This little camera is discreet and relatively easy to install. It comes with a snap on bracket you can wall mount, screws and mollys to assist in putting it up in a hidden spot indoors.
The camera works on WiFi and connects to your phone via BlueTooth. This was a bit troublesome and the instructions are rather brief, but after deleting it several times from my phone picking up the BlueTooth connection and then updating the firmware, it worked perfectly. So it took me about a half an hour to set it up when it should go perhaps a lot faster.
I connected it to my Android phone with no issues and am able to activate the app and look at the video streaming from my smartphone and, if the mic is on, listen in. I like the form factor of this camera; it's small and it has a very clear wide angle picture.
The camera has features such as motion detection and facial recognition; you can input faces (you, your family, friends) and it will recognize them over strangers. But I haven't tried this yet.
The video is stored for free in their cloud server, but only the cloud belonging to Tend Insights (no option to direct it to Amazon Cloud or Google Cloud.) This is why I deduct a star. I don't like custody of my data being directed ONLY one place WHERE I have no direct access and they delete (sorta) after seven days. You can bet that if someone subpoenaed that video, they'd be able to drag it off a server somewhere. I'd prefer custody of my data. And no deletion after seven days if I chose.
At this time, no other systems or software connect to the Tend Insights camera but they intend to create a line of "Internet of Things" line to interconnect. I question this too: these companies get sold or go under and then the apps and software and firmware are no longer updated.
The privacy policy is of concern: the sound is recorded unless you disable it.
Here is the policy from their website:
"Except as provided below, Tend shall not sell, rent, trade or otherwise transfer any personal and/or traffic data or communications content to any third party without your explicit permission, unless it is obliged to do so under applicable laws or by order of the competent authorities.
Tend may share your information with Tend group entities for certain purposes, and in particular insofar as necessary to (1) create an eCommerce ecosystem combining the Tend group entities’ services; (2) provide and invoice certain joint services; (3) organize marketing or promotional operations, contests, games and similar events; and (4) fight against fraud.
In order to provide you with Tend products you have requested, Tend may sometimes, if necessary, share your personal and traffic data with carriers, partner service providers and/or agents, for example the mobile service gateway provider, distributor of Tend software and/or Tend products and/or the third party banking organization or other providers of payment services. Tend will always require these third parties to take appropriate organizational and technical measures to protect your personal data and traffic data and to observe the relevant legislation.
Please be informed that, notwithstanding the abovementioned, in the event of a designated authority lawfully requesting Tend or Tend’s local partner to retain and provide personal data, communications content and/or traffic data, Tend and/or its local partner will provide all reasonable assistance and information to fulfill this request.
Your information may be stored and processed in any country in which Tend and the Tend group maintain facilities. In this regard, or for purposes of sharing or disclosing data in accordance with this article 4, Tend reserves the right to transfer information outside of your country. By using Tend software, Tend’s websites or Tend products you consent to any such transfer of information outside of your country. Where Tend transfers your personal information to a country which is not within the European Economic Area and is not subject to an adequacy decision by the EU Commission, we rely on protection of U.S. privacy laws, and your consent in certain circumstances. As Tend continues to develop its business, Tend might sell or buy subsidiaries or business units. In such transactions as well as in the event Tend or substantially all of its assets are acquired by a third party, personal information of Tend users will generally be one of the transferred business assets. We reserve the right to include your personal information, collected as an asset, in any such transfer to a third party.
I already have 2 of the Tend Cameras TS0020 and they work really well. Decided to purchase a third and try the newest model TS0023. Works at the same high level as the old model. Only odd thing is the manufacturer references Bluetooth for set up. I asked a question and was told to read the manual so I read it again. Absolutely NO reference to a Bluetooth connection in the manual or directions. I’m hoping I did not pay more for a new model when it works exactly the same and at the same high quality video as the first two I own which were $15 less...each. I also have Amcrest and Blink cameras. The Tend unit is very nice. Set up was quick and easy but, again, NO Bluetooth connection and directions to connect to bluetooth.
I rate this a 5 as it was easy to set up via internet and it works well. Not pleased with feeling like I may have conned.
Amazon also describes the TS0023 as having different dimensions than the TS0020. That is not correct. They are identical in size.
Bottom line. A very nice camera.
Thanks
This was my first experience with an in-home camera. The set-up was super simple - you plug it in, download the app and connect the camera. I was able to share access to the camera with my fiancé so we can both check in on the house when we're away at work. We set this device up in the living room so we can see our large sliding glass door, as well as check in on our dog during the day. Aside from the HD picture, I would say the best part of this camera is the two-way audio; I can hear what's happening in the house and even talk through the camera's speakers when I'm away. I'd definitely recommend the Lynx to anyone looking for an indoor camera!
I'll start off with the only con, though it's not a deal-breaker. You pretty much have to set it in the horizontal position before you mount it. There is a set screw in the back that holds the camera onto the mounting bracket, but once it is set, the camera doesn't really turn from side to side. The up and down maneuverability (manual) still works just fine. It does take a little thinking to figure out how to mount it, but the people who rate this as a 1 star because they can't figure out some way to mount the product are fools. It takes some thinking, but even a monkey could figure it out eventually. My recommendation is to mount the plastic base plate [only] on the wall (just to make sure the screws are in the correct positions), remove it, attach the base-plate back on the camera assembly, set the set-screw, then slip the whole camera/mount over the [wall] screws - done.
