The WatchBot is a security camera that enables you to keep an eye on things whilst your away from home. You simply plug it into your router (or use wirelessly), run the installation program on your man computer, set it up and you’re away. The first time we did it, we were up and running within 5 minutes – it really was that simple.
What’s in the WatchBot Box?
We’ll come to the software and set up a bit later, but first we’ll go through the basic package. On opening the box we’re presented with the WatchBot itself, wall mounting bracket and fixings, a neat self retracting network cable, Wi-Fi aerial, User Guide and Mini (3 inch) Installation CD. There is also a power cable with a European type plug on the end, although a UK adapter is provided.
The WatchBot itself comes in a number of colours, black, white, blue, pink or camouflage, although the first two are likely to be the most popular. The camera itself is a decent looking device, and although you probably wouldn’t want to have it the centre of attention it looks pretty good for a security camera.
The black one we were sent for review was solid and well made and was also a good weight meaning it won’t get dragged off the shelf by the weight of the cable like many devices do. The camera is quite compact too at under 12cm high, 10cm wide, and just under 14cm deep with the Wi-Fi aerial attached. There is a wall mounting bracket supplied also, but the relatively short 1.5m power cable will restrict it’s positioning somewhat.
Setting up the camera
As mentioned above, the initial set up of the camera was easy, but delving into the setting a bit further into the advanced settings was a little more tricky. Firstly, for such a new product the software looked a little dated and although perfectly functional, it could really do with a bit of a spruce up.
Secondly, the User Guide doesn’t really tell the full story when trying to get things working. It often assumes you’ve got your home network pretty much wide open and unsecured – which they very rarely are, and rightly so.
However, the English support website (http://www.watch-bot.co.uk/) is very good and provides not only support articles, but also videos too to help you through some of the more advanced set up requirements. Beyond the basics, I would recommend going straight here from the outset.
Using these guides we were able to get the device working wirelessly (that is, without a network cable), and visible off the internet.
The Camera In Use
With a resolution of 320 x 240 you can’t really expect pin sharp video from the WatchBot but the quality is adequate in most lighting conditions. The led lights on the front from the camera mean it can be used very low light, even dark lighting conditions and make the camera much more useful as a result.
The camera can swivel and tilt through a very wide angle and you can also save pre-set positions should you need to move quickly to a certain viewpoint. The software also allows you to set a ‘patrol’ mode where the camera constantly scans a set vertical of horizontal path. In addition, the brightness and contrast can also be set through the software as well as being able to control the lighting, and alarm functions.
Arguably one of the most useful features of the camera though is the motion detector. With this enabled you can set the device to send you an email when motion is detected, along with a series of still images (at an interval you specify). Also, you can set at what time you want this feature to be active – so you’d probably want to turn it off when you’re at home so you’re not triggering all the time.
What to consider…
Although the camera is sold as ‘wireless’ it is only really referring to the connectivity – you’ll still need to plug the camera in to a power socket, and with only a relatively short 1.5m cable, you’ll need to make sure there’s one nearby.
We’d also like to see the software spruced up a bit too – it just felt a bit dates and clunky for what is an expensive piece of kit. As well as notifying you by email, the software can also send you an MSN Messenger notification – how this will work now the service has transferred to Skype, we’re not sure.
The other thing to consider is the price – at around £200, it is a serious investment.
Why you should buy the WatchBot Wireless Home Security Camera
Home security cameras are not new, but what is most appealing with the WatchBot is the ease of use in setting it all up. In a matter of minutes you can have the device set up and ready to go, and in less that 30 you can have your home ready to be monitored remotely.
It all works well too. Despite our thoughts on the presentation of the software, it does at least work well, and allows a good level of control of the camera, wherever you are. You can run up to nine of these cameras through the software but most people are only going to have one or two – and for this type of application, the WatchBot ticks nearly all the boxes.
Rating: /5
Where to Buy:
You can buy the camera direct from www.watch-bot.co.uk for £200.
For a limited time, use discount voucher WB730784 to get 50% off this price.
I have had the watchbot camera for just over a year now and it is a very good bit of kit. However one of the adapters has now given up the ghost and trying to find a replacement is a nightmare, as it appears to be unique. I have Emailed the company I bought it from, the watchbot website help desk and neither have come back to me to tell me where I can get another from. It is a 5V 2.5amp, 10mm x 3mm x 1.5mm end piece. If anyone has had the same problem and did manage to find a replacement, I would be most grateful if you could let me know where you managed to find one. UK websites only though please. Thanks.