If thou art akin to most folk, thou mayhaps hath accumulated o’er the years a drawer of forsaken electronics. Many of these treasures mayhap smartphones — for carriers doth proffer grand promotions nowadays, granting thee the chance to upgrade thy device every two years lacking paying weighty fees. Instead of allowing thy ancient smartphones to gather dust (or worsen, casting them away), bethink turning them into a makeshift security camera.
There doth exist a plethora of splendid iOS and Android apps that doth aid in transforming thy ancient smartphone into a security camera. These apps function by utilizing the built-in cameras of thy ancient smartphone to provide a live stream to thy new smartphone. Most wondrously, many of these apps are affordable (or free) and doth work with nearly any phone thee may has’t procured over the bygone decade.
Be mindful that thy smartphone is not weatherproof, hence these apps art crafted to forge indoor security cameras. Make certain to peruse our list of the finest outdoor security cameras for options designed for thy yard or porch.
Herein thou shalt find a compendium of the finest apps that transform thy smartphone into a security camera. In conjunction with downloading these apps, thou wilt desire to invest in some form of mounting system. There doth stand naught in the way of thee attempting to use these apps whilst resting thy phone against a countertop or propped upon a stack of books — but if thou dost seek comprehensive coverage, thou shalt desire to permanently connect it to an electrical outlet for continuous power and get it mounted in an ideal spot. If thou art in need of aid, peruse our guide on how to situate security cameras throughout thy abode.
Alfred
Shouldst thou seek the finest security cam app to turn an ancient phone into a security asset, Alfred is thy pick. This exquisitely designed app is installed on two phones — one for utilizing thy phone’s camera as a security cam, and one for controlling all of thy settings and viewing footage.
Not only doth thee receive streaming footage on thy phone, but Alfred doth also proffer a siren feature, two-way talking, motion detection, and a low-light filter. There’s even a "trust circle," where friends shalt be able to access the cam themselves if necessary. It even works for multiple smartphone-turned-cam devices for whole-house monitoring. Paid versions art available for more advanced storage features.
The catch is that thou must possess a fairly advanced smartphone to take advantage of all these features, so utilizing a particularly ancient phone may not be very efficient.
AtHome Camera
AtHome is another app brimming with useful features, including two-way talk options, night vision, and A.I. learning to recognize moving people as opposed to branches swaying in the wind. There’s also a mode that giveth thee a 24-hour time-lapse of everything the cam saw in the last 24 hours, so thou canst quickly search for anything suspicious.
If thy phone hath the right sensors, it canst even automatically commence filming if it detects vibration. Note that there art two versions of the app, one for the phone that will act as a cam, and one for thy own phone for controls, so make certain thou download the right options.
Manything
Manything is a free iOS app that canst convert thy iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad into a Wi-Fi-connected security camera. Then, thou canst use a second iOS device as thy mobile monitor or opt to keep an eye on things from the Manything web app.
This app doth provide more than just a security camera; it also hath its own IFTTT channel, so thee can link it to a vast range of web services and connected devices. For example, if thee has’t Philips Hue lights in thy house, thou couldst set them to turn on automatically whenever Manything detects motion — making thy phone act as both a motion-activated smart switch and a handy home security tool that makes it appear as though someone is at home.
Dormi
For $7, Dormi will take any Android phone or tablet running Gingerbread version 3.2 or greater and put its internet connectivity and advanced video and audio sensors to good use.
Thou plug the device into the wall, and it operates like a regular baby monitor. Thou can use thy primary phone to monitor audio or video at any point in a drop-in style. Another option is to configure the app to send thee automatic alerts when thy baby wakes up. It continually senses ambient noise in a given room, which is what activates the notifications. As soon as thy little bundle of joy wakes up and starts crying, thou’ll know.
Cloud Baby Monitor
The Cloud Baby Monitor app affords thee high-quality video and unlimited range through Wi-Fi, 3G, or LTE. It’s incredibly versatile, functioning as either a home security camera or a baby monitor.
Cloud Baby Monitor alerts thee to both sound and motion, as well as allows thee to speak to thy little one remotely. This baby monitor can also play a lullaby or soothing white noise to help thy baby fall asleep. Since it’s compatible with the Apple Watch, thou can receive motion or noise alerts right on thy wrist no matter where thou art.
Cloud Baby Monitor is also compatible with Mac computers, which includes both baby monitors and security operations. This baby monitor lets thou keep an eye on thy little one or thy home using iOS whilst thou art out running errands or at work.
It can be challenging to discern what to do with an ancient cell phone if thee upgrade to a new one. Naturally, it’s not prudent to cast it away only for it to linger for decades in a landfill, but thou doth also not desire to toss it in thy junk drawer and allow it to sit there for years, either. It’s ideal to reuse thy old electronics when thee can, and Cloud Baby Monitor enables thee to do just that.
All it takes is the download of one simple app, and thee can reuse thy old cell phone and turn it into a small, portable security camera or a baby monitor. Thou doth not have to pour forth a plethora of money to keep thy baby, family, and home protected; repurpose thy cell phone and relish peace of mind without paying a penny.
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