your Security Camera? I Focus on These Rules
If you're thinking about installing a new security camera in your home, a legal question appears: Is it legal for you to record audio and video anywhere you want in your home? Are there limitations or the possibility of lawsuits from your neighbors? This is something I've thought about a lot as I've tested security cameras in all parts of my home for years. Owners must know when and where it's legal to record everything from their front yard and streets to friends, babysitters, and pet sitters. Breaking privacy laws could lead to fines, lawsuits and other huge headaches. I've gathered all the details below so you'll understand what to avoid and what's safe to do. Let's start with a key rule, the expectation of privacy. Read more: Want Better Home Security? Never Put Your Cameras in These Spots Public vs. private surveillance Common sense about privacy can keep you out of a lot of trouble. Lorex/Amazon First, let's talk about the most important rule when recording video (anywhere). The standard that the courts have widely adopted is called the "reasonable expectation of privacy" and it's very, very important. You can generally set up security cams in your home as you please, but you can't interfere with someone's reasonable expectation of privacy. In practice, that comes down to how people tend to use rooms. Surveilling living rooms, entryways, kitchens or dining rooms is fine because those rooms are more "public" spots used by everyone in the house and are generally highly visible. However, setting up a cam to record video in a bedroom, bathroom or changing room is usually considered illegal without explicit consent, even in your own home. People expect a higher level of privacy in these areas and the law agrees. Minor/dependent limitations also apply: Parents can monitor their baby's bedroom, for example. But when in doubt, apply the rule of a reasonable expectation of privacy. If you do need cams in more private areas, consider disabling them when guests are over. The expectation of privacy is even more important if neighbors are pointing security cameras at you. No one can film you without your permission on private property, like filming your backyard or through your windows. One vs. two-party consent Audio privacy laws are particularly strict if you want to save camera audio conversations. Luis Alvarez via Getty Now let's turn to the big rule in audio recording, which is your local consent laws. Because of the Federal Wiretap Act and similar legislation, states are divided into one-party and two-party/all-party consent laws. In a one-party consent state such as Colorado, Tennessee or Texas, one side of the conversation needs to give consent to be recorded, which makes it legal to record telephone calls you are part of and (in theory) two-way audio conversations you have through a camera. In two-party consent states such as California, Florida or Michigan, both or all sides need to give their consent to have their conservation recorded. It is never legal to record a conversation where no one is giving consent. This consent is usually a verbal affirmation at the beginning of a call or a separate acknowledgement that consent was given. Justia has a guide breaking down the rules by individual state where you can find more information. Four tips to record video in your home Video recording is legal in your home as long as you respect privacy. Lorex/Amazon Let's break down video capture, a primary goal of installing a security camera in your home. Today's cameras use motion detection and frequently have video storage options to automatically save video clips -- both to local storage and the cloud -- when they see people. These steps will help you know what to do. Step 1: Review your state laws Laws about surveillance can vary by state, so if you want to stay safe you need to start by looking up the laws in your own state. State websites, local law firms and others will often summarize these laws for you to save time. Here's a breakdown of California's law as an example. States may have specific laws about hiding security cameras, how you can use security camera recordings in court and if you need permits for specific kinds of security cameras. A few minutes of reading up can give you important parameters to follow. For example, the California law mentioned above has specific language about "intent to invade privacy" and intent to view "the body or undergarments" that can help clarify what's not allowed. Step 2: Follow the 'reasonable expectation of privacy' Don't record video in any area where people expect privacy. Keep recordings focused on common areas such as entryways, porches and primary rooms. Step 3: (For renters) Let the owner know about cameras Property owners broadly have the right