A new upgrade for smart home cameras is here, and it’s using artificial intelligence to scare off burglars. The update allows the cameras to automatically detect intruders moving and then sound an 80-decibel siren.
This major upgrade is for Philips Hue Secure cameras, which include a mix of wired and wireless options, as well as an outdoor floodlight camera. These cameras can detect motion and differentiate between a person, animal, or vehicle, triggering a loud siren.
“You can now set your cameras or sensors to trigger an alarm automatically,” explained Philips. “If you have a camera with a Secure plan, you can even choose which type of motion triggers an alarm with advanced, AI-powered alerts.”
To access this feature, you’ll need to be a Secure plan member, which costs $39.99 or £34.99 a year for a single camera. But many users will find it worth the price for the added security.
The update also includes back-to-back video clip recording, activity zones, and a 30-day video history. For even more coverage, there’s a Plus Secure plan available at a higher cost.
To check if you have the new update, look for version 5.22 on your devices. You can arm the alarm with a single tap on the Secure tile in your app’s Home panel.
While the new update isn’t fool-proof, it can help scare off intruders or alert you to motion. You’ll still receive regular motion alerts via smartphone notifications and can use the cameras to see what triggered the siren.
The update is available for both iOS and Android devices. Paid subscriptions offer additional features like AI motion detection and video history. Make sure to set up automatic triggers and specify which activities trigger the motion sensor to avoid false alarms from pets.