Does SimpliSafe have an outdoor camera? How Can You Use Yours?

A significant expansion into the great outdoors is being undertaken by SimpliSafe. Since quite some time ago, we have been big supporters of the SimpliSafe brand of home security systems. However, one of the elements that has been lacking from such systems is a camera with a good resolution for use outside. Outside cameras are an essential component of any security system, but we also want to be able to monitor the area immediately around our building. This indicates that we should have eyes on the exterior of our house in addition to the ones we already have on the inside. The most important question is: how does this new outdoor camera from SimpliSafe compare to similar products on the market? We put it through its paces, and we have all the necessary information on how it functioned during the process. Continue reading to find out more.

Principal Attributes

The SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera is undeniably a product that has a pleasing aesthetic. The camera itself is a cylinder that is white on the outside and has a black face. It is supported by a unique-looking mount that is circular and black. This mount has a contemporary and streamlined appearance. The aesthetics of this camera are undeniably appealing, but it has much more than just a nice face. It is equipped with many remarkable features.

Outdoor Rated

Let’s begin with the most significant aspect of this camera, which is its capacity to function in natural environments. The SimpliSafe SimpliCam has been on the market for years, and it has always been regarded as a respectable choice for the recording of activities that take place inside. However, up until this point, for us to carry out outside monitoring, we were required to buy a kit that would convert the interior camera into an outdoor camera. That wasn’t exactly the most effective course of action to take.

How Reliable Is It as an Outdoor Camera?

The answer is unequivocally yes. How do we know? For starters, we didn’t need a kit. The outdoor camera has a mount that can be attached to a surface outside and functions quite well in its current configuration. Most significantly, this camera has an IP65 rating, which means it can be used outside. This ensures that it is impervious to any kind of airborne particulate matter and is capable of withstanding low-pressure water jets (think heavy rain). In addition, the SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera can function in temperatures ranging from -20 degrees Celsius to 45 degrees Celsius (-23 degrees Fahrenheit to 111 degrees Celsius).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ules3Zewa64

Built-in Siren

The latest outdoor camera from SimpliSafe has an integrated alarm siren in its design. The notion that we could choose how to put it to use was quite appealing to us. We programmed it to sound an alarm if the camera picked up any motion, which made it a useful tool for warding off any possible burglars. We also had the option of putting it in quiet mode. There are times when we wish to secretly record what is going on on our front porch without letting anybody else know that we are doing it.

Image Quality

The video resolution of the SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera may reach up to 1080p HD quality. These days, it is the norm across all industries. There are several excellent cameras on the market with resolutions as high as 4K, such as the Arlo Ultra, but 1080p HD gives very clear pictures, and we do not want a 4K screen to see them.

In addition, the SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera has a field of vision that spans 140 degrees. We anticipate that our cameras will have a field of view of at least 110 degrees. Overall, we were fairly pleased with the fact that we could see from a broad angle. The camera also has a digital zoom that is 8 times stronger. As trick-or-treaters ambled up the walkway to our front door on Halloween, we were able to identify every one of their costumes thanks to the fact that we could see them well.

Seeing in the dark

Our security cameras should work similarly day and night. After all, the FBI’s latest data shows that most burglaries occur at night. 1 The SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera’s illumination illuminates the surroundings when it detects activity. We possessed full-color, high-dynamic-range night vision. For those unfamiliar, HDR means “high dynamic range.” HDR (High Dynamic Range) technology lets a camera take three shots at once, each of which catches more information in darker and brighter areas than a single image.

Audio in both directions

A siren is not always used to drive people away in fear. It’s lovely to be able to strike up a conversation with whoever happens to be standing outside our door at any given moment. One of the features that we search for most often in surveillance cameras is the capacity for two-way audio, which is included in the SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera. The week before last, we didn’t even have to get out of bed to talk to our mailman about having our packages delivered in two days.

Intelligent Detection

We were able to limit our recording to just what was essential by creating custom detection zones with the SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera. Even more impressive is the camera’s ability to distinguish between humans, animals, and automobiles using some kind of artificial intelligence. This significantly reduced the number of false alerts that were being caused by the dachshund that belonged to our next-door neighbor. Have you been able to depend on this function completely? Sadly, this is not the case. Nevertheless, we did not come across an excessive number of false alarms when doing our testing.

