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Tom's Guide
a day ago
- Tom's Guide
Eufy Security Indoor Cam C220 review: A 2K indoor camera with AI features
Eufy has a solid reputation for smart home products including monitors and both outdoor and indoor security cameras. The C220 incorporates useful AI features alongside well thought out standard offerings like clear 2K video day or night, pan-and-tilt that covers 360 degrees, and an intuitive mobile app. And, in a rarity for the best home security cameras, it also doesn't require any subscription fees. However, it does require an SD card or a cloud subscription in order to use the playback function. And it did sometimes lag in detecting movement, or claim to detect movement when nothing appeared to be there, but didn't hesitate to inundate me with notifications no matter how I changed the settings. But, these are all pretty acceptable compromises for all the camera offers for such a low price. The C220 sells for $34.99, which is on the cheaper side for an indoor security camera, especially given the AI features. By comparison, the Blink Mini 2 retails for $39.99 and has many of the same features including motion detection and two-way audio, and also has a built-in spotlight. The Mini 2 doesn't come with a microSD card but does require a subscription for any storage. Other competing products fall into a similar price point: Wyze's Cam v4 is $35 and can be used indoors or outdoors. It also has a spotlight, and does come with an SD card slot. Arlo's Essential HD security camera is $39 and also has a privacy shield like the C220. The C220 is lightweight and slightly resembles a friendly robot, much like the rest of Eufy's products. This effect is slightly exaggerated by the small blue circle light at the bottom, and two red lights on the top that come on. It's wired and comes with a plate that fits on the bottom if you choose to set it on a desk or shelf instead of mounting it on a wall (though I recommend adding the plate after setup). The camera rotates on the front, and can pan and tilt 360 degrees around on the base as well as rotate away when privacy mode is activated. The lens records in 2K in order to provide a clear view of the room, and works alongside the on-board AI to both identify human figures – and keep them in sight – as well as to send notifications when it detects movement. Overall, images on the C220 were clear, crisp and easy to identify – even in my chaotic and admittedly cluttered household. The camera could track me, and even my black cats, when we were in the room and moving, and was able to capture movement when my preschool aged kids streaked through the room on the hunt for more Legos. However, it does stop at the point where it was scanning last, and doesn't reset to the center. For example, if it tracks someone moving through a room, it will follow them as they cross, but will remain in that orientation until something else happens to move in front of the camera. The sound was likewise very good, especially when testing the two-way audio which was very clear and loud. The audio detection was able to pick up noise from the next room over and would send notifications or alerts about noise being detected regularly even when it wasn't directly in that room. And I will say that I occasionally did get a notification about motion being detected but got a snapshot that displayed no visible person or animal in the shot, and that the audio seemed to lag just a second behind the speech. It wasn't necessarily a deal breaker but was a bit of an adjustment as I was learning to use the device. The main feature that's touted here are the AI enhancements – not only can the C220 identify a human figure to alert you when someone has entered the camera's field of view, but if you toggle on the feature, the camera can also track and record them as they move around the room. This was a neat option and worked on the cats as well as the humans, though again, there was occasionally a bit of a lag especially when the camera had been sitting still for a while. Another nice benefit of the C220 is the 360-degree horizontal viewing range which was fun to play around with and offered a full angle of the room. It made it easy to adjust the camera when I wanted to see if a cat was climbing a stack of boxes in the corner, or if one of the kids was hiding by the curtains on the opposite side of the room. I also really liked the privacy mode, which would cause the camera to move the lens around to the back and 'hide' its face, as though it were the one who was shy. It's useful for moments when I really wanted to make sure that no cameras were facing me, and very easy to enact with a simple tap in the app. It was also handy for when I simply wanted to turn the camera off for a bit. Privacy mode will also turn off the microphone, but you can do this independently as well in the settings menu. First things first: I like the Eufy app. I think it's clearly designed, easy to find what you're looking for, cleanly laid out and intuitive to use even if you're new to smart home products. Within a few minutes of poking around you should be able to pick up most of the commands and features without any issue. It works alongside Alexa, Google Home and Homebase 3, so if you've got any of those products, you can easily integrate one or more of the C220 cameras. The app provides you with a live view of your feed, tapping on that brings up your camera's view where you have controls along the bottom navigation that can be scrolled through from left to right including pan and tilt, two way audio, night vision, AI tracking and screenshots. In the upper right corner are buttons for an alarm and settings where you can adjust levels for pan and tilt, sound and motion detection as well as audio and video settings and set the privacy shield on. There are a few buttons on the camera feed as well, one to change the video streaming quality, and one to go into full landscape view However, it sends an epic ton of notifications. I've heard about notification fatigue with smart home products before, and this absolutely fell into that category very quickly. I adjusted the settings in the notifications eventually to try and alleviate it some, but there's only so much that can be done since the point is to alert me. My house is a complete chaos zone: There are four cats of various sizes running around like tiny rockets as well as two five-year olds literally running in circles from room to room. Adults are up at all hours and there are background noises that range from screaming wildcats outside to the appliances in the basement randomly turning on. It's a challenge for any smart home device. It's no surprise that the Eufy Security Indoor Cam C220 sent me a ton of notifications, and that did become bothersome. However, that was my main annoyance about the camera. The other issues were largely manageable: that it remained in one position after scanning for movement, that there was a slight lag in audio or visuals, were livable considering my rural internet connection abilities and the price point of the device. Overall, the features were great – from the extensive pan and tilt to the microSD card meaning there was no subscription required – and the app and controls were easy to navigate. Among the best home security cameras, the Eufy S350 is our top pick for subscription-free indoor security cameras, but that model, which has a 4k resolution, costs about $100 more. If your needs are simpler, then the Eufy C220 definitely belongs on your short list. Especially if you like the way that Eufy integrates with other home products, like Alexa or Google Home or Homebase 3, it's a solid option for indoor security cameras. Particularly if you're planning on adding multiple cameras throughout the household.
