Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

We love the convenience of portable Bluetooth speakers. But for those who want a more permanentand higher-qualityoutdoor audio setup for a backyard or patio, we suggest a good pair of weatherproof outdoor speakers.

The OSD Audio AP650 speakers are your best choice because they sound good, mount easily, and are built to survive harsh weather, bugs, and dust.

These speakers have a clear, full sound that works well for any type of music, and theyre sealed against water and bugs.

The OSD Audio AP650 speakers are the best value weve found in an outdoor pair. Their clarity beats anything weve heard from other models priced under $200 per pair. And they have a full, powerful sound that can easily fill an outdoor space, up to about 1,500 square feet. They have enough bass for R&B, hip-hop, and rock music, even when theyre used with a small amplifier.

Because these speakers have a fully sealed design, theres no concern about water, dust, or bugs getting in. This pair is also more rugged than most under-$200 outdoor speakers, with a thicker enclosure and a sturdy, powder-coated mounting bracket.

These speakers deliver full sound, but theyre not the best choice for places that experience severe weather.

If you want to spend a little less to get decent outdoor sound, the Yamaha NS-AW294 speakers are a good choiceas long as you dont live in a place where blustery rainstorms are common, since their ported design may allow water to get in and potentially cause damage. The NS-AW294 speakers dont sound as clear as our top pick, but they do have a solid amount of bass and can play pretty loudly.

This speaker sounds clearer than our less-pricey picks, and it produces a lot more bass. Its larger and costs a lot more, though.

The Dayton Audio IO8XTB speaker is roughly twice the price and size of our OSD and Yamaha picks, but we can safely say this speaker offers at least twice the performance. Not only does it deliver much more bass, but its sound is also clearer and smoother. Whether you listen to hip-hop, rock, folk, or classical, youll appreciate the improvement.

This compact, affordable speaker pair is completely sealed, but it doesnt have as much bass or sound as good at loud volumes as our top pick.

Those who want to keep their investment to a minimum will like the Dual Electronics LU53PW speakers. Though they dont have much bass and can have a rather blaring sound when turned up loud, they sound decent for background music, podcasts, and radio. Theyre also more compact than the other non-powered models we recommend, and they are completely sealed to prevent water from seeping in.

These speakers have Bluetooth and a stereo amp built in, making installation simpler. They sound good, but they wont play as loudly as our other picks.

The OSD Audio BTP525 speakers are a good choice for someone who needs sound for a small area, as well as for those who want speakers that are very simple to install. All of our other outdoor speaker picks require complicated installation and wiring, and a separate amplifier. With the BTP525, Bluetooth and a stereo amplifier are built in, so you just have to mount the speakers, run a wire between them, and connect the power supply to the speakers and an outdoor AC outlet. The sound quality is similar toalthough not as loud or full asthat of the OSD Audio AP650 pair.

See the original post here:
The 5 Best Outdoor Speakers of 2024 | Reviews by Wirecutter - The New York Times

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Original post:
Features to consider for a relaxation-themed bathroom remodel - Citrus County Chronicle

The primary reason you should install frameless shower doors is because they make your bathroom look bigger. Unlike framed glass doors, these fixtures lack metal framing and remove barriers from your sight line. At best, they have a bar or handle to help open the door. This gives you an uninterrupted view of the entire roomwithout sectioning off parts of the space. Due to this, the bathroom space flows together and appears as a single large room. But this isn't the only reason frameless fixtures will make your bathing chamber appear larger.

Another reason why frameless shower doors are ideal for small bathrooms is because they let in light naturalor artificial. This creates a bright and airy atmosphere, opening up the room. Just as white can make your bathroom look bigger, if you have a white shower, any amount of natural light illuminating that crisp white shower is going to make your bathroom look larger, too. However, while picking a frameless door for your shower, ensure you pick a clear one. Textured glass will obstruct your view and reinstate the feeling of a separate space, negating the purpose of frameless doors in a small bathroom.

See original here:
The Shower Door That Can Make A Small Bathroom Look And Feel Bigger - House Digest

Bathroom remodels have changed a lot. Now, theyre more than just places to get clean. They show off our style and meet our needs well. Todays remodel trends mix good looks with practicality. They make bathrooms both pretty and useful. Lets check out the newest and coolest trends in bathroom remodels.