Integration of Intelligent Platforms

Both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant may be used with the SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera. This meant that we were able to activate the camera and modify the settings by only using our voices. Even though SimpliSafe isn’t well known for having the most cutting-edge home automation capabilities, the firm is starting to come around and is now providing some rather advanced alternatives. (Starting today, the home security system from SimpliSafe is compatible with the Apple Watch as well as August Smart Locks.)

Integration of the Security System

Simply being a product of SimpliSafe is one of the finest things about the new outdoor camera from the company. As a consequence of this, it can connect faultlessly with all of the other security systems that SimpliSafe offers, such as cameras, entry sensors, and keypads. Installing the camera was the only thing that was required of us, and the SimpliSafe system picked up on its presence straight away.

Powered By Batteries

Wireless SimpliSafe outdoor cameras use rechargeable batteries. The battery may last three to six months, depending on use. We just plugged it into a power source for five hours to charge it. Given Ring security cameras’ eight-hour recharge period, that’s a good timeframe. SimpliSafe’s backup battery may be inserted while charging the main battery if you don’t want to switch off your cameras for five hours. ideal for camera forgetters. By buying one of the company’s solar chargers, you may skip charging your smartphone. Not all security businesses provide solar-powered cameras. Your home security system does not contain one. It’s great to see companies innovate to make life easier.

Wi-Fi

The fact that the SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera is equipped with not one but two Wi-Fi antennas is among the device’s more appealing features. Because of this, we were able to place it on the opposite side of the house from where the router was located and still maintain a solid connection. Nothing irritates us more than being forced to shell out cash for an antenna booster only to ensure that all of our films are uploaded to the cloud without interruption. We were thrilled that we were able to get such coverage without needing to spend extra money on supplementary apparatus.

DIY Setup

Putting together our SimpliSafe outdoor camera was a simple process for us. It probably took little more than five minutes total, most of which was spent deliberating on where to put it. It is usually ideal to set cameras in a location that is out of easy reach so that they cannot be tampered with by anyone. This recommendation is included in our installation guide for video cameras. Our installation process was delayed by a couple of minutes because this required us to remove the ladder from its storage location in the garage. To our relief, though, the mount could be attached with only a few screws. Because magnets are used to connect the camera to the mount, all that was required of us was to just put it on. Because of the magnets, adjusting the camera to acquire the ideal perspective of our front yard was a simple and quick process.

https://www.smart-techie.com/1533-2how-smart-home-technology-upgrades-and-increase-the-value-of-your-home/

Alternatives for Storage

Every single SimpliSafe camera utilizes cloud storage for all of its footage. That is rather disheartening to hear. We like that there are local storage solutions available to us so that we aren’t forced to buy a storage plan if we don’t want to. Despite this, SimpliSafe provides an option for inexpensive data storage. We were able to record as much as we wanted for only $4.99 a month, and the recordings were kept for a maximum of 30 days. You may find more information on the price below. The SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera is wireless; thus, it makes sense that it does not have sufficient battery life to continuously capture video. When motion is detected, the camera will begin recording for at least five minutes and will continue to do so for an extended period if it continues to detect motion.

SimpliSafe Outdoor Price

SimpliSafe’s outside camera costs $169.99. This camera is meant for outside use and costs $70 more than the SimpliCam.  Comparatively, the SimpliSafe Outside Camera is affordable. The Ring Spotlight Cam costs $199.99, whereas Arlo Pro cameras cost $10. Your camera and numerous SimpliSafe devices will be discounted if you purchase a bundle. SimpliSafe will include a base station and keypad with an outside camera purchased as part of a security system bundle.

SimpliSafe offers seasonal discounts and deals. For Father’s Day, the company provided 25% off all systems and included a free SimpliCam. Prime Day offered 40% off everything, even cameras. We hope future bundles include the SimpliSafe outside camera.

SimpliSafe outdoor cameras have a 60-day return policy. Delivery is free. Simply put, testing the camera for two months is free. a hefty offer. Most companies provide 30-day satisfaction guarantees.

 

 

How quickly does Eero work? Does Eero boost Wi-Fi speed?

