Security cameras continue to become easier to use as part of a larger smart home system. And if you’re looking for a feature-packed option that won’t break the bank, Aqara has unveiled a great choice in the Camera E1.
Aqara’s Camera E1: 2K Resolution and HomeKit Secure Video
Aqara has announced the Camera E1, an indoor camera with a budget-friendly price tag of $60. You canorder the Aqara Camera E1 from Amazon.
As outlined inAqara’s press release, he camera offers a wealth of great features to help keep an eye on your home.
Along with 2K resolution, the pan/tilt camera can provide a 360-degree look at the location with a single camera. It also offers night vision and two-way communication using the companion Aqara app.
You can receive smart alerts processed on-device that tell you when a person is detected. The app can filter motion events automatically, and you can also even start recording or trigger an automation when a person is detected.
Unlike other indoor cameras, there are multiple ways to store video without paying extra for a subscription. Twenty-four hours of encrypted cloud storage is provided for free. You can also store up to 512 GB of video locally with the camera’s microSD card slot. Video stored locally can also be backed up to a compatible NAS.
An automated privacy mode will pivot the lens and deactivate the camera. Audio recording from the microphone can also be manually disabled or using an automation.
End-to-End Encryption With Apple’s HomeKit Secure Video
The Camera E1 can be used with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit. But there is a nice perk for Apple fans—support for HomeKit Secure Video.
There are severaladvantages of HomeKit Secure Video. Footage is end-to-end encrypted and uses your existing iCloud+ storage. You can also customize notifications and even take advantage offacial recognition to show exactly who the camera sees.
Just to note, a downside of HomeKit Secure Video is that it only supports 1080p resolution.
Aqara’s Indoor Camera Provides Low-Cost Peace of Mind
No matter what smart home platform you use, the Aqara Camera E1 provides a great set of features in an inexpensive package. Support for HomeKit Secure Video also stands out for Apple HomeKit users.