Lately, we have thought differently about luxury in bathroom design. Its not about how big it is, but how cleverly you use the space. This new way of thinking goes against the old idea that big means luxurious. It opens up exciting chances for small bathrooms to be fancy and efficient. A good bathroom renovation contractor can help make the most of small spaces, turning them into fancy and smart bathrooms.

As we care more about the planet, eco-friendly materials are a big part of bathroom remodels. Were choosing things that look good and are good for Earth.

With smart homes becoming more common, bathroom tech has also gotten better. This mix of luxury and convenience is changing bathroom renovation approaches.

In a bathroom renovation, theres a shift from plain colours to bold and vibrant designs. This change allows individuals to express their unique style through various patterns, textures, and colours.

Bathrooms are becoming more than just functional; theyre turning into personal wellness spots. This trend includes features that help you relax and feel good.

Were bringing nature into bathroom design to create calm, spa-like spaces. This includes using natural light, plants, and materials like stone and wood. These elements make the space peaceful and beautiful.

This trend is about making the bathroom feel part of the outdoors.

The latest bathroom renovation trends mix style, practicality, and care for the planet. They offer many choices for homeowners to create beautiful spaces, improve life quality, promote wellness, and be eco-friendly. Whether its a big remodel or small updates, these trends give great ideas for making your bathroom your special retreat.

Photo: iStock

Read more from the original source:
The Latest Bathroom Renovation Trends - The Good Men Project

Do you have a compact space in your bathroom but want to spruce it up? Well, fortunately, this is now possible even if every inch counts. Just because you have a small space doesnt mean that youll have to sacrifice functionality and style. You can still get creative without needing to spend more, and you can find out more about thison this page.

You just have to make sure that youre maximizing the space, and you can even create a focal point when needed. Corner units can be ideal where you can utilize all of the available ones to create extra room. They can come in curved or square designs, various sizes, and shapes. They will allow you to find the ones that are perfect for your layout.

Recessed niches or shelves can also be a clever idea, and they can be inside the walls of the shower. They are built-in areas where you can store soap, shampoo, and other toiletries to keep the space clutter-free and more organized. You can choose from different materials, such as glass or tile inserts to match the overall aesthetic of your bathroom.

If you're looking for something more minimalistic, consider installing a frameless glass enclosure for your shower. This sleek design creates an open and airy feel while visually expanding the size of your bathroom, and the transparency of the glass allows light to flow through uninterrupted, making the entire space appear larger than it is.

To further maximize space in a compact shower, opt for wall-mounted fixtures instead of bulky ones that take up precious room on countertops or ledges. The former and rainfall showerheads not only save space but also add an elegant touch to any modern bathroom, so you might want to see how they look by visiting sites like Pinterest. See info about countertops at this link:https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/countertop.

Colors should also matter as well because you would want to opt for soft pastels or white to create brightness and an illusion of being more open with small spaces. Consider the hues of tiles and walls and match them with each other for more appeal.

For those with less square footage to remodel, its always a good idea to go all out with the fixtures and floorings. Select a petite tub whenever possible, so it can fit into a small enclosure. There are also tribal patterns and fun art that can be added if youre feeling a little creativity.

Curtains should also add glamour and sophistication, and as such, they should be hung at a higher level. Extra-tall ones that are closer to the ceiling will create an elongated effect, and the greys can also look more elegant against the whites. Spaces should also be lightened and brightened, where the oak with its brownish hues can pop from the sparkling whites of the walls. They add flair, and the plants can also be a nice addition overall.

Go for the glass style with subway tiles and make the whole room more spacious. An unexpected shape of the mirror, along with the loops and curves can also give you an embellished and fun vibe that can soften the sharp shapes of the vanity. Shelves should also be a good idea because they can significantly reduce the clutter. You can have a double-duty table that can also serve as a storage shelf for the essentials, so you can avoid a more cramped space.

As mentioned, the corner tub types are a smart choice if you want to maximize the floor area of your compact bathroom. There are also tips from Florida Shower & Bathif you want to remodel your entire room and make it look more spacious without compromising the functionality. The professionals are going to help you decide on the upgrades and colors, so you will create a more cohesive look.

For those who want to add a touch of style, they can also get a freestanding tub that can come in various sizes and shapes. You can find one from an online shop along with its measurements, features, and colors, so youll have several options to choose from. Some people tend to crave relaxation after a long day at work, and despite the smaller footprints, you can expect these deep-soaking tubs to have a more immersive experience.