The internet speeds of Eero customers may have decreased recently. It is an issue that has been raised by several customers and that we have also encountered. With that in mind, we thought I’d provide some background on this phenomenon and provide some suggestions for resolving it so that you may get up to speed as soon as possible.

Checking to See Whether Eero Can Reduce Wi-Fi Speed:

If Eero is causing issues on your network, your wireless connection speed may decrease. Internet speeds will decrease when more devices are linked to a single router. It is because when more and more devices submit data packets to the router, the overall network speed will decrease.

Also, this may occur if there are too many floors or walls between the router and the Eero. With a wall or floor between them, the signals from each device will have to travel farther than required, reducing their power. Neither signal will arrive as quickly as it would if it could go straight between points A and B. (which means less interference). I hope you can see why not everyone will like using Eero today.

The Eero Network Slows Down My Wireless Connection; Why Is That?

It’s vital to remember that Eero consumes a lot of data while in use. Each Eero node functions as a standalone router and access point since it has its dedicated internet connection. Because of this, any Eero node in your network may act as a data server in its own right and receive connections independently of the other nodes. It may seem like a lot of information to process, but we have some suggestions for you;

If just one or two of your euros need wired connections to your modem or router, you may do so by disconnecting the Ethernet cable from the other nodes and plugging it straight into the modem or router’s Ethernet ports.

Does Eero Have Any Impact on My Wi-Fi Speed?

With Eero, you may keep your existing Wi-Fi router and its 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. If you imagine a motorway, your router would be the main road and the euros would be the offshoot roads that go to each of your devices.

On these highways, drivers are headed in a variety of directions. Some are heading directly home, those are taking a circuitous route, and those may be delayed by traffic or a long wait at a light.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhVTZ1tewig

Some data is moving from point A (your device) to point B (the Eero), while other data is going between numerous places along its trip from one end of town to the other (or even across continents).

How can We determine whether it disturbs my wireless network?

Checking whether Eero is causing connection issues requires first establishing that the device is the source of the problem. It is something you may accomplish by inspecting the settings of your wireless router and adapter.

If Eero is the problem, you may perform one of the numerous things to resolve the issue:

If your Wi-Fi network is experiencing interference from other devices, you may want to consider switching channels.

If these measures don’t work to enhance performance, you may want to reduce the output of any interfering devices (like microwave ovens).

How much data transfer does Eero require?

Keep in mind that Eero only requires roughly 1% of your home’s internet connection speed. As a result, Eero will only utilize 1 Mbps of your available bandwidth, even if you have 100 Mbps. When more devices connect to the internet, the overall load on the connection will increase, perhaps making an already poor connection much worse.

Eero will not use any data if it is disconnected from the internet for an extended period (or never). It doesn’t need to be online all the time since it doesn’t transmit or receive a lot of data unless it’s actively updating its database of linked devices (for example: when someone connects an iPhone).

In addition, while connected to the internet, Eero doesn’t transfer many packets (data) per second, thus users won’t experience any slowdowns from increased traffic produced by streaming several YouTube videos on many devices at once.

Can You Prevent Eero from Disrupting Your Wireless Network?

There are a few steps you can take to prevent your Eero Wi-Fi equipment from interfering with your current network. When your Wi-Fi connection falters, Eero may aid in a few different ways. In any case, here are some recommendations for preventing Eero from interfering with your current Wi-Fi network:

Switch to a New Medium

Checking the router and Eero’s channels is the first step in fixing any Wi-Fi problem, including Eero interference. Like with any pair, if the two are too close together, they will certainly clash. You may create extra space between them by modifying their positions. Any slowdowns or connection issues should be mitigated as a result.

Maintain a substantial distance between your router and the Eero system. Sometimes, such as in tight quarters, this won’t be feasible, but whenever you can, give your router and Eero devices at least five feet of separation. Because of this, you won’t have to worry about any signal interference or disruptions on your network from them.

Set up each Eero independently using our app and WPS button.

Your current Wi-Fi network is likely being disrupted by the presence of many euros in the same room or area. Set each one up separately using our app or WPS button to avoid them having to talk to each other during setup.

Can You Prevent Eero from Dampening Your Internet Speed?

