5 Home Security Apps and Software
November 19th, 2015
When it comes to home security, there are a few roads you can walk down if you want to ensure the safety of your home, belongings, and of course, family. One of the conventional methods of keeping your home safe is by installing security cameras or a home security system. But you could end up with quite a hefty bill if you opt for such a system, particularly if you’re looking at a back to base style security system. But you don’t need to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on security. Sometimes the answer could be right in the palm of your hand!
Nowadays, our trusty smartphones can even be used as a security device. If you upgrade your phone often, you may even have an older smartphone laying around that’s not getting used at all. This is a great opportunity to use it as a security tool by downloading an app onto it as well as your current device. As you may know, there are hundreds of apps on the App Store and Google Play stores, so we’ve listed our five favourite home security apps so you and your family can enjoy a safe summer.
1. Alfred
If you’re looking for an app that’s really easy to use and has little setup time, then Alfred may be the one for you. Just like Batman’s butler, the Alfred app can help look out for and secure your home. The app doesn’t require you to sign up for anything, and it really is as simple as downloading the app.
A great feature of Alfred is that you can select to either use the app on your device as a camera or a viewer. One of the best features we discovered is the motion detecting capabilities, so you can be sent snapshots when motion is detected on your camera. There’s also the option to see your camera in night vision mode, making it a lot easier to view if you have a camera setup to view outside your home. This app will also save motion activities on your device for up to two weeks.
2. i-Security
If you already have security cameras installed in your home, you can use i-Security on your Android device to tap into the live feed of your cameras, no matter where you are. The camera feed can be viewed over Wi-Fi or 3G/4G internet. i-Security is a great app if you want to check in on your home while you’re away on holidays or at work.
Although it’s not the most user friendly app out there, it is packed with a lot of great features. If you have a bit of time to learn how to use it, then it’s extremely worthwhile. If you have several sites with cameras setup (such as several offices or shops), you can easily set up multiple channels on this app, meaning you only need one app for all of your security logging needs.
3. iVideon
If you have iVideon cameras installed in your home, this app will work alongside your devices. The equipment and cameras are of high quality, and the app itself is simple to use. WIth cloud based storage, even if your devices are broken, data will still be stored in the cloud, making it useful for if the worst case scenario does happen. Although the cameras and equipment by iVideon are quite an investment, it’s a worthwhile one, particularly when coupled with this app. One of the great features is that you can also send audio back online, which is handy if you want to soothe a baby in the next room, for example.
4. AtHome Camera
This app is another simple and intuitive app, this time using a webcam on your laptop to check in on your home. All you need to do is download the software on your computer, then download the app version on your smartphone. Easily link the two together, and watch live streaming of your laptop camera on your smartphone when you leave home. One of the really great features of this is being able to talk through your phone to communicate with those back home, whether they’re intruders or pets who are up to no good. You even have the ability to record footage if you see something happening at home.
5. SalientEye Home Security Alarm
This app is great if you have an old phone lying around not in use. You can set it up to become your own personal home security system. SalientEye is extremely easy to use and doesn’t require any login information, and will immediately start recording when motion is detected.
You can also set this app up to send you SMS and email alerts to notify you when motion is detected in your home. The phone will also sound an alarm when motion is detected, deterring burglars from continuing the break in.