Arlo announces a new standalone outdoor camera. The Arlo Go 2 uses the concept of a battery camera and is equipped with 4G connectivity. The newcomer also relies on Wi-Fi and a lower price.
To be more easily installed and used, outdoor security cameras are increasingly stripped of their electrical cable. What to be potentially even more nomadic. And to accentuate this “to-go” aspect, Arlo has created its Arlo Go range of cameras that can follow you on all your adventures.
After a rather promising first version, the brand is back with an Arlo Go 2 which still relies on its 3G/4G mobile connectivity. But this time, its use is thought out for two reasons: it can also connect to a Wi-Fi network.
A rounder look
Whether it’s protecting your main home, your vacation home, a caravan or motorhome, a construction site or a truck on the road, the Arlo Go 2 can be a companion in all situations with its ease of installation. (three screws for the articulated support and a configuration with a few clicks in the application).
On the design side, exit the more square aspect of the Arlo Go. Its heiress takes on the more rounded look of the usual security cameras in the range such as the Arlo Ultra 2 Spotlight, Arlo Essential indoor or the Arlo Pro ranges. Because it is inside that she plays the difference.
The camera also incorporates the major in-house features. There is an 80 dB siren that can be activated automatically or remotely. It’s up to you to decide on its settings (on motion detection, special detection or manually). You can be alerted on your smartphone in a personalized way if it is an animal, a vehicle, an individual or a delivery left in front of your home (with Arlo Secure subscription – see below).
There is a loudspeaker and two-way microphones on the front so you can hear and be heard if you need to communicate with someone passing in front. In addition, 4 on-board LEDs can also activate a projector while also offering color night vision. The HD camera films in 1080p with a 130° field of view to be able to cover the area widely.
On the back is space for the battery, but also for microSD cards (up to 2 TB of storage) and SIM. Below appears the port to connect the charging cable electrically or to a solar panel, as well as the attachment for the support.
A long autonomy in all circumstances
The Arlo Go 2 is completely autonomous and does not require a hub to configure itself wherever you are. It relies on its dual connectivity to deal with any eventuality, including the loss of Wi-Fi at home. It will then automatically switch back to the mobile network using its integrated SIM card (4G subscription extra).
To respond to this, Arlo has also improved its autonomy by pushing it to 12 months in standard use against 4 to 6 months for the first version. For this, it is now equipped with an XL battery of 13,000 mAh.
The Arlo Go 2 is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice assistants, as well as Apple HomeKit and IFTTT home automation systems.
The subscription, always the potential Achilles heel
As often with Arlo, without the Arlo Secure subscription, the possibilities of the security camera are reduced. And that’s the case again with the Arlo Go 2.
Basically, you can install it and access live video streaming from your smartphone to monitor the surroundings. You will also be alerted by notification of the slightest movement detected. But the option of being able to see the notification without unlocking your device and respond more quickly – a feature that Arlo prides itself on – is only available to Arlo Secure and Arlo Secure Plus subscribers. For everything else, you will have to go to the checkout.
Thereby, Secure Plus offers personalized notifications according to the type of movement to be detected (animal, human, car, etc.), but also the consultation of videos saved on the cloud (30 days of history). Without it, you will never be able to view your camera recordings remotely. You will need to disassemble the camera and access the built-in SD card to view them. Far from being practical if your camera is used to monitor a second home for example…
The subscription (from 2.99 euros per month) also allows you to have 2K image quality, to be able to call a friend in the event of a problem and share the images, to obtain a replacement product in the event of flight of your camera. This can be supplemented by an extended warranty with Secure Plus.
Two-factor authentication and the protection of your data, on the other hand, seem open to all owners.
Arlo Go 2 price and availability
The Arlo Go 2 will go on sale on June 1 for 299.99 euros on the Arlo site and from partners. It is much cheaper than the first of the name which had been put on sale at 380 euros.
Arlo also offers a camera with a 2-year subscription to Arlo Securre for 359.99 euros.
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