Change the wireless channel you’re using. In a densely populated location where several routers may operate on the same frequency, Eero may be slowed down by having to switch to less efficient communication routes.

To resolve this, try switching to a different Wi-Fi channel on your router and/or Eero (e.g., Channels 1 and 6 are generally best).

Follow these procedures to manually change the Wi-Fi channel on your router or Eero:

• To enable wireless internet connection settings, go to Network & Internet > Wi-Fi in Windows or to Control Center > Wi-Fi on Mac OS.
• To access the more complex settings, scroll down and click or touch “Advanced.”
• Under the section titled “Advanced Settings”, choose “Wireless Channels.”

Both the routers and the Wi-Fi extenders that are offered by Eero are simple to install and use. As they are designed to take the place of your current Wi-Fi router, you may be wondering whether or not Eero can genuinely assist in increasing the speed of your Wi-Fi connection.

Depending on the speeds of the Internet plan and the router that was used before, installing Eero routers and Wi-Fi extenders may make the Wi-Fi in a house or business much quicker. When Eero is used to replace an older or slower router, the user may experience higher Internet speeds. In certain situations, the speed of your Wi-Fi connection may decrease when you use Eero.

Your Internet and Wi-Fi speeds are dependent on many different things. If you have an Eero Wi-Fi system, it is important to have an understanding of these many elements so that you may have the greatest possible experience using the Internet.

https://www.smart-techie.com/1516-2does-leviton-work-with-homekit-does-leviton-work-with-siri/

Can Eero Increase Wi-Fi Speeds?

The topic of whether or not Eero makes your Wi-Fi quicker cannot be answered with a straightforward yes or no. It is dependent on many factors, including the speed of your previous router and the sort of Internet service that you now subscribe to.

While operating at 5 GHz, an Eero router is capable of Internet speeds of up to 600 Mbps, while operating at 2.4 GHz, it is only capable of 240 Mbps. With its 5.8 GHz frequency, the more costly and powerful Eero Pro can achieve Internet rates of up to 1 Gigabit per second. As a result of these speeds, Eero routers are among the fastest personal-use routers now available on the market.

When you use Eero, your Wi-Fi speeds may be able to improve since the company’s Wi-Fi extenders, known as Beacons, may be placed anywhere in your home. If you do this, your Wi-Fi speeds will remain consistent regardless of how far away you are from your router.

When you expand your Wi-Fi network with an Eero Beacon, your network speeds should stay the same or at least be equal to how they were before. You may verify this by doing the Internet speed test while standing near your Eero Beacons and contrasting the results with those obtained by conducting the test while standing close to your router.

Note: Depending on the kind of Internet service you subscribe to, the maximum speeds of your Eero Wi-Fi may be lower than advertised. Get in touch with your Internet service provider to learn the maximum download speed that is supported by your plan, or to discuss upgrading to a faster Internet connection.

Understanding Your Wi-Fi Speeds

You may do a free test of your Internet connection using this link if you are unsure of the Wi-Fi speeds you are currently experiencing at your location. Your current position concerning the location of your router will affect the speeds that you experience. Your Wi-Fi speeds will gradually degrade in direct proportion to the distance between you and your router.

 

Increased Download and Upload Speeds with the Eero Pro

Consider investing in an Eero Pro if obtaining a quicker Wi-Fi connection is a priority for you. It employs tri-band technology, in contrast to the standard Eero, which only uses dual-band technology. The tri-band technology enables a Wi-Fi connection that is noticeably quicker. The maximum transfer rates of the Eero Pro are roughly twice as fast as those of the basic Eero router.

We do so many activities in our life that need Wi-Fi, and having poor Wi-Fi may be an immensely irritating experience for us. Hence, if your Eero does not seem to increase the speeds of your existing Wi-Fi network, the following are some more suggestions that might help:

Try out different positions for the beacons.

Your Wi-Fi router’s signal may go farther with the addition of Eero Beacons. There is a range of 1,500 square feet that each Beacon may cover.

You may boost the overall Wi-Fi speed of your network at any moment by adding more Eero Beacons to your existing setup. It is particularly beneficial to use Eero Beacons if some parts in your house or business are “dead zones,” which means that your Wi-Fi signal does not reach those specific locations.

