When it comes to security cameras there’s a huge change taking place across the market. The shift to internet enabled wire-free cloud recording cameras like Arlo, Arlo Pro and Swann as well as Uniden getting in on the game has changed how accessible remote camera vision can be.
These systems rely on your home WiFi network to connect the cameras to the cloud, and allow a user to access video from an app no matter where you are in the world. What about those areas where you don’t have WiFi?
If you’ve got a boat at a marina nearby or on the other side of the country – how do you really know what’s going on?
If you’ve got a holiday home you only visit now and then – how can you be confident things are safe there?
Or what about those building sites around the country, huge investments and a real risk of damage and vandalism – how can you keep an eye on things?
Enter Netgear’s Arlo Go – This camera takes everything good about the Arlo Pro cameras and adds an important functionality – Mobile connectivity.
Inside the Arlo Go is a slot for a SIM card, as well as a space for a MicroSD card. MicroSD allows for on-device recording of any motion detected, and the 4G enabled connectivity means you don’t need to place it within range of a WiFi for it to work.
Setup is quite simple, using the Arlo app on your existing or new account, you simply charge the battery, put the SIM card in and follow some simple steps. The device then communicates exclusively using the Mobile SIM card – there is no option to use this on WiFi.
Remarkably, from that point – you can put it anywhere within mobile range. This might be in a tree at the top of the hill, on a pole at your construction site, inside your boat or on the wharf looking at your boat.
Motion alerts work just like the rest of the Arlo range, as does access to the stream.
Live viewing of the feed is only 2 seconds delayed, and allows for two way audio, listening to what’s being said in front of the camera, and even talking to the people standing there – no matter where you are.
Battery life seems very similar to the standard Arlos, with 3-4 months likely, though that always depends how often and how much you record. The battery is larger than the standard Arlo Pro cameras, that extra capacity helps power the mobile connection. Most likely the Arlo Go at $599 will be purchased alongside the Arlo Solar Panel which is $149. Combined, the two never need to be touched – ever.
Data usage is likewise hard to estimate. I’m told that 5 minutes of video recorded per day would amount to around 1GB of data per month. Perhaps best to look at a larger plan, or using pooled data on an existing mobile account.
I’m blown away by how easy this was to setup, and how reliable the stream is live and the integration with the rest of the Arlo ecosystem works.
Arlo Go (L) side by side with the Arlo Pro (R)
It’s not for everyone, it’s certainly not needed at home. But if you have a huge investment in a boat, house or construction somewhere else – the Arlo Go can be your eye-in-the-sky at any time of day.
JB Hi Fi has a limited amount of stock right now, more widespread distribution is coming early next year.
[schema type=”review” rev_name=”Arlo Go” rev_body=”All the amazing Arlo security camera functionality with added mobile connectivity..” author=”Trevor Long” pubdate=”2017-12-18″ user_review=”5″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]
