AppleInsider Staff
The first camera from D-Link's Wi-Fi camera range to be compatible with Apple's HomeKit, the Omna 180 Cam HD, is a network camera for the home that can stream encrypted 1080p video to iOS devices and the Apple TV.
The Omna 180 Cam HD offers a wide 180-degree field of view, with night vision using infrared to see up to 16 feet away from the lens.
Aside from streaming over the network, it can also store video clips locally onto a microSDXC card up to 128 gigabytes in size, minimizing network usage and avoiding the need to subscribe to a cloud storage service. A built-in microphone and speaker allows for two-way communication between the homeowner and anyone appearing on the video feed.
Once setup via the Apple Home app, video can be streamed with continual bitrate adjustments for optimal viewing from an iPhone or iPad. The onboard motion detection system can trigger alerts that can appear on the iOS lock screen, complete with a photograph, as well as automatically recording clips for later review.
The Omna 180 Cam HD can also interact with other HomeKit devices also through the Home app, prompting actions on other devices once movement is detected by the camera.
D-Link plans to ship the Omna 180 Cam HD in the first quarter of 2017, though has yet to confirm pricing. Other Wi-Fi cameras in the D-Link shop with similar specifications cost around $150, with the new launch likely to be priced in the same range.
Malcolm Owen
Christine McKee
Andrew Orr
William Gallagher
4 Comments
Does anyone know if these cameras are totally cable-free? Just bought the Blink 3-camera system and love that they're powered by 2 AA batteries, allowing me to place them anywhere, instead of just close to a power outlet. Alas, they're not HomeKit enabled.
I thought the HomeKit tech specs required wired for cameras, and specifically wouldn't allow battery cameras?
From a recent CNET article:
A limitation of the new HomeKit cameras is that they must all be hardwired. The new camera specification won't support battery-powered cameras.
https://www.cnet.com/news/expect-a-flood-of-smart-home-cameras-for-homekit-later-this-year/
FWIW D-Link was officially notified today that the Feds are filing charges against them for failing to secure their routers.
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2017/01/ftc-charges-d-link-put-consumers-privacy-risk-due-inadequate
This looks like a really nice product, but the on board memory card doesn't completely replace the need for cloud storage; if someone swipes the camera, you've lost the only chance of viewing footage of the thief!
Offline clip retrieval, of some description, remains an attractive option for many.