You can also move the Beacons about to modify the strength of your Wi-Fi connection in different parts of your area if you so want. To relocate a Beacon, you need just remove its power cord and re-plug it into a different wall socket.

Restart Your Router

You may also want to restart your router and modem regularly to maintain your Wi-Fi connection running at peak speeds:

• Turn off the modem and router by unplugging their power wires.
• Wait at least one minute.
• When you have plugged the modem back in, wait for it to begin booting up.
• Replace the plug in the router.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, the greatest Wi-Fi speed that can be achieved with an Eero router is 600 Mbps, while the maximum speed that can be achieved with an Eero Pro is 1 Gbps. Keep in mind, however, that the actual Wi-Fi speeds you experience may be much slower depending on the Internet plan you have; these speeds cannot surpass the maximum capabilities of either your current router or Internet plan. Contact your Internet service provider for further information if you are uncertain as to what components are included in your package. Realize that despite the greatness of Eero devices, they won’t assist with slow internet. If your router isn’t compatible with Eero, it might slow down your connection. Instead of utilizing two routers, you may reduce the probability of interference and eliminate the possibility of Eero slowing down Wi-Fi by connecting all of your devices to a single router.

You’ve finally decided to take the plunge into Smart Home technology, drawn in by the promise of a brighter, more convenient future at home. You’ve got an iPhone and an iPad, so you opt for Apple’s HomeKit ecosystem. There is a wide variety of devices that work together, from surveillance cameras and light switches to smart sprinklers. To begin this shift, however, smart home-compatible switches are a need.

Does HomeKit support Leviton?

Leviton Smart Switches may be used with HomeKit immediately after unboxing. After you’ve added a device to your Home, you may control its settings, such as brightness. No more leaving the lights on when you leave the house; this may be done remotely. They are compatible with Siri instructions and may be integrated into scenarios.

Because of the novelty of this technology, reliable evaluations supported by evidence might be hard to come by. There is a plethora of options to choose from, including those made by Belkin and Lutron switches. Reader, you need not fear; we have you covered. We have invested a great deal of time studying the HomeKit ecosystem and its compatible devices.

We were able to put this information to good use in my quest to create the most functional Smart House imaginably. Whether you need a 15 A-line or a set of 1000W lights, Leviton provides a broad range of choices for the HomeKit platform to meet your needs.

They are simple to install and include all of the features of both smart and regular light switches. By signing up with the Leviton app, Leviton switches may be used with Apple HomeKit.

Leviton switch set up

Standard installation requires nothing more than swapping out your old dimmer switches with a Leviton Decora Smart Dimmer; no new wiring is required. If you need a switch for more than one circuit, this one contains Hot, Neutral, Live, and Ground pins in addition to a traveler.

The first step in wiring a three-way switch is finding the line box, also known as the load wire or the electrical outlet box. The Decora Smart Dimmer Switch and the Dimmer remote are then placed in their respective boxes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=CZd9du0YtZ8

Setting Up and Integrating HomeKit

Installing and configuring Leviton Decora Smart Dimmer switches with Apple HomeKit takes no more than an hour at most. After mounting the switch to the wall, setting it up with the Leviton app from the App Store is quick and simple. After installing the app on your device, tap the “Add” button to bring up the screen where you may enter your home network’s security code and authorize your Decora Smart Dimmer switch.

When the switch and your home automation system have paired, you may use the app to turn the light on, or off, or adjust the brightness. There is a green 4-step brightness indicator on the Decora Smart Dimmer. The equipment is compatible with Apple’s HomeKit and can be managed from anywhere with an internet connection and Wi-Fi router.

Leviton Smart Dimmer’s features may be managed with the help of Siri.

Moreover, Leviton Smart Dimmers may function independently of a hub and can get software upgrades wirelessly. Leviton Smart Dimmer switches are the ideal smart substitute for your regular dimmer switches due to their simple setup and close connectivity with the HomeKit framework.

Compatibility with Other Home Automation Systems

Decora Smart Wi-Fi 15A Universal switch from Leviton is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, two of the most popular voice-controlled home automation systems. The smart switch requires a similar installation and configuration process as the Decora Smart Dimmer.

