Beyond the original Echo smart speaker, the Echo Show, Dot, and Amazon Tap, the retailer has set its sights onto the security scene with a brand new "intelligent camera", the Cloud Cam.
The $119.99 unit has 1080p FHD resolution, two-way audio, night vision, 24/7 livestream capabilities, and makes use of "computer vision algorithms" that detect motion and are continuously improving. Furthermore, the Cloud Cam can very easily interact with the Echo Show, Spot, Amazon Fire TV, and Fire Tablet, or with the free iOS or Android apps. Since the device is powered by AWS on the backend, it uses the aforementioned service to securely store the clips it records - for free. Videos from the last 24 hours can be accessed easily by using the dedicated mobile app.
It is important to stress that in order to get some of the more advanced features - like person detection, the ability to set up zones, get more storage and the ability to download and share recorded clips - you need a Cloud Cam subscription. The free tier only stores videos for the last 24 hours, and can be used with up to three cameras. The other tiers are as follows:
| Features / Tiers | Free (Included) | Basic | Extended | Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Storage | 24 hours | 7 days | 14 days | 30 days |
| Cameras | Up to 3 | Up to 3 | Up to 5 | Up to 10 |
| Notifications | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Person detection | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Zones | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Unlimited sharing (download + share videos) | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Price | $0 | $6.99 / month $69.99/ year | $9.99/ month | $19.99/ month $199.99/ year |
If you purchase the device - available now to pre-order, ships November 8 to U.S. customers - Amazon includes a 30-day free trial of any of the Cloud Cam subscriptions above, so you can try them out.
Something else that needs addressing is the Amazon Key In-Home Kit, which includes a Cloud Cam (Key Edition), and a smart lock from either Kwikset or Yale. The bundle is priced at $249.99 and is required for Amazon Key to work. Key is a new service that debuted in select cities in the U.S., and is exclusive to Amazon Prime members. It allows you to:
[...] get your Amazon packages securely delivered just inside your front door. Plus, grant access to the people you trust, like your family, friends, dog walker, or house cleaner – no more leaving a key under the mat.
The Amazon Cloud Cam can be pre-ordered now as an individual device for $119.99, a two-pack for $199.99 (discounted from $239.98 with code 2CLOUDCAM) or as a three-pack for $289.99 (discounted from $359.97 with code 3CLOUDCAM). The offer is time-limited - although no deadline has been provided - and only applies to the regular Cloud Cam device, not the Key Edition, for single orders, not those made using the 1-Click capability.