That being said, once I downloaded the app and connected the camera (10 total minutes including a hardware update), I started playing around with the software on my phone. Everything is very straight forward on the app. It records anytime there is movement. Those recordings are all stored on one of the three main tabs of the app, very easy to access. You can download the saved videos on the spot. The motion detector sensitivity is programmable from the app, and it is very responsive to the setting; I had it set to 'high' and a piece of dust set it off, I set it to medium, and it doesn't go off unless I walk in front of it. You can also select which times of the day you receive notifications, to cut down on the amount when you are working in front of the camera. I have it watching my safe, so the alerts are very minimal, but I can see where it may get annoying if the camera is setting off your phone alerts all day long if it was mounted in the living room and the kids were playing in front of it often.
I was messing around with the app while setting off the motion detection on purpose. I started deleting the events, and was very surprised that I can bulk delete, and can even choose if I want to delete everything from a specific date or the whole set of videos. Small feature, but I really like the thought that went into the programming.
I had a couple of glitches setting them up, but email tech support was responsive and helpful. Tip: If you have special characters in your router password, change it to letters and numbers only. Depending on your router, you might need your provider to open some ports. Disregard if you have a smooth setup. But if it's not going quickly, these might be the issues.
Feature Product
- Easy setup - quick and easy Bluetooth setup within minutes to begin secure monitoring
- Facial recognition - intelligent facial recognition software lets you choose who your camera recognizes, get a check-in notification with familiar faces
- Network Connectivity - stronger network Connectivity to ensure Ease of use for all family members
- Free cloud storage - backup and review videos with our cloud storage, included with your purchase. It's free, so you can always see what's happened for the previous 7 days
- Motion detection & instant alerts - get immediate notifications on your mobile device for events triggered by motion detection
- Built-in support for 802.11b/g/n 2.4Ghz Wifi band (5Ghz currently not supported, please confirm that your router supports 2.4Ghz Wifi Band). Access your camera with the Tend Secure App on your mobile device anytime, anywhere
Description
The Tend Secure Lynx Indoor 2 provides easy to use home security. With quick and easy Bluetooth setup, your camera is up and running in minutes. Stronger network connectivity provides responsive security features like facial recognition, free lifetime 7-day cloud storage, HD video streaming and more.
Solid camera and a great price. My only complaint is that it seems the two-way audio is a little janky. It comes through as garbled if it comes through at all. Also, the volume is pretty low overall when speaking through the cameras. That being said, I ordered three and they have been great so far since this is a feature I don't use often.
I bought this 59.99 camera for 32.99 so already it was a great deal. Setup is super easy and the app is free. It took maybe 5 minutes from box to viewing images on the camera. Picture quality is not bad, but would work well in a small area like an entry way or in a room. My camera is viewing an angle that covers my front door, kitchen, living room and dining room (gotta love open concept design). Because the foreground is darker in my room and the kitchen (which is farther away is lit) it tends to trick the camera sensor into thinking its dark so the Nightvision comes on which looks terrible over long distances. I have to move the camera just a few degrees right to left that turns off the night vision. That is fine but my real issue is in the cloud service which is free but it only takes 14 second clips. I know its doing this to quickly upload to the cloud, but it would be nice if it had an option for longer. Also I have a local DVR that can add any camera by IP, this unit only works with the APP.
Even with all that I am thinking about buying another one. The APP is easy to use and its nice to get alerted when people are home or you have movement. The Camera has a facial feature which can allow you to customize your alerts which I have not setup yet but looks very interesting. There are a lot of good features to this little camera.
I selected this camera because of the integration with the Chamberlain MyQ garage door opener system. It works well with their application allowing you to see what's going on in your garage.
The box shows the Alexa logo as being supported, but support is very lacking at this point. If you're wanting a camera to work with your Alexa, this most likely isn't a good choice.
If you're looking for an easy to setup camera at a fair price, consider this. If you're wanting a camera to use with your Chamberlain MyQ... this is a good choice.
What I like:
1. Picture quality: clear with good detail.
2. Good night vision.
3. Good sensitive motion detection.
4. Relatively easy to install and also easy to pair with the phone.
5. Generous 7 day free cloud storage.
6. Nice-looking modern camera.
What I don't like:
1.microphone doesn't really pick up clear voices. On high mic volume, it echoes and makes voices unrecognizable.
2. Speaker is week. You can't really have a conversation through this camera unless your subject is right under the camera.
3. The picture is wide angle, which is good and bad. It makes objects small and not very easy to discern. You can digitally zoom in though.
4. Inability to set up different view zones of the canera for motion detection.
I bought 2 of these cameras for my Moms house back in July so I can keep an eye on her. It does the job. Nothing fancy, simple to use. You can allow multiple users, so my sisters can check on her also. Sure, if you don't want fancy but simple straight forward cameras this is it. I mainly use live view and two way talk. Obviously being 500 miles away, I can't be there so being able to check up on her is great. It has a decent amount of free storage days.
I never had an issue with the android app, except this past week. It is fine viewing but if I goto the other camera sometimes it doesn't work. I close and reopen. My iPad app works just fine. I like the being able to save video, record or take a picture.
If you want a basic camera this is it. If you want fancy get Arlo.
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