Netatmo Camera Advance: films nothing private, uploads nothing to the cloud
Geofence automations only activate Netatmo's new "Advance" indoor security camera when you are away from home. It saves clips locally.
Netatmo's new WLAN camera switches off automatically when household members are present.
(Image: Netatmo)
The smart home brand Netatmo has equipped its new Wi-Fi camera with special automatic features to ensure that security filming does not come at the expense of privacy. If you give the associated app access to your smartphone location, the Netatmo Indoor Camera Advance only monitors your home when no one from the household is present. For relatives or frequent guests without app access, there is an automatic function that reacts to saved faces. However, the manufacturer has dispensed with Apple's geofence function, which was previously standard with Netatmo cameras, in the new model.
"Netatmo Smart Privacy"
If the "Netatmo Smart Privacy" function is activated, mechanical protection darkens the camera lens if two conditions are met. These are: Household members with app location sharing have entered the geofence and their facial profiles previously stored in the camera have been recognized. Netatmo combines these two factors so that the camera only really goes off when you have entered the interior. This means that it can continue to keep an eye out for unwanted visitors while you are in the garden, for example, i.e. inside the geofence.
Relatives or household helpers who check on you irregularly, for example when you are on vacation, do not need an app with a configured geofence. There is an alternative for them, explained Netatmo product manager Florent Michalowski during a media conference. Their faces can also be saved. If they are recognized, a definable timer runs from a few minutes to a few hours. The camera then automatically removes the lens cap.
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The camera software can distinguish between people and animals. The image patterns are analyzed by AI-supported algorithms exclusively on the device, emphasized Netatmo. The camera saves recordings on the supplied 8 GB micro SD card or on a self-installed FTP server. Netatmo does not offer cloud storage, nor does it put any analysis functions behind a subscription payment barrier.
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The storage options are therefore almost identical to the previous Indoor Camera from 2015, but unlike this model, the new addition no longer supports the storage and geofencing of Apple HomeKit Secure Video. Netatmo explained that too few customers would be interested in this. However, the new model can also be integrated into Apple Home, Amazon Alexa and Google Home routines.
Updated hardware for 250 euros
Netatmo has slightly improved the camera hardware of the Advance model compared to the previous device. It now films 2K images with HDR contrast range and 30 frames per second. In addition to the 2.4 GHz frequency band, the camera also transmits the streams via Wi-Fi at 5 GHz. The lens has a field of view of 130 degrees and can digitally zoom 16x. With two microphones and a loudspeaker, the device can be used as an intercom system if required.
The camera is supplied with power either via USB-C or Power over Ethernet. Wall sockets with adapters for both connections are available as an option for 50 euros. Instead of mounting the camera on the wall, you can screw it to the ceiling or place it on a piece of furniture. The Netatmo Indoor Camera Advance itself costs 250 euros and will go on sale in white or black versions on February 19.
(vbr)
