The Arlo Pro 2 is a network camera but is not integrated as such into your own network. This eliminates large installations in the network. The base unit and the cameras can be operated using the app, which must be installed on the smartphone. Alternatively, the operation is also possible in the web browser at arlo.netgear.com.
After opening, the base unit is found immediately and can be personalized using the access name, email address, and password. With the selection of the cloud tariff, the installation is already completed and the existing cameras can be added. No additional instructions are necessary for this, as the app itself guides you through every step. It couldn’t be easier.
Operation of the base unit and cameras using the app
A first glance at the app gives the impression that it is primitive and offers only a few functions. However, this is by no means the case; it is only very clearly structured and well structured. The app offers far more options than expected.
There are three tabs in the first overview:
• Mode- Activate and deactivate various alarm modes
• Devices- overview of the connected devices and live image of the cams
• Library- Saved alarms and videos
With these three important points, you have a quick overview of the most important functions and tasks. In detail, additional information can be called up and settings made in the menu items.
The base unit and the cameras can be managed under “Devices”. In addition to the live image, the battery status, the activated alarm detection (movements or noises) or the device information can also be called up. Furthermore, video quality and a detection zone can be set. This is helpful if, for example, the entrance area of the property is to be monitored, but people are moving in the background who are not allowed to trigger an alarm. An interesting and useful option.
However, the < Settings for alarm mode are particularly interesting. In addition to "activated" and "deactivated”, there is also a schedule, geo-fencing and the possibility to create and combine your own rules.
The "Geo-fencing" function offers a special option to completely do without activation and deactivation. For this purpose, a “home” location is determined by means of smartphone location, the size of which can be changed in three stages. The app can now differentiate whether you are at home or have left the area. Different alarm states can then be activated for both states. It would, of course, make sense to deactivate the alarm the way you are in the home area and activate it as soon as you leave it.
As much as the function inspires, it also has its pitfalls. On the one hand, the location function in the smartphone has to be activated permanently, which not everyone likes and which puts a strain on the battery.
On the other hand, some in the apartment or their house will not have GPS reception, which can lead to false alarms. In the test, reception problems resulted in a location outside the home area apparently being automatically accepted and the alarm messages is activated. It would make more sense to accept the last position report as given until another position can be determined. Likewise, “Outside the zone” and a clear position in the zone were sometimes displayed at the same time. Unfortunately, the geo-fencing function is not yet completely reliable.
