The world of smart home devices has revolutionized the way we live, work, and interact with our surroundings. One of the most popular smart home devices is the Amazon Alexa Show, a smart display that allows users to control their smart home devices, watch videos, and access a wide range of skills and features. But can you use Alexa Show as a security camera? In this article, we’ll explore the possibilities and limitations of using Alexa Show as a security camera.
What is Alexa Show?
Before we dive into the security camera aspect, let’s take a brief look at what Alexa Show is and what it can do. Alexa Show is a smart display that comes with a built-in camera, speaker, and microphone. It’s essentially a smart speaker with a display screen that allows users to interact with Alexa, Amazon’s virtual assistant, in a more visual way. With Alexa Show, users can:
- Control their smart home devices, such as lights, thermostats, and security cameras
- Watch videos, including movies, TV shows, and live streams
- Access a wide range of skills and features, including news, weather, and cooking recipes
- Make hands-free video calls to friends and family
- Use the built-in camera to take photos and videos
Can You Use Alexa Show as a Security Camera?
Now, let’s get to the main question: can you use Alexa Show as a security camera? The answer is yes, but with some limitations. Alexa Show has a built-in camera that can be used to monitor your home, but it’s not a dedicated security camera. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros:
- Convenience: Alexa Show is a multi-purpose device that can be used for a variety of tasks, including security monitoring.
- Ease of use: Alexa Show is easy to set up and use, even for those who are not tech-savvy.
- Integration: Alexa Show can be integrated with other smart home devices, including security cameras, doorbells, and locks.
Cons:
- Limited field of view: The camera on Alexa Show has a limited field of view, which means it may not be able to capture everything that’s happening in a room.
- No night vision: Alexa Show’s camera does not have night vision, which means it may not be able to capture footage in low-light conditions.
- No motion detection: Alexa Show’s camera does not have motion detection, which means it will not alert you to any suspicious activity.
- No continuous recording: Alexa Show’s camera does not have the ability to record continuously, which means you may miss important footage.
How to Use Alexa Show as a Security Camera
If you still want to use Alexa Show as a security camera, here are some steps you can follow:
Step 1: Enable the Camera
To use Alexa Show as a security camera, you need to enable the camera. To do this, go to the Alexa app, select the Alexa Show device, and toggle the camera switch to the “on” position.
Step 2: Position the Camera
Position the Alexa Show device in a location where it can capture the area you want to monitor. Make sure the device is at a comfortable viewing height and is not obstructed by any objects.
Step 3: Use the Alexa App
To view live footage from the Alexa Show camera, open the Alexa app and select the Alexa Show device. You can then view live footage from the camera and take snapshots or record videos.
Alternatives to Alexa Show for Security Cameras
While Alexa Show can be used as a security camera, it’s not the best option for several reasons. If you’re looking for a dedicated security camera, here are some alternatives to consider:
- Ring Stick Up Cam: A wireless security camera that can be placed indoors or outdoors and has motion detection, night vision, and continuous recording.
- Nest Cam Indoor: A wired security camera that has motion detection, night vision, and continuous recording, and can be integrated with other Nest devices.
- Arlo Pro 3: A wireless security camera that has motion detection, night vision, and continuous recording, and can be integrated with other Arlo devices.
Conclusion
While Alexa Show can be used as a security camera, it’s not the best option due to its limited field of view, lack of night vision, and no motion detection. However, it can still be a useful device for monitoring your home, especially if you already have it set up as a smart display. If you’re looking for a dedicated security camera, consider alternatives like Ring Stick Up Cam, Nest Cam Indoor, or Arlo Pro 3.
Additional Tips and Considerations
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for setting up and using your security camera.
- Make sure to position your security camera in a location where it can capture the area you want to monitor.
- Consider investing in a security camera with motion detection, night vision, and continuous recording for optimal security monitoring.