to install security cameras on their private property, including inside homes that they own. They don't usually need a permit, either. If you aren't the property owner, the law gets less comfortable with you recording video. When renting, contact the owner of the property if you want to install a security camera and notify them, getting written permission if possible. Sometimes leases will have more specific information on who is in charge of security systems, while other leases have more leeway. Tenants usually have the right to install their own security cameras to watch over the personal space they're legally renting. But letting the owner know can precent future issues. Step 4: Notify guests about cameras, including short-term rentals If you have guests over, hire a nanny or have a friend staying over for a couple of weeks, let them know that you have security cameras, no matter where they are. It's polite and it avoids any chance you could be accused of hiding cameras and recording without consent. Important note: Other regulations can apply in certain circumstances. The best example is Airbnb, which in March 2024 banned all use of indoor security cameras (video doorbells, etc. should still be fine) by Airbnb hosts. Previously, Airbnb had allowed the use of indoor cams in some regions as long as guests were notified. The rules changed -- which is why it's important to look up the details if you aren't sure about the law. Four tips to record audio in your home Apps often offer ways to record or disable audio. Lorex/Amazon Audio recording is a different beast than video recording: It has more legal implications and is traditionally used often as evidence in courts. When audio is involved, people have extra protections. Our rules will help you stay within the bounds of the law. Step 1: Review your state laws (but even closer this time) Find out if your state is a one-party or two-party consent state and check if it has any specific language about recording audio, wiretapping and similar situations. Step 2: Exercise caution if your cam can record audio Camera apps often allow you to record audio -- if you have a Ring Protect plan, for example, you can usually record and download video and audio from a Ring doorbell, then keep it or share it with others. Eufy also gives you the option to record audio when a video is recorded. But recording audio without consent risks crossing an audio law red line, even if it's automatic. It's often up to users to go into apps and disable audio functions for legal safety. Even if a home cam theoretically saved incriminating audio, it might not be usable in court and could lead to countersuits or other problems. Step 3: Get or give consent for any recording If you really want to record audio, find a device that can do it and make sure people are giving consent to be recorded. We suggest getting permission from both sides of a conversation even in one-party consent states, just to stay safe and polite. That's how phone interviews are conducted, for example. Step 4: Avoid false pretenses when recording someone Federal law prohibits recording conversations with criminal or malicious intent and many state laws confirm that with similar wording. Avoid any accidental appearance of blackmail or similar scheming. That includes any effort to try to trick someone into having a certain conversation or saying certain words, or pretending to be someone you aren't while talking to another person. What about outdoor security cameras? Privacy laws apply to outdoor cams too, with a couple of extra considerations. Arlo/Amazon Outdoor security cameras are still on your property (or they should be) and they typically fall under the same laws as indoor cameras. As long as security cameras generally face public spots -- the front of your home, sidewalks and streets -- they fall well within the law. If you're the owner, you have the right to film your backyard and other parts of your property, too. However, you cannot film areas where other people have a reasonable expectation of privacy. That means you cannot film a neighbor's backyard or angle a camera so that it can record through their windows. Many cameras have privacy zones and other tricks you can use to avoid even the appearance of spying on someone. The same rules for audio also apply to outdoor cameras. You'll need one-party or two-party consent to record conversations. Security companies skip that hassle by only allowing live audio. That's why you can talk through your video doorbell, for instance, but can't set it up to record conversations. Finally, if you are renting, make sure to stop by our guide on the best security devices and tips if you're living with roommates, which can create another set of headaches when people start encroaching on your personal space.