Arabian Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Post
Wire‑free light bulb doubles as high‑tech security camera
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Wyze's new Bulb Cam, retailing at $49.98, combines 2K HDR video with a smart LED light bulb that fits into any standard E26 fixture, bringing night‑vision surveillance to porches, garages and patios without additional wiring or recharging. The Bulb Cam delivers sharp 2K footage through a 160° field of view, enhanced by wide dynamic range and colour night vision for round‑the‑clock visibility. It supports two‑way audio, instant motion alerts, and both local microSD recording and cloud storage via optional plans. ADVERTISEMENT Users can also integrate up to five Wyze Accessory Bulbs through Bluetooth, enabling coordinated motion‑triggered lighting across outdoor areas. The bulb's LED provides 800 lumens at a fixed 3000 K colour temperature. Installation is as simple as screwing in a regular bulb. The camera extends up to 3 cm and can be rotated and tilted manually, although it lacks app‑based pan‑tilt controls. It operates on standard 120 V AC and connects to 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi. Wyze has enhanced its intelligence capabilities with the Cam Unlimited Pro plan, priced at $19.99 monthly or $199 annually, offering AI‑powered 'Descriptive Alerts' and an 'NBD Filter' to screen out insignificant events. The camera is weather‑resistant and suitable for most outdoor sockets, though fixtures that cut power via a switch may disable camera operation. It only supports 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi and lacks local colour‑temperature adjustment. Market context and industry significance As smart security devices proliferate, Wyze enters a niche alongside rivals like Lorex, which offers a $70 2K rotating bulb‑cam system. Wyze emphasises affordability and simplicity, though it concedes its device lacks automatic rotation. For budget‑conscious consumers, the Bulb Cam undercuts many competitors. Tom's Guide highlights its value, noting that Wyze previously disrupted the market with low‑cost colour‑night‑vision cameras such as the Cam v4 under $50. This latest release follows Wyze's broader deployment of Descriptive Alerts and AI‑powered filters across its camera line, features rolled out earlier in 2025. Security considerations and past concerns Despite its innovation, Wyze has encountered security lapses in earlier devices. The Verge cautions that prospective buyers should remain aware of vulnerabilities in Wyze's IoT ecosystem. Analysts also warn that smart IoT lighting systems can harbour covert vulnerabilities, though such risks are more academic in nature rather than inherent to this specific product. User experience and expert commentary Industry observers from outlets such as PCWorld and Tom's Guide applaud the Bulb Cam's ease of installation and utility in areas lacking power outlets, such as driveways and pool sheds. They underscore its manual adjustability and compatibility with smart home platforms such as Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT. Reddit users in the r/homeassistant forum described it as a 'clean solution for areas that don't make sense to run PoE to,' noting its aesthetic may not be premium but praising the elimination of external adapters. However, some caution that heavy fixtures may pose glare issues and advise manual adjustment during installation. Financials and positioning At $49.98 plus $16.98 per accessory bulb, the Bulb Cam presents a low‑barrier entry into outdoor smart security. Cloud backups focus on optionality rather than dependency, with local recording built in and subscription costs kept modest. Wyze's Cam Plus plan begins at $2.99 per month, while Cam Unlimited Pro unlocks advanced features across devices. # Expert take Industry experts suggest Wyze is advancing a key trend in smart home surveillance: convergence of lighting and monitoring, reducing installation friction. The Bulb Cam's reliance on existing fixtures and lack of need for extra power sources align with growing consumer demand for simple, scalable solutions. While questions remain about security robustness and durability, Wyze appears to strike a balance between function, form and cost.
