KODAK has always been synonymous with Cameras and tech, since 1888! Fast forward to 2018 and KODAK has made a move into the Smart Home space, releasing a KODAK Smart Security System. This has been done via a licensing deal with Liz Invest.

The system includes a range of HD indoor and outdoor cameras and sensors. We are having a look at the EP101WG the outdoor HD motorised camera.

What does the EP101WG outdoor KODAK camera do?

This is a monster of an outdoor camera, not a stealth or discreet outdoor camera. The camera itself is inside a done mounted on an arm – this allows it to offer impressive pan, tilt and zoom functionality.

The camera is full HD 1080p is IP66, so fully safe for outside and has internal SD recording option as well as Google Drive. This means no on-going subscriptions are required, great news as most of the new cameras in this space come with hefty subscriptions.

The camera also has 10-meter night vision and infrared filter, for clear vision.

As the camera is part of a full security system it can be connected to KODAK sensors. When these sensors are triggered the camera will automatically turn to the sensor if triggered.

Kodak EP101WG Motorized Security IP Full HD Outdoor Camera

How easy is it to setup?

First you need to install the camera, this is straightforward as the cables run nicely through the arm. The cables and connectors are not waterproof so these need to be ran inside.

However, as the cables both come together through the arm a small hole can be drilled for the power cable and ethernet if needed. We didn’t use the ethernet just WiFi. It can then be fitted flush to the wall.

The next step is to download and installing the free KODAK Security mobile app.

Like most smart home tech, the setup is done by connecting to the cameras own WiFi signal then adding it to the local network WiFi. We did have a small hiccup during setup, but a quick reset fixed it.

(If you are reading this and having issues the reset button is not labelled and hidden inside the SD cover. Press it in for 8 seconds to rest)

Once setup one essential step is to change the default password as it is 123456. This can be changed inside the advanced settings.

What is the connectivity?

The KODAK system connects to Google Drive to store recordings however that aside it has no third party connectivity. We can only assume this is by design as it is a security system so not wanting IFTTT is understandable. However a Amazon Alexa Skill or some smart home connectivity does seem like a missing feature.

How much does the EP101WG cost?

£169.99 for the camera, additional security accessories are sold separately.

Alternatively If you are after the full solution you can buy a starter kit that contains a camera and sensors for a reduced price.

What’s it like living with it?

The camera is great, excellent picture day and night – the super smooth pan and zoom work very well.

The app is packed with features  although all oddly hidden within settings, the cog, and  advanced. These include:

• Email alerts – receive emails when motion is detected
• Video settings – change quality, light and flip image
• Cloud settings – connect to Google Drive
• Sensitivity settings  – change motion sensitivity including masking an area

Most of these options normally are setup within the main menu so why they decided to hide them under advanced we are not sure.

What are our final thoughts?

This is a great subscription free camera solution, especially if you add the functionality of the sensors. The app is packed with features, even if it does take a while to find them all. Motion masking is great, not all cameras offer this.
The only thing missing is third party connectivity. For example; Alexa show my garden camera or triggering Philips Hue lights if motion. Hopefully that will come later!

For more information please visit their website: https://be-connected.com/

KODAK enter the U.K. Smart Home market, via a new licensing deal with Liz Invest. Their first product is the Kodak Smart Security System.

The range comprises of two indoor and outdoor motorised cameras as well as sensors. Both cameras deliver 1080p HD video with the indoor also featuring two way audio. All recordings can either be saved on an internal SD or on Google Cloud, all without a subscription.

The system allows customers to create their own secure home network. The network can be controlled and viewed via a free app – KODAK Security mobile app. The app is available on iOS and Android.

Unlike other home camera systems the cameras can connect to sensors. Once triggered the camera rotates to point to the sensor.

The cameras either come as standalone units or as starter kits. The standard kit includes one door sensor and a remote control. The premium starter kit includes two sensors, one motion sensor and a remote.

David Haddad, CEO, KODAK Smart Security Systems said:

“KODAK is renowned for quality products that deliver great visual results. Our cameras and sensors are among a suite of smart home systems that we’ll be bringing to market via our retail and online partners throughout 2018 and into early 2019. It’s an exciting time for KODAK Smart Security Systems and we’re looking forward to securing many UK homes over the next year or two.”

The indoor camera has a RRP of £129, the outdoor camera £169.99. The Starter kit has a RRP £149.99 or £199.99 for the premium kit.

For more information visit: KODAK Security Systems

The post KODAK enters Smart Home Security appeared first on Smart Home Geeks.

