Skip to main content

Arlo expands smart home security lineup with slew of products at CES 2019

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Arlo Technologies has built itself a reputation for making some of the best smart home security systems out there. The company spent much of 2018 steadily expanding and improving its products, and now it’s at CES 2019 showing off its latest and greatest innovations in the smart home space. Arlo came to the show with the Arlo Ultra security camera, a SmartHub for connected devices, and a multi-sensor, siren, and remote.

More CES 2019 coverage

The Ultra security camera is Arlo’s flagship product. The wire-free device provides 4K HDR video footage around your home. The camera is capable of color night vision and sports a 180-degree panoramic field of view so nothing is out of frame. There’s an integrated spotlight built into the camera, and it supports two-way audio with an included speaker and a noise-canceling microphone.

“As the most advanced DIY monitoring solution we’ve ever launched, Arlo Ultra raises the bar for smart home surveillance. We’re excited to provide home, property and small business owners with a convenient system that not only delivers unmatched 4K HDR image quality, A.I., and computer vision capabilities, but also enables streamlined smart home control,” Pat Collins, senior vice president of Arlo products, said in a statement.

The Ultra will arrive at major retailers including Best Buy and Amazon later this month. It will be available for $400 for one camera, which includes a one-year subscription to Arlo Smart Premier, the company’s premium subscription service that provides extended video history and sophisticated artificial intelligence that can identify objects that pass in front of the camera to provide more detailed alerts.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

In addition to the Ultra, Arlo also brought its SmartHub to CES. The company calls the device the “nucleus of the smart home.” It provides extended battery life to Arlo devices around your home, and can easily interact with those products via two-way radio frequency communications. That includes third-party products that are built to be integrated into the Arlo home security ecosystem. If it has a “Works with Arlo” badge on it, then you’re good to go. The SmartHub ships with the Arlo Ultra security camera.

While Arlo is opening up its platform so that other companies to create products that work with the SmartHub, the company also has rolled out its own line of smaller accessories. Arlo has created a smart multi-sensor, siren, and remote. All of the devices are designed to integrate directly into the Arlo system and provide you with additional information about your home, as well as improve your overall security. Arlo didn’t provide any information regarding the availability or price for its new line of accessories.

AJ Dellinger
AJ Dellinger is a freelance reporter from Madison, Wisconsin with an affinity for all things tech. He has been published by…
Blink Mini 2 vs. Blink Mini: Is Amazon’s new security camera a worthy upgrade?
The Blink Mini 2 installed outside.

Amazon recently introduced the Blink Mini 2, the successor to the wildly popular Blink Mini indoor security camera. The smart home device adds a few new tricks, including support for outdoor use and Person Detection, making it a nice improvement over the aging Blink Mini. But what exactly is the difference between the Blink Mini 2 and Blink Mini? And, more importantly, is it worth rushing out to replace your Blink Mini with the newer security camera?

From resolution and pricing to Person Detection and more, here's a look at everything you need to know about the Blink Mini and Blink Mini 2.
Pricing and monthly fees

Read more
Ring Stick Up Cam Pro vs. Canary Pro: Which is the better security camera?
The Canary Pro next to the Ring Stick Up Cam pro

When it comes to premium indoor security cameras, few are as popular as the Ring Stick Up Cam Pro. Available in both wired and battery-powered formats, it’s a versatile camera that's well-suited for most home security systems. However, the lesser-known Canary Pro offers many of the same features as the Ring Stick Up Cam Pro -- yet is often on sale for a much lower price.

But is the Canary Pro better than the Ring Stick Up Cam Pro? Or should you just buy the popular Ring product? And, more importantly, what sort of ongoing monthly fees are required for these cameras? Here's a look at everything you need to know.
Pricing and monthly fees

Read more
Do Arlo Essential cameras require the Arlo Smart Hub?
An Arlo Smart Hub on a wooden table.

Arlo makes some of the most popular smart home cameras. They're reliable, easy to install, and supported by platforms such as Apple Home, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa. Many of its best devices fall into the Essential family, which includes the Essential XL, Essential 2K, Essential Indoor 2K, and Essential Video Doorbell.

Alongside these products, Arlo offers something known as a Smart Hub. This is available in two formats (Ultra Smart Hub and Pro Smart Hub), and both make it easy to connect your Arlo devices to the internet. But do you need an Arlo Smart Hub to use Arlo Essential cameras? Or can you get them online without purchasing the secondary hub?

Read more