topic View local storage in web browser - any updates? VMB5000r4 in Arlo Ultra 2

View local storage in web browser - any updates? VMB5000r4

Rickh25345 — Sun, 09 Oct 2022 21:46:40 GMT

I have Ultra2 cameras connected to a VMB5000r4 Smart Hub. Local storage to an SD card working fine and able to view library on iPhone & iPad. However it would be really useful to also view in Windows 11 browser (Chrome) but searching these forums it appears that this functionality does not exist without a Cloud subscription? The standard responses to this query/request seem to be to post a "Feature Request". I don't need a Cloud subscription, just want a more convenient way (for me at least) to view recordings.

Anyone know:

WHY this functionality doesn't ( or can't) exist natively via my preferred W11 browser (Chrome)?

WHY is this limited to apps and/or via Cloud subscription? (is it simply about the money ?)

Re: View local storage in web browser - any updates? VMB5000r4

StephenB — Sun, 09 Oct 2022 22:29:40 GMT

@Rickh25345 wrote:

it appears that this functionality does not exist without a Cloud subscription?

Not quite correct. You can access cloud storage in the web browser. But you cannot access local storage in the web browser even with a subscription.

Re: View local storage in web browser - any updates? VMB5000r4

Rickh25345 — Sun, 09 Oct 2022 22:41:50 GMT

Thanks for the clarification here.

I keep reading that you can't/cannot view local storage in your browser. But I'm none the wiser as to the why(s)...

Re: View local storage in web browser - any updates? VMB5000r4

Dannybear — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 03:49:59 GMT

Security concerns probably.

Re: View local storage in web browser - any updates? VMB5000r4

StephenB — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 10:43:09 GMT

@Dannybear wrote:

Security concerns probably.

@Rickh25345 : Not sure about security being the issue. What is clear is that direct access to local storage generally provides a poor user experience.

I suspect that was intentional (and that Arlo was too focussed on getting subscription revenue). While I personally see value in the subscription, I think providing a poor experience with direct access was a bad strategy. I would have continued the 7-day free cloud storage (or maybe reduced it to 3 days with the newer cameras if that was needed to manage the cloud cost).

Re: View local storage in web browser - any updates? VMB5000r4

Rickh25345 — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 10:46:10 GMT

Will this reply be posted?

Re: View local storage in web browser - any updates? VMB5000r4

Rickh25345 — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 10:52:44 GMT

So here's the detail I was trying to add:

Thing is - my config-setup data appears to be shared under my Arlo Login-UserId on the Arlo Web Portal under Chrome and the Arlo Secure App. All settings appear identical and are reflected across both platforms as and when made.

Except the Library is available under the Arlo Secure App, but empty under the Arlo Web Portal.

Re: View local storage in web browser - any updates? VMB5000r4

Rickh25345 — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 10:56:44 GMT

How very strange - it's posting now. I think the issue is perhaps special characters e.g. forward slashes .... Hoping the messaging makes sense now and wil perhaps generate a response from Arlo.

DannyB and StephenB - thanks for sticking with this.... Yes - I think it's subscription (revenue) related.

Re: View local storage in web browser - any updates? VMB5000r4

StephenB — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 11:03:05 GMT

@Rickh25345 wrote:

my config-setup data appears to be shared under my Arlo Login-UserId on the Arlo Web Portal under Chrome and the Arlo Secure App. All settings appear identical and are reflected across both platforms as and when made.

Implementation in the web client is certainly different though, and some features either aren't available in the web client or work a bit differently.

2K/4K streaming for example is only possible in the app. And viewing 2K/4K videos in the browser is an issue, since neither Chrome nor FireFox support HEVC video (and Edge requires both a Microsoft extension and a PC with hardware support for HEVC).

Re: View local storage in web browser - any updates? VMB5000r4

Rickh25345 — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 11:11:22 GMT

I had no idea even what HEVC was until I saw your reply and googled the detail

.....And found this - very recent tho

google-adds-hevc-support-chrome/

Re: View local storage in web browser - any updates? VMB5000r4

StephenB — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 11:16:30 GMT

@Rickh25345 wrote:

I had no idea even what HEVC was until I saw your reply and googled the detail

.....And found this - very recent tho

google-adds-hevc-support-chrome/

Thx for sharing. I switched to Edge a while ago for Arlo, in order to get 4K playback. I just checked Chrome, and it is now playing back 4K video from my Ultra cameras.

Re: View local storage in web browser - any updates? VMB5000r4

Rickh25345 — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 11:22:07 GMT

You're welcome. HEVC test video plays ok here too under Chrome 106 so.....

Arlo team - when can we have local storage replays natively on the web portal for Chrome and Edge?