A new upgrade for smart home cameras uses artificial intelligence to scare off thieves.
The update adds the ability to automatically detect intruder movement and sound an 80-decibel siren.
Gadgets like the Philips Hue Secure Flood Light Camera can scare off thieves. Credit: Amazon/Philips
This is part of a major upgrade for the Philips Hue Secure camera.
Popular gadgets include a combination of wired and wireless cameras (and outdoor floodlight cameras) that can detect motion.
But it can also distinguish between humans and animals and vehicles, and has a loud siren.
Therefore, you don't have to worry about your pet setting off the sensor at night.
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“Cameras and sensors can now be set to automatically trigger alerts,” Phillips explained.
“If you have a Secure Plan camera, you can also choose what type of movement triggers advanced AI-powered alerts, including people, animals, vehicles and packages.”
However, you must be a member of the Secure Plan.
That means it costs $39.99 or £34.99 per camera per year.
However, many users will likely find this a small price to pay for the benefits.
Of course, the Basic Secure plan also includes additional bonuses such as continuous video clip recording, activity zones, and 30 days of video history.
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It also incorporates AI-powered people, animal, vehicle and package detection that will be used in this new feature.
If you want coverage for all your cameras (plus 60 days of video recording), you'll need the Plus Secure plan, which costs about 2.5 times as much as the Basic plan.
To check if you have the new update, look for version 5.22 on your device.
Arm the alarm with a single tap on the (Secure) tile on the app's home panel.
The alarm can be sounded remotely using the app. Credit: Amazon/Philips
While this new update isn't a perfect defense against intruders, it may help scare them off or at least warn you of their movements.
You will also continue to receive periodic motion alerts via smartphone notifications.
They can also use the cameras to see exactly what's going on and shed light on what (or who) set off the siren.
The update is available now for both the iOS version of the app for iPhone on the Apple App Store, and for downloading the Android version on the Google Play Store.
A paid subscription also gives you access to AI motion detection and video history. Credit: Amazon/Philips
Philips Home Security Plans – The Difference Revealed
Here's what you get…
Free – $0 per year
Live Streaming Light and Sound Alarms Instant Motion Notifications End-to-End Video Encryption Blackout Zone Video Snapshot Camera – All Cameras
Basic – $39.99/year
Live streaming Light and sound alarms Instant motion notifications End-to-end video encryption Blackout zones Video snapshots Continuous video clip recording Activity zones AI-powered people, animal, vehicle and package detection Video history – 30 days Cameras – pay per camera
Plus – $99.99/year
Live streaming Light and sound alarms Instant motion notifications End-to-end video encryption Blackout zones Video snapshots Continuous video clip recording Activity zones AI-powered people, animals, vehicles and package detection Video history – 60 days Camera – All cameras
For automatic triggers to work, you must first set them up.
Also, be sure to select specific activities that will trigger the motion sensor, otherwise an animal such as a pet dog could set off the siren.