Smartphones have become hugely popular over recent years, and part of their popularity is down to the truly innovative apps that can be used on them. The latest crop of apps can even allow you to use your smartphone to control a home security system, and in some cases the smartphone actually becomes the system.
Here is a round up of some of the best apps currently on the market that allow you to monitor your home remotely whether you are out at work or over the other side of the world.
1. Presence
Presence, a new app from People Power, was launched in April 2013. It is a free app that can be downloaded to any iOS device, which it then converts into a home video monitoring system.
The app requires two devices to work: One to be used as the home camera system, and the other to view the footage. For that reason, it is being seen as a good way to make use of old devices once the owners have upgraded to a newer device.
The devices both have to be connected to the internet to work properly, and the service provides real-time video and audio streaming, motion detection, and notifications. It requires no technical knowledge to set up, and it can send video clips via email when it detects movement so you can check whether it is anything serious before raising the alarm.
Although it is currently only available on iOS devices, an Android version is planned for release later in the year.
2. AirBeam
This is another app that works with iOS devices and allows you to view video and audio feeds of your home while you are out and about. Again, it converts iOS devices into surveillance cameras, and the footage can then be viewed on any other iOS devices, as well as on a Mac or a web browser.
There are plenty of uses for the app, which can be used as a baby monitor, a camera to keep an eye on your pets, or as a home security system. It also has motion and audio detectors, and shoots in high definition video. No configuration is necessary, making it simple to set up and use.
3. IZON
This app from Stem Innovation can be downloaded to iOS devices, but instead of using another device as the camera, you will need to purchase a separate IZON Wi-Fi Video Monitor. After you have set up the monitor in your home and downloaded the app, you can stream video and audio in real time to your device.
It is quick to set up and allows you to keep track on what is going on back at your home when you are not present. All it needs in order to work is a Wi-Fi connection, and you will then be able to keep track of what is going on as well as receive alerts triggered by motion and sounds.
4. iCam
This app from SKJM allows you to view multiple video and audio feeds remotely on your iOS or Android devices. It has been featured on Morning America, CNN, and elsewhere. You can use it to receive push notifications direct to your device and record what is happening in your home. You can also access the service from a web browser instead of a smartphone if you prefer. You will have to download some software to your computer to use iCam, but it is still very simple to set up.
Keep Your Home Secure the Easy Way
Smartphone apps are making it easier and more affordable than ever to protect your home by monitoring it remotely. Now you don’t need to set up an expensive security system because you can download a simple app and use the power of your smartphone to provide you with all of the features you need. Check a few of the above options out and keep your home more secure with ease.
