Introducing Arlo Essential Outdoor Camera - 2nd Generation

[JamesC]

Introducing the 2nd generation of the Essential camera, now offered in both 2K and HD options. Experience exceptional smart home security with unbeatable value and price. We all deserve protection, no matter what your budget is or the size of your property. Choose from 2K or HD camera options for round-the-clock protection.

Essential Coverage. Everyday Protection. Essential Outdoor Camera provides smart home security with clear HD 1080P resolution, Color HD Night Vision, and Integrated Siren. Check-in on your home, family or pets anytime. ·        First sub $50 HD security camera ·        Updated seamless Bluetooth onboarding ·        130° field of view ·        Wire-free with built-in rechargeable battery for long lasting battery life ·        Integrated Spotlight ·        Color Night Vision ·        Sleeker form factor with newer battery technology

Essential Coverage. Crystal-Clear Details. Essential Outdoor Camera provides enhanced smart home security with crystal clear 2K resolution and zoom in to see more details without distortion day or night with Color Night Vision. ·        First sub $100 2K security camera ·        Updated seamless Bluetooth onboarding ·        130° field of view ·        Wire-free with built-in rechargeable battery for long lasting battery life ·        Integrated Spotlight ·        Color Night Vision ·        Sleeker form factor with newer battery technology

Post a reply or visit Arlo Support if you have any additional questions or need more information about the Arlo Essential Outdoor Camera - 2nd Generation.

Thank you for being part of the Arlo Community!

[PatriceF1]

Like many of your customers I bought an Arlo camera Generation 2 but leaving outside US. The limitation is not clearly documented / visible when buying devices and now we can’t use them. Glad to hear that Arlo is working on it but please make your management aware that it needs to be prioritised asap. Can we know why this restriction been made especially knowing that you have customers all around the world ? Looking forward to hear from you.

[CoopersPC]

any update?

[Tjhastings]

Is there any news on BBC when the update for compatibility with gen 2 cameras with Arlo hubs and HomeKit

[whatapulaver]

I would also like to know when this will be possible.

I bought this camera so as to be able to see footage WITHOUT a subscription... Like my 2 other indoor ARLO cameras.

I find it infuriating that you sell cameras with different behaviours. Indoor cameras that can be connected to a hub, and outdoor cameras that can't! 

The point of being able to connect to a hub is so that you can record content locally without having to have another subscription!

[hoppy1975]

Any date yet for the firmware update ?

[Oggiee]

  I recently purchased from arlo, four Essential Outdoor 2nd Gen cameras. Everything I researched on arlo stated that my arlo hub/base station VMB4000  would work  with these cameras. Now I find out that they will only connect via wifi and not connect to my VMB4000. You keep saying a firmware update is coming. I would like to keep them if they are going to work as advertised. However I have 30 days to return them. I guess I can return them and re-order when and if there is an update. I like having all my cameras on local storage.

[JamesC]

I do not have a date available for the firmware release that will allow 2nd generation Arlo devices to connect to Base Stations and SmartHubs. Once I have more information to share, I will provide an update here on the community.

JamesC

[Steask]

I am very disappointed, I have bought two Essential 2nd gen. I check and it should be compatible with my hub. But it was not 2.nd gen!!! Have you any idea when this will be implemented? ( 1 mount 5 years?). 

[Jo060]

The very last reply to this thread answered your question. 

"I do not have a date available for the firmware release that will allow 2nd generation Arlo devices to connect to Base Stations and SmartHubs. Once I have more information to share, I will provide an update here on the community"

[Buthadou]

This is helpful, Thanks for sharing this.

[esko79]

Any news on when the 2. Gen Will be able to connect to the base station?

[Tjhastings]

Still no update on the base station and HomeKit integration ?

[hoppy1975]

they don't want to update as then you can cancel subscription 

[hoppy1975]

they don't want to update as then you can cancel subscription 

[shill_ds]

Likely never. Support convinced me to keep my smart hub, as the update was coming "soon" when I tried to return it. It's probably never coming as we are five months from my purchase. Makes sense that it wouldn't as they don't have a financial incentive to do so because they want you to pay a monthly sub to use their cloud service and keep you roped in indefinitely. Shareholders gotta shareholder. 

[Steask]

It is so arrogant. They dont tell in manual or elsewhere you recognize when its to late. So bad 🙁🙁🙁🙁🙁

[dezmangos]

Hey, @JamesC, I'm waiting for the update for vmc2050 work together with Pro SmartHub VMB4540. I bought my hub from amazon.de a month ago and there was written that both are compatible. Shame on yo@JamesC. 

I will not pay for subscription, NEVER. Buying another brands camera that records and show to everyone that I'm throwing away your garbage worth the price. Tell this to your marketing team. 

[lprdshrk]

I have the same paper weight. I found this, but I don't see the option to link to my hub, only to the wi-fi. https://www.arlo.com/en_be/support/faq/000062420/Can-I-connect-my-Arlo-Essential-wire-free-camera-to...

[shill_ds]

It’s literally lie after lie. And false advertising from their own website. I hope someone files a class action. 

[kb9hgi]

Arlo get ready for a lawsuit because on your website it does say these Essential outdoor cameras will work on a hub. That is a false AD!

[StephenB]

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@lprdshrk wrote:

I found this, but I don't see the option to link to my hub, only to the wi-fi. https://www.arlo.com/en_be/support/faq/000062420/Can-I-connect-my-Arlo-Essential-wire-free-camera-to...

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Looks like an old FAQ (only referring to the first generation essentials).

This article clearly says it can't be connected to a hub:

• https://kb.arlo.com/000063189/Arlo-Essential-Outdoor-Camera-2nd-Generation-FAQ

[dezmangos]

You are wrong, @StephenB . This article says that you don't NEED a hub, not that you CAN'T use a hub. It's not clear like you said. Everything in your communication about it is dubious. Finally, tue text express with all the words that Arlo are commited to find a solution for hubs. We are really looking forward for a solution, @StephenB and @JamesC .

[JamesC]

As mentioned by StephenB, Arlo Essential 1st generation cameras are compatible with base stations/SmartHubs but Arlo Essential 2nd generation devices do not yet have this functionality. The development team is continuing to make progress on the firmware required to allow 2nd generation cameras to sync to base stations/SmartHubs. Once this firmware is available, I will provide an update here on the community.

JamesC

[shill_ds]

Same response since October of last year.

[StephenB]

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@dezmangos wrote:

You are wrong, @StephenB . This article says that you don't NEED a hub, not that you CAN'T use a hub.

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Look again at the full answer in the FAQ.

Do I need an Arlo SmartHub or Base Station to use the Arlo Essential Outdoor Camera (2^nd Generation)?

No. You can connect the Arlo Essential Outdoor Camera directly to your 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network without the need for an Arlo SmartHub or Base Station. Arlo is currently working on a solution to make Arlo Essential Outdoor Cameras (2^nd Generation) compatible with Arlo SmartHubs and Base Stations in 2024.

FWIW, I think Arlo shouldn't ship new models until they have both smarthub compatibility and homekit support.  And they should release them worldwide from the beginning.  That would eliminate a lot of customer pain.