WiFi camera that doesn't use a smartphone

quartzz

I'm looking for a standard cam (something like this https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/226025633336 will spend more if needed) that doesn't use a smartphone for setup, or normal use.

ie, I want to use Windows 10 + software to control it.

In fact... this might be better under the tech section

tyvm

rob7475

I have an Arlo camera which although does use an app for geofencing and alerts etc if needed, it can be accessed direct from the website on a pc/laptop.

silvercar

I'll move this to the tech section.

Vitor

OPs requirement is quite challenging in the home/retail sector as most vendors are offering “app‑first” cameras that push everything through a phone and the vendor’s cloud for integration with 'smart home' such as Alexa etc. 

IIRC even Arlo cams need initial setup using Bluetooth with a mobi app.

The cost of putting a web-server in the cam and also supporting end-users on what IP address the camera is on etc. isn't really viable for home use. Even more so if the end user wants to access the cam remotely and have to be coached on setting up a public facing IP and DMZ on their router.

DullGreyGuy

Nest state you can set theirs up with a computer by plugging it in with USB, obviously theirs is a subscription model if you want more than 3 hours of clips. 

Undervalued

quartzz said:

I'm looking for a standard cam (something like this https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/226025633336 will spend more if needed) that doesn't use a smartphone for setup, or normal use.

ie, I want to use Windows 10 + software to control it.

In fact... this might be better under the tech section

tyvm

Although I have not done it myself, I have been told that it is possible to get software which will allow Android apps to run in Windows on a PC. If that is right it would presumably solve your problem?

I imagine there must be all kinds of professional / commercial security cameras that are intended to be controlled and monitored from a computer (rather than a phone) but no doubt much more expensive.

quartzz

I have an android emulator (two of them) installed on Windows 10, but they aren't seeing the camera's Wifi.

All this needs, surely, is the same tech used for a wifi inkjet printer

Undervalued

quartzz said:

I have an android emulator (two of them) installed on Windows 10, but they aren't seeing the camera's Wifi.

All this needs, surely, is the same tech used for a wifi inkjet printer

As I say, I've not done it personally. I also remember a suggestion at the time that most door bells / security cameras can be monitored (not controlled) from VLC media player on a PC but IIRC there is a protocol / function you have to enable on the camera first (which you would have to from the App). I think otherwise you can't "see" the camera as a WiFi device from VLC.

Sorry I can't be more specific but the information came from a an IT specialist former colleague I would trust. It was several years ago so may be out of date!

quartzz

Various sites have said the cam can be controlled using VLC and some other software, but to actually detect and configure it, it needs the android app, which the emulator doesn't seem to want to do. thanks for the info though

I'll actually mention while I'm here, that out of the box, the camera (Tapo C210) acts as an unsecured WiFi source - and it's SSID broadcasts the useful part of it's MAC address -- so, it appears, that after you initially plug it in to the power, until you set a password, a house 2 doors down the street could notice it, install the app on their phone, detect it, set a password, and take control of/remove your control of your own product.

And that's pretty much the security level I've come to expect of random cheap peripherals made in "the place that they are made in, no countries mentioned"

jshm2

quartzz said:

I'm looking for a standard cam (something like this https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/226025633336 will spend more if needed) that doesn't use a smartphone for setup, or normal use.

ie, I want to use Windows 10 + software to control it.

In fact... this might be better under the tech section

tyvm

There are plenty of standard wired CCTV systems out there. You can even get second hand ones. If you don't want to be tied to an app, then you will need to buy their base system instead - which can be more pricey 

quartzz

I just want a small plastic thing that sits on the window, plugs into the nearest wall socket (or USB mains plug), that WiFi's itself to the router, and can be configured and monitored using Win 10. While your post was promising, it didn't actually contain any information