Sure, you have heard of all the major home security systems. They protect your home while you are away; names like Nest Cam and Canary, but is there more you can do? Do you know you can use an old smart phone or tablet to secure your home? That’s right. With an internet connection and an aging device, you can keep track of what is going on at your place of residence. Need extra storage space? Just put your information in the cloud.
Now you have mobile apps that act as home security systems. There are a few established apps that you can download onto your old tablet or smart phone to turn them into always-on webcams. While some apps invite you to pay for extras, most of them are free. Some examples of free with a payment option apps you can rely on include Presence and iCam. But there is another option that is causing a stir in the industry.
Home Security Apps to the Rescue
There is a new Android beta app ready to keep an eye on your home. It is called Perch. While it is still in Beta testing, the developers hope to roll it out in full-version, and for iOS, very soon. Perch essentially allows you to turn your old smartphone into a security camera. And while it is not the only app on the market that does this, it is currently one of the most user-friendly. Perch allows you to see a live video feed and receive notifications during certain events. You can find it at the Google Play Store.
Another app you can turn to is called Alfred. The good thing about Alfred is that it is cross-platform, so you do not have to wait for it to come to iOS. It is already there. Alfred is also free and provides a live feed into your home. You can upgrade to a premium version, which provides a higher resolution feed, zoom capabilities, no ads and a 30-day cloud storage offering.
Other apps include Manything, Salient Eye, Presence, and IP Webcam. We live a new digital age where old smartphones can be so much more than just junk.
It’s All About Positioning
Once you have chosen the app and have the stream, it is time to position and set up the camera. Even better, if you have more than one old smartphone, you can set up a multiple-camera system in your home. In most cases, you can easily use a min-tripod mount or suction cup car mount. Glass surfaces in inconspicuous corners are great options for your new smartphone security camera.
People who break into homes usually look to steal smartphones. Never leave your smartphone security camera somewhere obvious. Put it in a high corner or out of sight, but somewhere without obstructed vision. Save money, save time, and re purpose your old smartphone by turning it into a security camera.