Arlo cameras get homekit, but not encrypted

The smart home provider Arloknown for his security solutions, several of his cameras made compatible with Apple’s Homekit. Firmware updates are available for the “latest” cameras, writes The blog The Ambient. These are the essential models of the second generation. Apple users had been waiting for a corresponding update since the devices were available; It was not certain for a long time whether it would happen at all.

Modern cameras supported

The models that receive the new firmware include the 2K Indoor Camera, the 2K Outdoor XL Camera and the 2K Video Doorbell. The prices start at 110 euros for the 2K indoor camera, but there are also packages with several cameras. However, an Arlo recorder alone is not enough, but a compatible Arlo base station (base station) or a so-called smart lub in the house must also be in the house.

If the firmware is on cameras and base station / hub, pictures of the devices will in future end up in Apple’s home app. You can view live feeds and get movement alarm messages. The two-way audio function is also available to communicate with one person in front of the camera. Arlo has also implemented a Siri language control, and the feeds-as usual with Homekit cameras-also land on Apple TV.

Arlo subscription from 6 euros a month

However, what is missing from the new Arlo firmware is the support for Homekit Secure Video, Apple’s in-house, safe storage technology for videos from surveillance cameras. The recordings in iCloud are encrypted, a corresponding iCloud+package (from 50 GB for a camera, 99 cents/month) is sufficient to use the system.

Why Arlo Homekit Secure Video does not support remains unclear – even (original) old cameras Like that of Netatmo have now received a corresponding update. Possibly Arlo wants to continue to be In-house “Secure” additive subscription To be able to sell that relies on your own infrastructure. The multi-cama package has been at least 13 euros a month since the beginning of the year, as a “plus” subscription with more functions even 19 euros. Individual cameras are supported for 6 euros. Without the subscription, there is only live video streaming in maximum HD in the Arlo app and “basic” movement messages.