Tool or Toy

[ArloToy]

First of all a pity that the Arlo Wireless system is nothing more than a expensive toy. Had good hopes this would be a reliable system for that price. Have bought 5 camera's and sorry to say but none of them works flawless. Been working/testing with them for 8 weeks in all kinds of settings (all updates passed) and they are simply buggy. Some of the things that happen:

• Completely different battery levels (means non reliable info)
• Turning on and off can take minutes per individual camera (so nothing like leaving the house quick)
• GeoFencing is a joke and keeps going on and off with good reception, GPS, WiFi etc. (sorry but it simply isn't reliable)
• Motion Detection is so slow that a burglar probably left with all goods before Arlo even starts
• No back-up on loss of signal (base-station)
• Basic mounts are impossible to use on 90 degree angle
• Bad (and very slow) support

To go short for a product of this price you get nothing more than some nice looking gadgets which are useless for both protection and insurance purposes. So the fancy video selling the camera's should be better taken with a pinch of salt. This is simply not a plug/play device and for sure it's not a one click on/off that let's you forget all security with a breeze. 
 
And yes for sure there a people that are happy with their devices and have hardly any problems. I'm really happy for them, but for seriois protection you'd better buy other stuff. Not convinced? Just go over this community and notice how many people have problems...

[steve_t]

*You probably need an Arlo Pro system to combat a number of your issues
*Geofencing is still in Beta

*Screw mounts are available for your 90 degree needs

People don't normally go to websites to say their system works as it should. Granted some people will have faulty products. Lots of the threads on here are more along the lines of "How do I get my camera to record for more than 10s?"

But if your needs are for a high end system, there are a lot of wired systems that are great. But I think most people buy an Arlo system because they don't want the wires

Overall, I'd say it is a tool, but with limitations that some/most people are happy to accept

[ArloToy]

• I do not need to buy another system to solve issues. I need a system that I paid for to work as it should. In case you have not seen their own website:
  
  "Peace of Mind. Anytime. Anywhere.

  Arlo security camera with HD video quality lets you watch over what you love from every angle, indoors and out, day and night."

• A simple function  that exist for years is "still in Beta" for over year at Netgear. Are you serious?!
  
  https://community.netgear.com/t5/Announcements/Introducing-Geofencing-Beta-and-Arlo-Privacy-Feature/...
  
  
  
• I know you can buy alternative mounts, that's not the point.  The mounts that come with the camera and are shown in the video "Place it anywhere. No cords or wiring hassle." do not offer all angles (like 90 degree)   

So basically you confirm my statement that the product is not what one might expect. A deidcated Wire Free Camera system that works flawless.

There are tons of people that post how happy they are with their product on many, many other sites. But here on this community there are lots of threads in the line of "how to get the damn thing to do what it should"  or  "tried everything nothing works"

So no Steve I do not need a high-end system (see my first bullet) Purchasing Arlo a customer buys a high end wireless camera system that record in HD anytime anywhere....

Well it simply doesn't. Why don't you visit the promo page again https://www.arlo.com/en-us/products/arlo/default.aspx  pay special attention to what is mentioned (sold) there and after reading that go over to the community again. I'm pretty sure (and yes this is assumption) that the ratio happy/unsatisfied customers is not in line wiith what one might expect for a high-end product. Hence Arlo simply isn't a high-end tool but nothing more than a expensive gadgettery toy. Sure, it has great potential but not the way it "functions" now.

If I wanted a fancy toy I'd spend lesser money on any online "china stuff quicksell shop". Which I didn't. As I was seeking for a reliable wireless camera system that records in HD anytime anywhere. Hence a paid a premiuim price for what I expected... a premium product.
 

[steve_t]

Yep. Fine. It doesn't meet your expectations. Take it back

[ArloToy]

I see what you did there 🙂

It has nothing to do with my personal expectations and of course you know that. Every one  reading the following salespitches:

"Peace of Mind. Anytime. Anywhere.
Arlo security camera with HD video quality lets you watch over what you love from every angle, indoors and out, day and night."

AND

"Your World, Just a Tap Away
Stay in total control all the time. Whether you're using a smartphone, tablet, or computer, a click or two is all you'll ever need to check in."

Would have the same expectation..."I'm buying a professional security tool".

Now to end a useless discussion. I did post this in the "before you buy" thread as a counterbalance to the adds and to share a genuine experience. If I would wanted to bash Netgear I would have chosen a different platform.

A lot of work needs to be done before the Arlo will be a professional security device, where one can rely on. I hope they manage as this toy has great potential.  

Enjoy your forum activity Steve, it is helpful and appreciated. But please, do understand that other people have genuine concerns based on experience and knowledge.

[JohnnyFRX]

I think you need to lookup the difference between Security and Surveillance and figure out what your requirements actually are. 

[ArloToy]

Hmm not really, as I know that already why do you think I purchased Arlo +5? Haven't you read their ads? Watched their clips? 

"The world's first 100% wire-free, weatherproof, HD security camera that goes anywhere you need it"

Hence I chose that one. (not ot mention the rest of the salespitches as you can find them for yourself)

Furthermore (as per my initial post) I expect thing to work as advertised, regardsless it being for Security or Surveillance. Or do you think accurate batterylevels on a wireless camera should only work when it is a security? Or maybe only for surveillance? Who would care about accurate batteryelvels not?

The same would go for Geofencing not, why should this work? (just a reminder this is in BETA for over a year)

Motion Detection that works instantlly (milisceonds) is also depending on Surveillance? Or to your opinion only for Security? Haven't read the posts here about motiondetecting problems? You are aware what the primary function of a security/surveillance camera is not? To detect motion and register it!

Not to mention turning the camerás on or off (one by one as Geofencing is in BETA for over a year) would that only apply to Security cam?! Or would it be oke for 5 Surveillance camera's too? All connected to one base station of the same brand and protecting one house? I do agree it is much easier to stand at your door and individually detect them one by one switch them on turn back then the next one, and then... you get my point.

I really understand that there are a lot of happy people enjoying their Arlo system. I'm happy for them. The only thing I stated is that the system (although having incredible potential) is from being EITHER a reliable Surveillance or Security system. It's a great and expensive toy/gadget but will not work to protect your house, goods or produce evidence when needed. Buggy, laggy and unreliable.

So everybody who is happy please be happy and enjoy but please... given the threads here nobody can deny the system can (and should) do much better.

I look forward to better stable and accurate firmware and 99% reliable geofencing, motiondetectiion etc. etc. Shouldn't be to hard as tons of companies are providing this for many years already.