You no longer need to leave your home security system behind when you go out. Now the ability to keep your house, belongings and family safe is literally in the palm of your hand. These days you can access what your surveillance cameras see by simply reaching into your pocket and pulling out your smart phone. Here are some of the best apps you can find for a steal to stay ahead of the crooks.
Must Have Apps for Home Security
Presence-Free
If you have a spare iPhone that you’re not sure what to do with, why not turn it into a wireless security camera? Presence allows you to turn an extra iPhone, iPod or iPad into a video camera with live video and audio streaming and motion detection. When you install it, simply login on both devices. Start the camera on one phone and you can view it from the other. Isn’t this an ideal iPhone app for home security!
Guardly mobile security app-Free
This app not only looks after your home, but also your personal safety. Just one press of a key and you can contact up to 15 people. It also allows you to call 911 in just a single keystroke. The company also claims its sophisticated GPS system can help authorities track people more accurately than the built-in one on most phones.
The app is available for iPhone, Android, Blackberry and Windows Phone 7.
AtHome Camera-Free
AtHome Camera allows you to turn your computer, old smart phone or tablet into a surveillance camera. You can watch live video on 3G or 4G WiFi from anywhere and pre-schedule your recordings. You can also remotely turn your computer on and off at any time. It works for both Mac and PC.
iSentry-Free
iSentry transforms your webcam into a motion-detecting security camera that you can access at any time from your phone. All you need to do is point your webcam at the area you want monitored and if there’s any movement, you’ll receive a notification on your phone in the form of a video or photo.
iCam-$4.99
The iCam allows you to connect your iPhone or Android (as well as iPod or iPad) to multiple security cameras. You’ll get a notification if the motion sensor is enabled and will be able to watch live video of what is going on in your house.
Security Camera-$ 9.99
This app takes a picture every time someone gets on your computer and sends it to your Dropbox account. You’ll know if anyone is on your computer who shouldn’t be (which is great if you have kids) and if your laptop gets stolen, you’ll be able to identify the thief. Best of all, it takes less than a minute to install.
Droidseer-$7.99
Android users who utilize the HomeSeer home automation system are able to control any device linked to the system with their phone. This includes the ability to read the status of devices in your home such as thermostats.
SecureHome– $4.99
This app not only has eyes but also ears. It uses the built-in mic on your computer to listen for noises that could be intruders. If it detects something it sets off an alarm in your home and sends a notification to your phone. You can arm and disarm it from your phone.
Dropcam– $149.99
You’ll have to drop some cash on the Dropcam but the money out of your pocket may be worth the security control that you’ll be holding in it, especially if you have young children. The camera you purchase includes night vision, two-way audio (which works well for talking to your kids and making sure they’re alright) and allows you to zoom the camera in and out from your phone.
iZon-$ 129.95
Like the Dropcam, the iZon is a video monitor with a companion app. It’s a very small camera though that’s not even as tall as an iPhone, which makes it easy to hide. It can record events and save them for later and you get a free cloud services account. It also doesn’t require a computer. Keep in mind, unlike the Dropcam, you cannot record night vision with the iZon.
Do you know of any other apps that can help prevent break-ins without you breaking the bank?
Jay Harris is a Home Depot “on the floor” sales associate and a regular contributor to Home Depot’s blog. His interests range from providing tips on choosing a security camera to help with alarm systems.
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