Amazon announce a home security camera and gives you a reason to need it

3 min. read

Published on October 25, 2017

published on October 25, 2017

Readers help support MSpoweruser. We may get a commission if you buy through our links.

Amazon has announced a new home security camera, the Amazon Cloud Cam.

While the indoor-only device does operate as a stand-alone product, it is most functional as part of Amazon’s new Key home delivery service, which would allow Amazon delivery staff to deliver products directly in your home by opening your front door which would need to be equipped with a compatible smart lock.

During this delivery process, the Cloud Cam would record a short clip, which is then sent to the owner to assure them nothing untoward took place. Notifications are sent to customers about when they can expect the delivery and when the driver pulls up at the home, meaning customers can also monitor the delivery in real time.

Compatible locks include locks from Yale and Kwikset, working with the camera over Zigbee.

Amazon is selling the locks and camera as a bundle for $249.99, which will include installation. The 1080P camera also features a microphone and speaker and will also work with the Echo Show and Amazon is offering a subscription service to store video clips in the cloud long term. The subscription service will activate more sophisticated features like motion detection, people detection, and zone monitoring.

“With intelligence that lives in the AWS cloud, over time you will see more advanced detection, alerts, and other new features become available in the service and on the camera itself, such as advanced audio alerts or pet detection, without having to purchase a new device,” said Amazon in a statement.

The basic purchase of a Cloud Cam gets you 24 hours of storage for video clips and support for three cameras with basic motion detection.

The subscription, however, comes in 3 flavours:

Basic ($6.99/mo, $69/yr) offers access to the last seven days of motion detection clips for up to three cameras
Extended ($9.99/mo, $99/yr) offers access to the last 14 days of motion detection clips for up to five cameras
Pro ($19.99/mo, $199/yr) offers access to the last 30 days of motion detection clips for up to 10 cameras

If you already own a compatible lock the camera can be had for only $120. Amazon will also offer a bulk discount for more cameras with a two-pack costing $199.99 or a three-pack $289.99.

The Key in-home delivery service is available for 10 million products in 37 cities in the USA where Amazon’s own employees, Amazon Logistics handle deliveries, but Amazon hopes to expand this soon.

The Key app will also facilitate normal smart lock features, such as granting access to relatives or friends and will also expand to support 1,200 service providers in 60 professions, such as dog walkers and cleaners, meaning more can be done while you are not at home.

See the service and camera demoed below: