Arlo Technologies, Inc. says support for HomeKit, Apple’s smart home platform, is now available on the brand’s flagship Arlo Ultra Security Camera Systems that air paired with the Arlo SmartHub (VMB5000).
While Arlo users can already control their Ultra cameras via the Arlo app, HomeKit compatibility will provide added convenience for iPhone and iPad users, according to Tejas Shah, product and chief information officer. Now iOS users will be able to access certain functions of their Ultra cameras in the HomeKit ecosystem using the Apple Home app and Siri voice commands. Additionally, a free-of-charge automatic firmware update is now rolling out for both new and existing Ultra users.
HomeKit allows users to easily and securely control smart home products via the Apple Home app and Siri on iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Mac. All current Arlo Ultra security cameras that are paired with the Arlo SmartHub (VMB5000) will now be able to receive notifications on the Apple Home app when motion is detected.
iOS users can also utilize Siri to quickly activate a HD livestream onto their iPhone or iPad hands-free. With HomeKit, Arlo Ultra users can also set up automations to control other HomeKit-enabled smart home devices. For example, users can set up an automation to trigger HomeKit-enabled lights to turn on at certain times when motion is detected by an Arlo Ultra camera.
The Ultra boasts 4K HDR video quality with color night vision, wire-free setup, a 180-degree diagonal field-of-view, an integrated spotlight and crystal-clear two-way audio with advanced noise cancelation. Pricing starts at $399.99 for the 1-camera system which includes a one-year subscription to Arlo Smart Premier, Arlo’s AI and computer vision powered service that delivers 30-day rolling storage of cloud recordings and personalized detection of people, vehicles, packages, and more.