CNET
07-06-2025
- CNET
My Top 5 Ways to Give Old Security Devices New Life
I know smart home security devices get worn out and replaced, with better features like AI detection. But that doesn't mean you need to give up on your old security tech. I switch out a whole lot of home devices in my reviews, so I'm always tinkering with ways to reuse or find more value in these products. Before you throw out old technology, I've got some ideas. CNET already has an excellent guide to turning an old phone into a security camera. "One of the best app options for setting up your phone as a security camera is Alfred," we confirmed. However, there's a lot more you can do. Before you consider recycling or donations, think about this. Turn a cam into a birdwatcher Outdoor cams can serve many purposes, including watching wildlife once their main job is through. Tyler Lacoma/CNET Security cameras eventually reach the end of their current life, especially when you upgrade to a higher resolution, choose to stop paying for video storage or move to a different home. But that doesn't mean the camera is destined for the dustbin: These cameras generally still have working motion detections and apps that support live view. If they're wireless, you still have the option to put them in many different spots. One of the most popular new uses for old security cams is a bird or wildlife watcher. You can post these cameras in front of a birdfeeder or salt lick, for instance, to get up-close views of what wildlife comes near, along with (if you prefer) notifications about their movement. Open your live view to take a look and nab a screenshot if you want. Bring an outdoor cam inside as a nanny cam The end-gen Arlo Essential Indoor cam is an all-around nanny cam winner. Arlo Outdoor security cams can run into major problems, including broken mounts, scratched lenses, poor fields of view or even legal troubles. If its time as an outdoor monitor has run out, don't throw it away: Bring that camera inside for another task. One effective job, even for a damaged camera, is keeping watch over a baby's crib, pet bed or other nanny cam job. You can set up the old cam on a shelf or nearby table without needing a mount, and even a damaged camera can get a clear enough view and activate motion alerts to let you know about disturbances or changes in behavior that need your attention. Revive a smart display as a digital photo frame Old smart displays are perfect digital photo albums. Amazon Whether you're worried about privacy, upgrading to a new model or choosing a new method of home control, smart displays can reach the end of their useful lives, too. But even if you don't use them to control smart homes, ask voice assistants questions, or watch videos anymore, they can still serve a purpose even if they aren't a central hub anymore. One of the best ways to use an old smart display is by converting it to a digital picture frame. All it needs is access to an outlet, and you can put the display on a shelf or table to showcase a favorite album of pictures, like an eternal screensaver of happy moments. Echo Shows, Nest Hubs, and Lenovo smart displays all have the ability to tap into online photo albums like Google Photos or Amazon albums that you can manage and adjust whenever you want. Then, you can enable a photo mode on the smart display to show them off. That could give your display years of extra service at no additional cost. Recruit a smart plug as an energy monitor device You'd be surprised how many new purposes you can find for an old smart plug. Eve If you're switching around appliances, lighting solutions or entertainment setups, you may find a smart plug or two you no longer use. In these cases, there's another way you can use smart plugs even if you aren't scheduling or controlling devices from afar. Most smart plugs can still work as energy monitors, giving you an idea of how much electricity any plug-in device in your home uses. Passive energy monitoring can be useful for spotting ways to save money or finding the real energy hogs in your home, but that's just the start. Even basic on/off functionality can have its uses as well, especially when it comes to safety. Some people, for example, like to recruit a smart plug where they plug in their blow-dryers or curlers so they can always know for certain if they are turned off or not. Others like to put one on small freezers, so they know if it has unexpectedly shut off. Retrofit an old home security system Wired home security systems don't have to stay forgotten with remnants of an old security system, especially a wired system that can't be easily removed, is more common than you'd think for new homeowners and renters. While you must be careful accessing these devices, you can often retrofit them with a smart upgrade to make them functional again and play well with app controls -- if you have the patience. The key is using a solution like which offers kits that convert old security alarm systems (and other things like old smart garage doors) into versions ready for Wi-Fi and advanced smart features. You can then use popular platforms like SmartThings, Home Assistant and Hubitat to control the security system with updated features. The only downside to this conversion is that it will require some DIY work, including wiring in the new panel. It's not going to work well with modern wireless security sensors, although those may be supported through Zigbee connections for other types of workarounds. Can I remove components from my smart home devices and use those? As an option to tinker around and learn about electronics, sure; as a way to reuse smart home technology -- don't expect anything. Hobbyists with the right tools, parts and coding platforms may be able to make something functional, but again, this is mostly for fun. And, of course, it will void your warranties and make products ineligible for trade-ins, donations, and so on. For more information, visit our guide on how to start making your home smarter, how to reduce the number of smart apps you have to use and how specific smart home devices can save you money.
CTV News
05-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
High stakes heist of U.S. jewelry store caught on camera
Thieves were caught on camera using a blowtorch to slice their way through a jewelry store's safes, escaping with hundreds of thousands worth of valuables.