If you're short on space but still desire the convenience of bathing, consider installing a shower-bathtub combo unit. This versatile option allows you to switch between quick showers and leisurely baths without sacrificing precious square footage. There are also clawfoot tubs that exude vintage charm while also being compact enough for small bathrooms. With their elegant curves and raised feet, they can create an eye-catching centerpiece while saving valuable floor area.

Consider repainting your bathroom walls with a fresh coat of paint because this simple change can instantly give your space a new look and feel without spending too much money. White offers more illumination, so you wont have to spend much on utilities, but you can always select another one thats according to your tastes.

Updating the hardware and fixtures is also going to work, and if youre buying a new home, try toreplace the showerheads, handles, and faucets so they can have a huge impact on the overall aesthetics of the bath.

Floating or open shelves instead of traditional cabinets will not only save money but also visually open up the room by creating an airy feel. Use these shelves to display decorative items or store essential toiletries in attractive containers.

Utilize accessories like new bathmats, towels, scented candles, and other small pieces that can instantly refresh the look of the bathroom. They dont cost a fortune, and you can just start to think outside the box when making some improvements.

Don't overlook the power of accessories! A new shower curtain, bathmat, towels, and other small decor pieces can instantly refresh the look of your bathroom without costing a fortune.

Read more here:
Small Space, Big Impact: Creative Shower and Bath Remodels for Compact Bathrooms - FINE Homes and Living

If youre hoping to brighten up your outdoor living space quite literally then outdoor lights are a worthwhile investment for your yard. Many people use outdoor lights for security purposes, helping to scare off animals and improve visibility in the dark, but many lights can also make your outdoor living space more usable at night.

Outdoor lighting not only makes outdoor spaces much more functional and safe, extending their use when the sun goes down, but helps to create an inviting and warm atmosphere, explains Coleman Cosby, construction director at Yardzen. Whether you're looking to create a welcoming and safe entryway or a fire pit area in the backyard for after-hours enjoyment, balanced and thoughtful outdoor lighting can make a huge difference in setting a mood and creating interesting focal points throughout your yard at night.

There are many types of outdoor lights to choose from today, including everything from motion-activated floodlights and spotlights to smart LED strips that can flash along to music. We tested 16 top-rated outdoor lights, and, to our surprise, we found that both smart outdoor lights and standard (a.k.a. non-smart) outdoor lighting performed well for practical use. Most illuminated around 10 to 30 feet, and some required a good bit of installation work, but luckily, you only have to do that once.

No matter what kind of light youre looking for, these are the best outdoor lights that PEOPLE Tested.

Our Ratings

Ease of Setup

5/5

Design

5/5

Brightness

5/5

Durability

4.8/5

Value

5/5

The light illuminates around 30 feet and is bright without being overwhelming.

The motion sensor has no problem detecting cars, people, and large animals.

The lights two heads have a wide range of rotation, making them easy to angle in any direction.

According to the packaging, the lights are not fully waterproof, so theyre best mounted in a sheltered location.

Our top all-around pick for an outdoor light is the Leonlite COB LED Security Light. Its a floodlight with two adjustable heads, and we loved that they rotate 360 degrees, allowing you to angle the light to anywhere within your yard. We were able to install the light easily within about 15 minutes without any calibration needed, and there are three settings to choose from motion detection, dusk to dawn, or manual.

We tested the Leonlite on its motion-detection setting, and it had no problem picking up movement caused by people, large animals like deer, and cars. When it turned on, the light was a warm yellow hue that lit up an area of around 30 feet, and it was just the right level of brightness that we could see around the outdoor space. Our only concern about this floodlight is that the packaging says it's not fully waterproof, so you may want to mount it in a covered location to protect it from direct rain.

Type: Floodlight | Power Source: Hardwired | Brightness: 1,800 lumens | Smart: No | Motion Activated: Yes | Detection Range: 59-69 feet | Detection Angle: 180 degrees

Our Ratings

Ease of Setup

4.5/5

Design

5/5

Brightness

5/5

Durability

5/5

Value

5/5

If youre looking for a simple, low-cost spotlight for your yard, we loved this inexpensive model from Beams. The battery-operated design is compact and basic, and when youre installing it, you can angle it in any direction. Without any obstacles in the way, it was able to detect motion 30 feet away or more, and it lit up an area around 30 feet, providing plenty of visibility without being blinding. It only has one operation setting, and the light automatically turns off after around 20 seconds if no further motion is detected.