1. Check your Drop-In settings

Drop in is a brilliant feature that allows users to call each other or as Amazon call it ‘Drop in’ on each other. The potential security concern is by default anyone in your contacts and anyone in your household can drop in – without warning.

Drop in is controlled on a device level, this means if you have multiple Alexa devices you will need to change the settings for each.

If you never plan on using this feature the easiest option is to disable it. This can be done inside the Alexa app: Settings > Alexa > Drop In > Off

If you like the idea of it but want to secure it you have two options:

• • Household only, this limits it to users within your household account
  • On, however check to see who has permission and restrict those you do not want

Drop in permission per contract be found in the app: Contacts > Permissions > Allow Drop In.

All contacts that are black have an Amazon Alexa, all greyed out contacts do not.

2. Think about voice purchasing!

Being able to buy with your voice is something straight out of a Hollywood film. The potential concern is anyone could order expensive unwanted items.

If you never plan on voice purchasing you can disable the feature in the app: Settings > Alexa Account > Voice Purchasing > Purchase by voice > OFF

If you like this feature and just want to secure it this can be done with a 4-digit pin number. Found in the app: Settings > Alexa Account > Voice Purchasing > Require voice code > Enter a 4-digit code.

Note as this is only a 4-digit code it is not very secure but better than nothing. As with all passwords avoid sequential and repeated numbers and anything easily guessable like date of births. If in doubnt use a password generator like Norton password generator.

3. Enable Alexa request sounds

Alexa is listening for its trigger word, by default Alexa. If it incorrectly identifies a word as Alexa she will either perform an action it thought it heard or prompt the user for input.

The potential security concern here is if it incorrectly hears Alexa and starts an action, listening to the conversation.

The best solution is to take steps to make you aware if Alexa is triggered, this way you know it is listening and can tell it to stop. Saying Stop to Alexa cancels any action or innput.

This is done by enabling Alexa request sounds, Alexa then makes a chime everytime it is triggered.  This is done in the app: Setting > Sounds > Request Sounds > Start of Request > ON

When you now use her trigger word you will hear a notification sound.

4. Check your history

Alexa keeps a record of all interactions. If you have concerns or if Alexa just mishears you and awakes you can check in the app to see what happened. This can be found in: Alexa > History. You can also report false activations to Amazon.

5. Learn how to disable your Alexa microphone

Due to the nature of Alexa it has a built-in microphone to ensure it is on hand when you need it. This can however be disabled if you are specifically security conscious and enabled again when you want to use Alexa. Disabling it does however stop Alexa being invoked so this is a temporary action as it will not work when disabled.

To disable the microphone, press the microphone button on the device, the outer light will now turn red to alert you its disabled.

For more top tips make sure to like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

The post 5 Simple steps to secure your Amazon Alexa! appeared first on Smart Home Geeks.

Like Ring did with the vide doorbell Ring have reinvented the floodlight or, as we normally call them in the UK, security light.

(Read our Ring Doorbell UK review)

On top of super bright twin LED lights it is packed with extra features; HD camera with facial and object recognition, 2 way audio and a 110 decibel alarm!!

The light is controlled by the same app as the doorbell and has a similar level of customisation and sensitivity settings. It also works with IFFTTT.

The light has to be hard wired, we assume this is because once mounted no one wants to climb up a ladder to change a battery every 4 weeks.

It only supports 2.4 GHz Wi-FI, this will be to get maximum range. However is slightly short sighted as a lot of homes now have garden or garage access points so a 5GHz should have been an option especially for a video device with live option.

We really like the idea of this product but have quite a few concerns – probably one to watch before purchasing.

The post Ring Floodlight Cam hits UK appeared first on Smart Home Geeks.

You can buy Fingbox from Amazon for £125 currently.

Meet Fingbox – a new bit of hardware that is designed to solve this problem.

(You might well recognise the name Fing, as they already have a brilliant app in the App store for network scanning.)

You simply plug Fingbox into your router then using the app on your phone you can secure and troubleshoot network problems.

For example:

– Who is connected to your network?
– What is using all the bandwidth?
– What is the best channel for your wifi?
– Are my ports all secure?

It also goes one step further by adding a parental control feature, allowing you to block your kids devices or enable as you wish.

We cant wait to get our hands on this!!

They received all their funding in an Indiegogo campaign and ship in June 2017.

If you want to get your hands on one too it can still be purchased via Indiegogo here:
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/fingbox-network-security-wi-fi-troubleshooting#/

Update: Read our Fingbox review

PS. You can buy Fingbox from Amazon for £125 currently.

The post Meet Fingbox the smart security box! appeared first on Smart Home Geeks.