Amazon is determined to get Alexa integrated into every hardware gadget it can think to create, which is why we have a growing list of Echo devices to choose between. However, today Amazon launched a new piece of hardware that doesn't carry the Echo name, but does include Alexa integration. It's called the Amazon Cloud Cam, and it's a security camera for your home launching on November 8.
For $119.99, Amazon is offering an indoor security camera capable of 1080p video, two-way audio, wide viewing angles, night vision, activity clip recording, and 24 hour livestreaming via the Amazon Cloud Cam App. As it's powered by the cloud, Amazon claims this is a security camera that will continue to get more intelligent. If you want more than one camera to better monitor your whole house, Amazon will gladly sell you a Cloud Cam triple pack for $289.99, or a double pack for $199.99.
The Alexa integration comes in the form of different ways to access your camera feed. Owners can access the camera via their Echo Show, Echo Spot, Fire TV, or Fire tablet using voice commands. The same is true of the free app available on Android and iOS. Alerts can be set for when activity happens and recorded motion detection clips are safely stored on AWS for later viewing.
Uploading video to the AWS cloud every day isn't free, and so Amazon is also limiting the recording feature and offering subscriptions if you want greater access. Anyone buying the Cloud Cam gains access to the last 24 hours of clips from up to three cameras without a subscription. Beyond that, there are three subscription tiers to choose between named Basic, Extended, and Pro.
A Basic subscription ($6.99/mo, $69/yr) increases clips access to seven days for up to three cameras. Extended subscriptions ($9.99/mo, $99/yr) increase clip access to 14 days for up to five cameras. Finally, Pro subscriptions ($19.99/mo, $199/yr) increase clips access to 30 days for up to 10 cameras. Each subscription tier can be tried for free for 30 days and includes unlimited video sharing.
As an added bonus for choosing to subscribe, Amazon will enable two features called Person Detection and Zones. Person Detection allows the Cloud Cam to differentiate between general motion and human movement. Zones allow you to setup areas the camera can see, but that you want ignored. Both of these features will be very useful for anyone who has pets and doesn't want the motion detection feature being triggered all day.
One final feature of Cloud Cam is actually a completely separate product called Amazon Key. Amazon is serious about allowing deliveries inside your home when you aren't there, just like Walmart is. Amazon's solution to this problem is Cloud Cam + Amazon Key.