The only thing we didnt like was the installation process the hardware included isnt well-suited for all locations, and we had to swap in larger screws for a secure fit.

Type: Spotlight | Power Source: Battery | Brightness: 200 lumens | Smart: No | Motion Activated: Yes | Detection Range: 30 feet | Detection Angle: 120 degrees

Our Ratings

Ease of Setup

5/5

Design

5/5

Brightness

5/5

Durability

5/5

Value

4.5/5

The smartphone app is very intuitive to use and connects to the light easily.

By adjusting the sensitivity of the motion detector and setting motion-detection zones, you can reduce false alarms.

At its max setting, the floodlight can illuminate an area over 45 feet.

The Ring Floodlight Cam Plus is a smart security camera and floodlight in one, and its worth the investment if you want a powerful light with the ability to monitor the outside of your home. The unit is on the larger side, so youll need plenty of room to mount it, and because we tested the wired model, the installation process was a bit time-consuming, as it needed to be hardwired into the homes electrical system. However, once it was set up, the Ring app made it quick and easy to sync the camera to our smartphone, and we loved the wide range of settings available within the app. You can put it on a set schedule, adjust the brightness of the light, set up specific motion detection zones, and much more, and the app is very intuitive to navigate.

We were impressed by the lights functionality, as well. On its maximum brightness setting, the light easily illuminated an area up to 45 feet away, and the camera captured clear video footage both day and night. We also loved that you can view a live video feed through an Echo Show divide, making it easy to monitor whats going on outside your house, even if you dont have your phone handy.

Type: Floodlight | Power Source: Hardwired | Brightness: 2,000 lumens | Smart: Yes | Motion Activated: Yes | Detection Range: 30 feet | Detection Angle: 140 degrees

Our Ratings

Ease of Setup

5/5

Design

5/5

Brightness

5/5

Durability

5/5

Value

4.5/5

At max brightness, the bulb illuminates a large area, but you can turn down the brightness as needed.

Its easy to set up routines, schedules, or adjust the lights settings through the Cync app.

The lights didnt have any connectivity issues over the course of testing.

If you already have a floodlight on your home, you can turn it into a smart fixture by installing a GE CYNC Smart Bulb. The bulb is a PAR38 shape, which fits most floodlights, and to install it, all you have to do is screw it into your existing light fixture. We were able to sync the bulb with the CYNC app in less than five minutes, and once it was set up, it was easy to adjust the bulbs brightness, color, and schedule through the app. The light had no problem lighting up a small 10-foot area during testing, and it could likely be used in much larger spaces, thanks to its 1,300 lumen maximum. We didnt experience any connectivity issues over the course of testing, and overall, its a great value if you want a smart light for the exterior of your home.

Type: Bulb | Power Source: Screw-in | Brightness: 1,300 lumens | Smart: Yes | Motion Activated: No | Detection Range: N/A | Detection Angle: N/A

Our Ratings

Ease of Setup

5/5

Design

4.5/5

Brightness

4.3/5

Durability

5/5

Value

5/5

The fixture was quick and easy to install, as there was no wiring needed.

The light could reliably detect motion within 25 feet of the fixture.

The light isnt the brightest, as its solar-powered, and it can only light up an area of around 10 feet.

Theres just one operation setting, and the brightness isnt adjustable.

The Better Homes & Gardens Wall-Mounted LED Light is a stylish sconce that you can mount to the outside of your home. It has a built-in solar panel on the top of the fixture, and we were able to install the light in less than 10 minutes, as theres no wiring required. The sconce has just one operation setting, where it maintains a low brightness at night and becomes brighter when motion is detected, and it proved to be very reliable at detecting any movement within a 25-foot range. The light isnt the brightest, due to its low lumens and solar-powered design, but it can comfortably illuminate an area of around 10 feet. Plus, the design is much more aesthetically pleasing than other utilitarian lights, helping to improve the curb appeal of your home.

Type: Sconce | Power Source: Solar | Brightness: 200 lumens | Smart: No | Motion Activated: Yes | Detection Range: 25 feet | Detection Angle: 120 degrees

Our Ratings

Ease of Setup

5/5

Design

5/5

Brightness

5/5

Durability

5/5

Value

5/5

The lights special LED bulb realistically replicates the look of a flickering candle.

When it detects motion, the light is able to illuminate an area of around 30 feet.

The fixture held up well in harsh weather, including wind and rain.