This product, however, can only be used in conjunction with a Google Home hub or an Alexa-enabled device. For both systems, Leviton provides hub-free alternatives in the form of the Decora Smart Switch and the Decora Smart Voice Dimmer.

The Decora Smart Voice Dimmer incorporates Alexa and has a far-field microphone for responding to voice commands. The only drawback is that the HomeKit-compatible version does not function on any other operating system.

You’ll have to completely redo your smart home setup if you want to go from Apple’s HomeKit to Amazon’s Alexa or Google’s Assistant. Even if you think you’re making the greatest option by going with the Leviton Decora Smart Dimmer, you should do some research and figure out what would work best for you and your budget.

WeMo Wireless Light Dimmer Switch

Except for 3-way compatibility, the WeMo Dimmer Wi-Fi light switch provides all the characteristics of Leviton switches at a reasonable price. In contrast to Leviton Decora Smart Switches, this one is compatible with Apple HomeKit as well as Amazon and Google Assistant. Nevertheless, the WeMo Dimmer switch seems to favor iOS, since the software for Android is notoriously unstable. Alexa seems to have a quicker reaction time when given voice commands than Google Assistant.

Wireless Lutron Caseta

Superior functionality, sturdy construction, a user-friendly interface, and compatibility with a wide variety of smart home platforms (including Alexa, Nest, IFTTT, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, and more) are just some of the benefits of Lutron Caseta Wireless.

The Lutron app is simple to use and comes with many useful features, including geofencing, scene management, and a security model that will make it seem as if you are there in your home while you are not.

This option has many more features than the Leviton Decora Smart switches, however, its wireless switch is not wireless.

Rather than communicating with your app wirelessly, it does it through a HUB that calls for a hardwired ethernet connection.

Wi-Fi Dimmer Switch for Lights by TP-Link Kasa

The TP-Link Kasa Wi-Fi Smart Light Dimmer is quite comparable to Leviton’s product in terms of feature set, app responsiveness, and overall simplicity of use.

In contrast to its competitor, the TP-Link Kasa does not support Apple’s HomeKit and is hence a good choice for anyone wishing to switch platforms.

Other than that, TP-product Link is significantly more reasonably priced. The Kasa series from TP-Link also offers smart plugs if you’d rather not use smart switches.

https://www.smart-techie.com/1511-2how-dose-work-home-kit-with-myq-can-work-with-siri/

Apple’s iOS Device Dimmer

The system is supported by a reasonably priced and flexible product that is compatible with both Apple HomeKit and Android (Google Home and Alexa).

The iDevices Dimmer Switch is compatible with 3-way plugs, simplifying the installation of various light controls.

The original setup procedure was buggy; however, current upgrades have fixed these difficulties, and it has greater compatibility than Leviton Decora Smart switches.

App management and setup on Android devices are tedious and time-consuming.

Comparable to Leviton Decora Smart switches in terms of features and functionality.

FAQS

When using HomeKit, how can I install a Leviton switch?

Both the Leviton app from the App Store and the HomeKit code may be used to link the two devices.

Can Alexa be used with Leviton switches?

Although Leviton does offer Alexa and Google Assistant-compatible models, they cannot be used with existing works with HomeKit devices.

Can’t get my Leviton switch to work?

Make sure you’re using the most recent version of the Leviton app by downloading it from the iTunes Store or Google Play. If that fails, try removing the item from your home list and adding it again.

Before trying a fresh installation, power cycle the device by turning it off, waiting five seconds, and then turning it back on.

How to reset the Leviton HomeKit switch?

Please wait 7 seconds while holding the paddle’s top. The Locator light will begin amber blinking after 7 seconds. Just letting off the paddle’s top will cause the switch to reset. The Locator light will flash green to indicate that the switch has been reset.

Is Leviton a local produced product?

Leviton is indeed “Made in America,” since its headquarters are in Anaheim, California.

Conclusion

The Leviton Decora Smart Dimmer, which has outstanding, trouble-free integration with the Apple HomeKit environment, maybe the perfect partner for setting up your smart home with the aid of Apple HomeKit. It’s a great option since you can use Siri with it and turn it on from a distance.