
Last chance to save your home security videos before they're ALL deleted as Ring rival renders 3 popular gadgets useless
And all video recordings will be deleted unless you take action immediately.
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1
Company's security products will no longer work on August 1
Credit: Hive
Three gadgets, including a video security camera and a siren, have been discontinued by Hive.
The company's home security alarm system, Homeshield, will also cease to function from August 1.
Hive - which is owned by
British Gas
parent company
Centrica
-
started out in 2012.
It's mainly known for smart heating as well as smart lighting, both of which are not affected by the upcoming changes.
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Read more about Ring
Hive eventually broadened out into smart security.
But three years ago bosses decided to step away from security products to focus on "energy-efficient smart-tech" instead.
The devices have continued to work since then but the final nail will go into the coffin next week.
See the four products being killed off below.
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Most read in Tech
Hive View Camera
Hive Siren and Keypad
Hive Homeshield
Hive Video Playback
Despite being security-relate products, the Hive Window/Door contact sensors and Hive motion sensors will continue to operate.
Ring's flying 'spy drone' that monitors your home in the AIR 'coming 2026' – it stalks burglars & even recharges itself
In an
After 11am on August 1 it will be deleted.
"It is crucial that you save any required recordings before the cut-off period on the 1st of August 2025," Hive says.
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"Your data security is important to us, and we take disposal of data seriously.
"Therefore, our system will be unable to recover any video footage if you fail to save your recordings before the 1st of August 2025."
It also recommends customers "recycle your devices at your local Household Waste Recycling Centre".
WHY DOES TECH STOP WORKING?
By Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Editor at The Sun
It's annoying when tech and gadgets are discontinued, rendering some - or all - features useless.
Fortunately, companies have got better at lengthening how long they support kit.
It tends to only happen after quite a few years have passed and the user numbers have dropped quite low.
The truth of the matter is, firms have to keep updating and servicing this older tech which costs them money.
When there's only a small number of people left using them older gadgets, it's harder to justify the cost.
Moreover, new features on things like apps may not work on dated kit.
So ultimately, in the end support is dropped for these gadgets so all their energy, money and time can be put into the newer ones.

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