Archives

Canary Flex Release Date, Price and Specs – CNET

Canary, the startup behind the Canary all-in-on​e security system, is back with a new product — the $ 199/£159 Canary Flex. Here’s an overview of the Flex’s basic specs:

  • 116-degree field-of-view camera
  • 720p resolution
  • Live streaming
  • Night vision
  • Motion sensor
  • Motion-related alerts
  • Free 24-hour event-based storage
  • $ 10 per month 30-day event-based storage
  • Related Android and iPhone app

That’s not all, though. As its name suggests, Canary’s Flex is also extremely versatile.

To begin with, it’s rated for both indoor and outdoor use. And, because your purchase includes a magnetic base and mounting hardware, you can install it pretty much anywhere. The Flex also comes with a rechargeable battery, a small-scale version of what Tesla uses in its cars, according to John Carter, Canary’s head of Communications. Carter told me the battery should last for up to 2 months, but you can also use the adapter 24-7 if you’d rather not deal with the whole recharging batteries thing.

Netgear’s Arlo, another indoor/outdoor security camera, requires four CR123 batteries to operate. The Nest Cam Outdoor has to be connected to a power adapter at all times. Offering both gives the Canary Flex an edge over its competition.

But, there’s one more thing that sets the Flex apart: a 4G LTE mount. As part of a partnership with Verizon, you can opt in to cellular backup for an additional monthly fee. It’s a solid option if you want to install your camera outside of traditional Wi-Fi range — or simply have a backup when your internet connection is spotty.

In addition to the 4G LTE mount (the price of the hardware hasn’t been set just yet), Canary will also offer three other mounts — a $ 30 Security Mount with a “security screw” that’s supposed to deter theft, a $ 20 Stake Mount to install in the grass and a $ 20 Twist Mount, a bendy mount that you can wrap around handles, knobs and other random things in your house.

As far as integration with products from other manufacturers goes, the Canary Flex should be Wink-compatible shortly after launch. The team is also in talks with IFTTT and Apple HomeKit for potential partnerships in the future.

Canary’s Flex is available for preorder now on Canary’s site, as well as at Best Buy, Home Depot and Verizon, with shipping slated for early November. We’re hoping to get our hands on one next month, so check back soon for our full review.


CNET Reviews – Most Recent Reviews

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *