Your Old Smartphone as a Secret-Agent!?

The truth is that very few DIY home security projects are effective, but if you need a quick set up in an area of your house or office where you want a bit of extra security or where your current security camera seems out of reach, or maybe your hotel room if you want to keep an eye on expensive personal belongings while on vacation, your old smart phone can act as your extra pair of watchful eyes in a pinch. Check out these cool apps that can turn your old phone into your personal secret-agent.

One man’s junk is another man’s treasure. Or so they say.

Maybe this time, what you thought was junk may be useful again!

Curious?

You’ve finally replaced your old, reliable phone and you don’t know what to do with your old one (so old you can’t sell it anymore) Aside from donating it to a recycling shop or junk center, you can actually hang on to your perfectly working phone.

Surprise! You can actually use your old mobile device as a security/monitoring camera. If you have more than one phone that’s just lying around at home, then you can use them all in different parts of the house.

How cool is that?

While you’re away on a business trip, won’t it be nice to know that your house or apartment is safe from burglars, home break-ins, and other dangers that might threaten the safety of your home?

Of course the old phone won’t turn into a security camera by itself. You’d have to download an application. There are a number of applications catering to both Android and IOS users in the market to choose from.

Read on to find out what works best for you.

Manything | Versions: Android and IOS

Manything allows you to record and review recorded videos as well as see it live. You can monitor its activity through your computer as well. There is also a paid version that offers cloud recording and optional video recording.

An interesting feature of this application is that you can actually connect it with another application called IFTTT which gives you versatile options to cater to the feedback that the video recording will receive. For example, you can set it to give you can alert when it detects motion.

Isecurity+ | Versions: Android and IOS

Monitor your home from anywhere in the world. Cloud storage options are pretty reasonable—USD5.99/ month (for eligible motion jpeg cameras) and USD9.99/ month (for eligible motion video cameras). Isecurity also makes sure the your privacy is in check because of its smartConnect technology to protect your data behind a firewall and away from the public eye.

Alfred Camera | Versions: Android and IOS

If you have two mobile devices lying around the house then you’d probably want to try the free Alfred application.

All you have to do is download the application to your devices and set one as camera and one as the viewer. It’s a simple as that!

Salient Eye | Versions: Android and IOS

Basically, aside from the fact that your phone can send notifications when it detects motion, if it detects enough motion, an alarm will sound off.

You might notice that the applications have similar features. It is up to you to gauge how much control you want over the data it collects. You might also want to evaluate which software works best for you.

AtHome Camera | Versions: Android and IOS

Feel like you’re right at home with AtHome Camera application. The free software claims to be the world’s most trusted home surveillance and home security application. It offers a lot of things that are paid for in other softwares including cloud recording. It was developed by IChano, a Chinese supplier to home and store security.

A few reminders

For those with more budget to spare. There are also other apps that require you to use their own cameras with your phone like Nest and Ivideon.

You might also want to check Honeywell Alarm Systems and Honeywell Security Systems. Honeywell is a low-cost alarm and security system that’s one of the oldest and well-known brands in the market, with products ranging from alarm systems, wireless systems, as well as security expansion modules. When your need is already so complex and a smartphone can’t cut it anymore, by all means explore this security option.

Other tips and tricks

Aside from using security cameras at home, here are a few other tips to keep your place safe and secure from danger.

One tip is to leave one light open in the house even if no one is there. Light is a natural deterrent and is quite inexpensive when it comes to consuming electricity. It also gives the impression that the house is not empty.

Another tip is to put all your valuables like expensive watches and jewelry inside a safe. Having them out of sight will reduce temptation for someone who is prone to stealing it.

Lastly, don’t forget to lock your home. If your home has window grills, that’s so much better!

The next time you are thinking of throwing away that old, well-used phone, think again! It might actually save your home from an attack.

To be on the safe side, start installing a security cam in your residence.

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