how do you value the potential of mobile surveillance

[vinci1235]

Now every one is holding a cellphone, 3G or 4G(more G will be I guess), which makes live broadcast possible, and brings personalized home security system into spotlight. Many manufacturers have already took actions to launch smart IPC for home users. The real pickle for home security is not technology, but how the end users feel about using it. You need mobile app and IP camera to get your home surveillance. Not every user can handle this smoothly, even a simple gateway setting can stand in way.


Anyway I can still smell potential in it, With all this mobile games and apps, adding a surveillance apk will not hurt . Only a matter of simplifying the user part and arousing consciousness.

 

[Kieran]

You're definitely right in that there's potential in mobile surveillance.

Most of the big-name manufacturers have already tried to capitalise on that by releasing apps to support their cameras. Indeed, many of our customers turned to IP cameras for the sole reason that they could then view the feed from their mobile no matter where they are. Coupled with cameras also being able to send email or SMS notifications to a phone it's certainly appealing to people who want to view their surveillance on the move. It's definitely convenient.

The problem, as you say, is how intuitive and user-friendly these apps are. Of course, setting up and using IP cameras already requires a certain degree of technical knowledge, but when you also have to start forwarding ports and so on to view a live feed on your mobile many users are immediately put off. For now unfortunately that's simply just an essential part of the process. The only thing manufacturers can do is make an awkward process as streamlined as possible. Having used a fair few different surveillance apps, I think the best thing to add would be an in-app tutorial that is viewed on the first launch. That should hopefully encourage more people to get involved with mobile surveillance rather than disregarding it as too complex.

 

[vinci1235]

yes Kieran I agree with you, adding tutorial is important. I already saw many brands like Foscam, Bosch, Hikvision uploading their guide video to teach people how to use surveillance cameras, page view is high, or as you said, in-app tutorial that is viewed on the first launch would be quite practical.Sadly in my country China, many rising new brands really don't give a thought about this, just trying to produce and sell.

 

[PKBristol]

Android mobile phone, use it as an ip camera, viewable from anywhere, there are many ways to do it.
The simplest is using an app called Alfred. The app requires almost no knowledge, no port forwarding, no hosting.
I've used it, it works fine.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ivuu

Paul.