Tom's Guide
5 days ago
- Tom's Guide
Wayze Bulb Cam is a smart bulb with a security camera attached — what you need to know
It's never been easier to install the best outdoor security cameras around your home, but usually those involve some kind of fixture — often involving screws and drillbits. But what if you could just add a camera to any existing light fixtures? That seems to be the idea behind Wyze's latest bonkers security camera. The Wyze Bulb Cam is exactly what it sounds like — light bulb attached to a security camera. But this isn't a discreet kind of camera that someone might miss. It actually looks like Wyze has bolted a normal outdoor security camera onto the bottom of a lightbulb. Which, as goofy as it looks, does mean that installation of said camera will be extremely simple. As long as you have some kind of compatible light fixture, you should be able to get this camera set up in almost no time at all. The Bulb Cam records in 2K resolution with a 160-degree field of view. Traditional infra-red night vision is also available, but since the camera is attached to its own light source there is an option for color night vision as well. Which just means the light turns on, and illuminates whatever is in frame. The camera fixture is adjustable too, with the option to extend the camera position down, and adjust the rotation and tilt to get the perfect angle. All recordings are saved locally, with the camera supporting microSD cards up to 256GB. If you'd rather upload straight to the cloud you can, but it will cost you $3 a month. The upside to that is the subscription also adds object recognition to the camera — just in case you're struggling to figure out what you're looking at. The bulb is, of course, a smart bulb. Wyze is also offering a standalone version called the Wyze Accessory Bulb offering the same features — just without a camera attached. That includes adjustable brightness up to 800 lumens, adjustable color temperature up to 3000K, motion activation and the ability to link up with other Wyze Bulbs to improve illumination. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. The Wyze Bulb Cam is available now for $50, while additional camera-less Accessory Bulbs are selling for $17 each.
Gizmodo
6 days ago
- Business
- Gizmodo
Wyze Says ‘Screw It' and Shoves a Camera Into Its Latest Smart Bulb
We can't decide if this is a great or terrible idea for your smart home. A famous meme once asked, 'Why don't we have both?' Clearly Wyze agrees. Its latest smart home gadget is the Wyze Bulb Cam, which is exactly what the name implies—a smart bulb that's also a camera or a camera that's also a smart bulb, whichever makes your brain happier. The first thing I noticed is that the price on this bad boy is right—it's just $50, which is a pretty decent deal if you compare the cost of buying a smart camera and a smart bulb separately. On the camera front, the Wyze Bulb Cam records 2K video with a 160-degree field of view and can also record in both regular color in the daylight and night vision when nightfall hits. As a nice bonus, it also records in color night vision, which is great if you're trying to identify what kind of cat got into your garbage last night. (My bet is an orange boy; sorry, not sorry.) If you want to, everything can be recorded locally in this cam, which can be equipped with up to a 256GB microSD card. Alternatively, you can pay $3 per month for recording via the cloud, which also grants you some object recognition. As a light bulb, the Wyze Bulb Cam puts out 800 lumens and can be adjusted via the Wyze app if you need it brighter or dimmer. I, for the record, own a few Wyze bulbs myself, which I have installed in various lamps inside my apartment. I bought them because the price was right, and while I don't love Wyze's app, which can sometimes be glitchy, they've worked mostly fine over the past few years. If you're wondering, will this thing fit my light fixture? You'll be happy to know that the Wyze Bulb Cam is adjustable, which increases the likelihood it'll mesh. It will also ensure that you have a good angle for the camera element so you can get a perfect look at that porch pirate who stole your last Amazon package. You can also purchase an Accessory Bulb for $17 if you want to expand your Wyze light/camera system. Together, the two can make a motion-activated lighting system that couples well with the two-way audio feature that allows you to speak and also listen through the bulb's microphone. (Sorry, orange cat, you're cooked—prepare to be remotely scolded for tearing up the brand-new flower box!) Both products are available via Wyze's site right now, so if a camera/bulb is high on your list of priorities, go ahead and pull the trigger.
Geek Wire
6 days ago
- Business
- Geek Wire
Wyze ‘Bulb Cam' combines lightbulb and camera for new smart-home security option
GeekWire's startup coverage documents the Pacific Northwest entrepreneurial scene. Sign up for our weekly startup newsletter , and check out the GeekWire funding tracker and venture capital directory . The new Wyze Bulb Cam. (Wyze Images) A new lightbulb has gone off for Wyze. The Kirkland, Wash.-based makers of smart-home devices combined a lightbulb with a security camera to create the Wyze Bulb Cam that turns any light fixture into a motion-activated surveillance object. The two-in-one security option, priced at $49.98, includes an 800 lumen LED bulb and a 2K HD camera that requires no power outlets, cables or batteries to function. The camera features a 160-degree field of vision and regular or color night vision. Wyze is also selling accessory bulbs for $16.98 that can pair with the Bulb Cam and create a group lighting system across up to five fixtures. Bulb Cam features two-way audio and can be controlled through the Wyze App. It stores content locally on a microSD card up to 256 GB. Founded in 2017 by a trio of Amazon veterans, Wyze raised $110 million in 2021 and ranks No. 20 on the GeekWire 200 list of top Pacific Northwest startups. The company started with security cameras but expanded to various other smart-home devices, now offering more than 70 different products. Co-founder and CEO Yun Zhang posted from Costco earlier this week, where the company has landed one of its products for the first time. Related:
