My Arlo EOL

[JumpedOrPushed]

I've been with Arlo since 2016. I'm jumping off now. Here's why:

In 2016 my existing security system did not support cameras. I chose Arlo because the reviews were outstanding and the price point tolerable.

Performance has been basically satisfactory: My initial system was meant to support 4 cameras, but would only sustain three. Cameras had an annoying tendency to go offline after using the Live feature.  Motion detection performance was erratic in some of the locations I chose to cover. But overall I felt it was a value.

I upgraded to Pro cameras in 2020, and then became aware of the mid July 2023 EOL. Maybe I didn't research well enough, or maybe I was surprised.  Either way, the EOL devastates the value of my relatively new system.

Subsequently I lost cloud storage. It returned, but the trust is damaged .

Arlo was a good value for me previously,  and a reasonable compromise while my existing security system was not supporting reliable cameras.

But now I need to replace cameras. I budgeted for that expense to occur in 2025, not 2023. I'm sore about that.

My existing security system's camera capabilities are now up to speed and competitively priced, and integrated functionality is a feature, so I'm jumping.

Finally, not that it matter much but I don't like the new logo on the app. The Arlo bird was very familiar and appealing.

[jguerdat]

No need to replace existing systems. The main thing that will happen is no firmware updates (haven't happened for quite some time anyways) as well as no support. If it's working, it will continue to work along with the 7 day plan.

[JumpedOrPushed]

Guru - I know they will continue to function. That's not the point. No support = less value.

[jguerdat]

How much support have you used in the past? This forum will still exist so support can be found here without a subscription.

[JumpedOrPushed]

I'm confused, because you seem to be arguing with me.

 In my opinion,  crowdsourced support is not a value. I accepted it when I was a cash-strapped student getting by with down market devices for which  I paid almost nothing.
But I spent about $800 on my Pro system which has become nominally obsolete in two years. That, in my opinion, is a poor value. 

[jguerdat]

Not trying to argue, just asking a question. How much official support did you need in the past? Even without access to official support, this user forum can be quite useful and has a couple of Arlo employees that monitor the goings-on.

[JumpedOrPushed]

I've had more than one Arlo system involving multiple cameras and accessories, and my post mentioned some technical questions.

I have already said I won't accept crowdsourced support.

So, does it sound like I've used Arlo support?

[cywinter2fun]

Hi Guru,

The EOL statement is vague, and I understand why since there are lots of components, services, and processes to address. But, as you are Arlo, who has our login and equipment listing, can you please provide some customer service and tell us directly more specifics? 

-Will our App logins will still work with the systems we have?

-Will our simple motion activation alerts still occur? 

- Can we still use the systems as you said with the 7 day plan?  

I understand EOL happens and it also can drive new revenue, however the Customer service hole here is creating lots of customer loss instead of keeping them as Raving Fans!  

Just some additional details behind what will stay functioning vs. ending would keep more people positive on Arlo. Especially since Customer service is lacking. 

[jguerdat]

No one here except @JamesC and @ShayneS are Arlo employees - the rest of us are users like you.

Your logins will still work and your systems will still work. There may be eventual loss of services as noted in the EOL statement:

• Some automatic email alerts and push notifications may be reduced or eliminated

New hardware many not support the EOL devices and new services may also not support them but we have no idea when or if that will happen. I would expect a statement when these things come out to that effect so it would behoove anyone using the EOL hardware to read anything that is related to them. There may also be new EOL statements so keeping up on those would be useful.