Wired

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 15/03/2015 (4076 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Security cameras simple to set up

THERE are lots of smart home-security camera systems on the market, and while I haven’t tested many, the Arlo from Netgear must be the easiest to set up and get running.

The cameras are battery-powered, making them wireless and ready to hang or rest on a desktop or shelf. If you choose to hang them, they have a strong magnetic system that attaches to brackets you screw into a wall.

A battery-level indicator lets you know when they need to be replaced, which should be anywhere from four to six months.

The cameras are motion-activated, have 720-p resolution, work in near-darkness, have 130-degree view and can be set up through an app to record for specific intervals.

The Arlo hub must be connected to your home Internet and each camera connected wirelessly to the hub. The cameras have about a 90-metre line of sight from the hub.

Adjust the camera’s motion-detection sensitivity and configure the Arlo app to send email alerts and push notifications when motion is detected. You can log into your account to view the captured video from your smartphone, tablet or computer.

There are several service options for storing and viewing your saved recordings:

— Up to five cameras, with seven days of storage; viewing and storage is free.

— For $10 a month, you can save videos from up to 10 cameras for up to 30 days.

— For $15 per month, you can have up to 15 cameras and store 60 days worth of video.

If I made this sound simple, it is. It should take less than an hour from the time you open the box to the time everything is up and running, and that includes reading the instructions, downloading the free app and hanging the cameras.

DETAILS: US$349.99 for a two-camera kit, which includes a smart home-base station; other kits and combinations available; single cameras available for US$99 each; arlo.com.

Air purifier amazingly quiet

THE Pure-Ion bedroom air cleaner from Brookstone is both an air-purification machine and a humidifier, designed to create a healthy environment, especially during sleeping hours.

While it might sound like a big, complex machine, it isn’t. And you’d be amazed at how quiet it is on the low settings.

There isn’t much to the setup past adding approximately 10 litres of water into two individual tanks and then pressing a few buttons.

What I really like is the reusable stainless-steel filter system that can be cleaned in a dishwasher. A light will indicate when the filter needs cleaning.

It plugs into a standard AC outlet and can run each system independently or both continuously. There is also a built-in timer for periods of two to 12 hours.

The humidifier releases a cool mist to help make rooms more comfortable during dry times of the year. It has three different settings, and the lowest can last up to six days before a water refill is needed.

The air-purification system brings in air and removes common airborne pollutants including pollen, pet dander, smoke, dust mites, airborne bacteria and airborne mould, Brookstone’s website states.

DETAILS: US$349.99; brookstone.com.

Catalyst makes one tough case

CATALYST’s waterproof iPhone case is the first high-performance case I’ve seen that doesn’t have the big, bulky look. It’s like a regular case. The company claims it is the world’s most protective case and has a military-grade design, and who am I to argue? Technically speaking, it’s patented, with radial and hermetic seals for the highest level of waterproofing and dust protection.

If you’re an iPhoneographer, have no fear: It has a built-in, hard-coated optical lens to use underwater. You can take it underwater to depths of approximately five metres or drop it from heights of more than two metres. The exterior is rubber, for a better grip in your hand. Or you can attach the lanyard so it doesn’t swim away.

DETAILS: US$64.99 for the iPhone4, 4S, 5, and 5S models; US$69.99 for the iPhone 6/6plus (available soon); catalystlifestyle.com.

Your screen

needs a spray

JUST Whoosh! your LCD computer, smartphone or tablet screen to rid it of built-up dirt, germs and fingerprints.

Whoosh! is an all-natural, non-toxic liquid product. Just spray it on and wipe it away with the included cloth to kill bacteria, then apply an ultra-thin, invisible film to the screen. This will keep it clean from germs and fingerprints until a new layer is needed.

Be careful not to spray Whoosh! into ports or openings; your device most likely is not waterproof.

DETAILS: Available in various sizes, starting at three ounces for US$6; whooshscreenshine.com.

greggellman@mac.com Twitter: @GreggEllman