- Always keep your security camera’s software up to date to ensure you have the latest features and security patches.
| Device | Field of View | Night Vision | Motion Detection | Continuous Recording |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexa Show | Limited | No | No | No |
| Ring Stick Up Cam | 130° | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Nest Cam Indoor | 130° | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Arlo Pro 3 | 160° | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Note: The table above compares the features of Alexa Show with other security cameras. The field of view, night vision, motion detection, and continuous recording features are subject to change and may not be up to date.
Can I use Alexa Show as a security camera?
You can use Alexa Show as a security camera, but it has its limitations. The device has a built-in camera that can be used for video calls and other features, but it can also be used to monitor your home. However, it’s essential to note that Alexa Show is not a dedicated security camera, and its primary function is to assist with tasks and provide information.
To use Alexa Show as a security camera, you’ll need to enable the “Drop In” feature, which allows you to remotely access the camera’s live feed. You can also use the Alexa app to view the camera’s feed and receive notifications when motion is detected. However, the camera’s field of view is limited, and it may not be suitable for monitoring large areas.
What are the benefits of using Alexa Show as a security camera?
One of the benefits of using Alexa Show as a security camera is its convenience. Since you likely already have the device in your home, you can use it to monitor your space without having to purchase a separate security camera. Additionally, Alexa Show’s camera is integrated with the Alexa app, making it easy to access and control the camera’s feed remotely.
Another benefit of using Alexa Show as a security camera is its ability to integrate with other smart devices. For example, you can use Alexa to control your smart lights or thermostat, and receive notifications when motion is detected. This can enhance your home’s security and make it more convenient to monitor your space.
What are the limitations of using Alexa Show as a security camera?
One of the limitations of using Alexa Show as a security camera is its field of view. The camera’s lens is relatively narrow, which means it may not be able to capture a wide area. This can make it difficult to monitor large spaces, such as a backyard or a long hallway. Additionally, the camera’s resolution is not as high as some dedicated security cameras, which can affect the quality of the video feed.
Another limitation of using Alexa Show as a security camera is its lack of features. Unlike dedicated security cameras, Alexa Show does not have features such as night vision, motion tracking, or alerts for specific types of motion. This can limit its effectiveness as a security camera and make it less suitable for monitoring your home.
Can I use Alexa Show as an outdoor security camera?
It’s not recommended to use Alexa Show as an outdoor security camera. The device is designed for indoor use and is not weather-resistant. Exposing it to the elements can damage the device and affect its performance. Additionally, the camera’s lens is not designed to capture images in bright sunlight, which can affect the quality of the video feed.
If you need to monitor your outdoor space, it’s better to use a dedicated outdoor security camera that is designed to withstand the elements and capture high-quality images in bright sunlight. These cameras are specifically designed for outdoor use and have features such as weather resistance, night vision, and motion tracking.
Can I record video footage from Alexa Show?
Yes, you can record video footage from Alexa Show, but it requires a subscription to Amazon’s Cloud Cam service. This service allows you to record and store video footage from your Alexa Show device, as well as receive notifications when motion is detected. However, the free version of the service only stores footage for 24 hours, and you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan to store footage for longer periods.
To record video footage from Alexa Show, you’ll need to enable the Cloud Cam service and set up your device to record footage. You can then access the recorded footage through the Alexa app and view it remotely. However, it’s essential to note that recording video footage may be subject to local laws and regulations, and you should ensure that you comply with these laws when using this feature.
Is using Alexa Show as a security camera secure?
Using Alexa Show as a security camera is generally secure, but it’s essential to take some precautions to ensure that your device and footage are protected. For example, you should ensure that your device is connected to a secure Wi-Fi network and that you have a strong password set up. You should also enable two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security to your device.
Additionally, you should be aware of the potential risks of using a device with a camera and microphone. For example, there is a risk that your device could be hacked, and your footage could be accessed by unauthorized parties. To minimize this risk, you should ensure that your device is updated with the latest software and that you follow best practices for securing your device.