Read more:
The 10 Best Outdoor Lights of 2024, Tested and Reviewed - PEOPLE

Lucid Vision Labs has started series production of the new Helios2 Ray outdoor time-of-flight (ToF) camera.

The Helios2 Ray camera is powered by Sonys DepthSense IMX556PLR ToF image sensor and delivers high performance in challenging outdoor lighting environments.

Equipped with 940nm VCSEL laser diodes, the Helios2 Ray generates real-time 3D point clouds, even in direct sunlight, making it suitable for a wide range of outdoor applications. The Helios2 Ray offers the same IP67 and Factory Tough design as the standard Helios2 camera featuring a 640 x 480 depth resolution at distances of up to 8.3 meters and a frame rate of 30fps.

Lucids Arena software development kit integrates user-friendly controls for all Helios2 ToF cameras. The ArenaView GUI enables users to visualise scene intensity and depth in either 2D or 3D point cloud views, offering real-time manipulation and orientation. Additionally, the software facilitates on-the-fly adjustments, including false color overlay and depth range modifications.

The Helios2 Ray HTR003S-001 camera is list priced at $1,495 and is now available to order.

View original post here:
Lucid's Helios2 Ray camera tackles outdoor lighting - Imaging and Machine Vision Europe

The coming year looks to bring even more possibilities for AI, especially if this month's CES is any indication of how 2024 could go. We got a first look at what you should expect from the home security category in the coming year, including new cameras, doorbells and home security solutions we've never seen before.

With loads of AI TVs and robot chefs appearing at the tech expo in Las Vegas, it's no surprise we saw several AI advances for home security tech, too.

Read more:AI at CES 2024: The Coolest Tech From the Show

It's easier than ever to add new tech to your home defenses, with things like the Matter protocol helping solve our device compatibility woes. The hard part is figuring out if flashy new devices are really worth your time or more of a marketing push.

Our first take on five CES home security product releases will help you decide. These are the buzziest home security announcements so far in 2024, along with just how useful they could be in your house, apartment or business.

Home Depot's Hubspace has flown under the radar as a highly affordable smart home collection. But at CES 2024, Home Depot pushed it into the spotlight.

In addition to popular releases like asmart thermostatand a smart chest freezer, Hubspace now has its own security kit. The only question: How much will it cost? Home Depot hasn't released pricing details yet, but if the prices are in line with Hubspace's previous offerings then affordability could be a compelling feature.

Already comfortable using Apple's Face ID sign-ins? You may welcome the technology for your door, too.Lockly's Visage smart deadboltuses facial recognition as a biometric pass to unlock your door with -- hopefully -- a steady glance. That could be seriously useful if your hands are full of groceries, but the $349 price tag is a little steep.

The price of entry may be worth it, however, if you already use Apple devices. The lock comes with support for Apple Home Key passes, as well as a more traditional fingerprint reader.

We don't yet have all the answers yet, though. It remains to be seen how this lock performs out in the real world, where height, weather and daylight could all affect the accuracy of porch-side facial recognition. It's also not yet clear how all those face scans will be stored, encrypted and accessed.

It may look like a fancy spa treatment here, but this new offering from Lockly uses facial recognition to open doors.

Here's a biometric alternative we haven't seen before. Rather than using a digital pass or finicky fob, thelatest deadbolt from Philipshas no-contact palm recognition instead. Amazon is also rolling outpalm-scan paymentsto Whole Foods stores across the country.

Hold your hand in front of a door, get your palm read via proximity sensors and it'll unlock without needing to pull out your phone or keys. Like thumbprints, every palm is different -- and hovering your hand in the air certainly sounds easier than finding a thumb scanner on a dark porch.

You'll need astable Wi-Fi connectionfor palm reading to work, and you'll need to manage settings behind the scenes with the Phillips Home Access app. There's some compatibility with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant, along with alternative unlock options such as a PIN or old-fashioned key. Detail-oriented folk will also appreciate that the built-in doorbell works with your existing chimedoorbell.

Starting at $360, this deadbolt is considerably more expensive than other front door smart locks and it even costs more than the Lockly Visage. When the latest August smart locks are selling for around $140, that's a pricey upgrade.

Reolink's powerful Duo 3 PoE (that's power over Ethernet) security cam makes a case for installing commercial-level security on your own property: More durability, a lot more detail and a better overview of a large yard or other space

In addition to the low-light ColorX night vision technology, the camera has two big dual lenses that offer 16 megapixels of identifying detail (Reolink claims that's a first), with a nearly panoramic 180-degree field of view.

The Duo 3 also retains the high-grade security features you'd expect from today's robust security cameras. It has two-way audio, motion detection, spotlight and smart alerts. Reolink also throws in motion tracking to let you keep an eye on the action.

While these all seem like business-oriented features, the camera has home-friendly options too -- notably, compatibility with both Google Home and the Nest Hub. But you'll want a reliable hub or spacious SD card to store all that video detail.

A little outdoor lighting helps improve safety and deter lurkers, but most external security lights are built into cameras or only available as bulky floodlights.

At CES Nanoleaf revealed a new option with Permanent Outdoor Lights, the brand's first foray into exterior lighting. The lights retain Nanoleaf's extensive color and schedule customization, which is nice. They're also compact enough to stick right up under your eaves or in other convenient spots.

The lights work with Matter, so your existing smart home apps should be able to handle them. But I'd like to learn more about the wiring requirements and the full weather-resistance capabilities of these lights before making a recommendation. For now, they've definitely caught my eye.

Does this new security tech sound great for your home? We'll keep you updated as we get our hands on these devices. Remember, CES is only a show, so you'll have to wait at least a few months before most of these gadgets hit store (or online) shelves. You can set a Google alert for a product that catches your eye and keep following home security on CNET so you don't miss any details.

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Palm-Reading Locks, Face ID and Moody Porch Lights: 5 New Home Security Products for 2024 - CNET

An outdoor security camera can keep tabs on welcome (and unwelcome) visitors, package deliveries, and furry creatures helping themselves to a midnight snack in your garden. They can also be a powerful deterrent to prospective mischief-makers.

However, after reviewing dozens of cameras over the past seven years, weve yet to find a perfect model. Some are hard to place, some need to be charged frequently, and others require a subscription fee to be most effective.

If you want a completely cord-free option, we recommend the Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera.

If you want something a little cheaper (and have an outdoor outlet nearby), we recommend the Ring Stick Up Cam Plug-In.

This battery-powered camera captures clear 2K video. The video storage subscription adds the ability to detect people, animals, vehicles, packages, and general motion.

Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit (with a compatible base station), Google Home, IFTTT, Samsung SmartThings

The Arlo Pro 4 delivers the best combination of detailed video performance, specialized alerts, and easy installation. It does require a subscription to Arlo Secure (starting at $5 per month) in order to record clips and distinguish between people, pets, packages, and vehicles. However, it delivers clear 2K video day and nightincluding color video even in the dark. The Pro 4 can record up to five minutes of continuous motion, though if the camera runs often, it can quickly drain the batterywe found it needs to be charged about once a month. The Arlo Pro 4 also offers a 24/7 recording option, but enabling it has a higher subscription fee, requires an extra $150 to $200 in equipment, and is separate from Arlo Secure.

A plug-in 1080p model, it comes with a weather-resistant cord or add-on battery, and can distinguish between people and other moving objects.

Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Works With Ring

The Ring Stick Up Cam Plug-In Wi-Fi camera comes with a lengthy, weather-resistant power cord, but it can also be powered by battery or a solar panel. It delivers crisp, 1080p video with an expansive 130-degree view and clear two-way audio. By signing up for a Ring Protect Basic plan ($4 per month or $40 per year), you can store recordings for up to 60 days, and it also enables features like person alerts, the option to save videos, and thumbnail-enhanced smartphone notifications. Also, despite some previous issues, Ring now provides more privacy and security measures than any other camera manufacturer we tested.

This camera offers long battery life, a clear 2K image, HomeKit support, and three options for storing video.

Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Home

Although its not quite as smart as the Arlo Pro 4, the Eufy S220 EufyCam has the best rechargeable battery weve seen on a cordless outdoor security camera. (The company claims the battery can last a year; we experienced usage between four to 12 months, so it will depend on where your cameras are placed and how often theyre triggered.) Free perks include the ability to record 2K video to storage in the included base station, as well as the ability to differentiate between humans and other moving things. To have your video sent to and stored in the cloud, you can opt for a paid subscription to either Eufy Cloud Storage ($3/month) or Apple HomeKit Secure Video (free with iCloud plans that start at $1/month); note that both services reduce video resolution from the original 2K to 1080p quality.

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The 3 Best Outdoor Security Cameras of 2024 | Reviews by Wirecutter - The New York Times