iFamCare forges ahead with its Helmet security cam
iFamCare is in the midst of an Indiegogo campaign for Helmet, a 1080p security camera with loads of special features.
Megan Wollerton covers renewable energy, climate change and other environmental topics for CNET. Before starting at CNET in 2013, she wrote for NBC Universal's DVICE (now SYFY). Megan has a master's degree from the University of Louisville and a bachelor's degree from Connecticut College, both in international relations. She is a board member of the Louisville chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. When Megan isn't writing, she's planning far-flung adventures.
iFamCare is a California-based startup that's diving head-first into home security with Helmet, a 1080p camera that's preorderable on Indiegogo for another six days.
Despite its silly name -- and very silly promotional video -- Helmet boasts some pretty neat features at an extremely reasonable price. (The $79 "Early Supporters" tier is already sold out, but you can still snag a unit for just $99/£50/AU$110).
The Wi-Fi-enabled iFamCare Helmet claims to have 1080p video quality, two-way talk, night vision, motion and sound sensors with accompanying alerts, an air quality sensor, 360-degree pan, 70-degree tilt, a microSD card slot, optional cloud storage, the ability to take photos and videos on demand and a built-in laser (for playing with your cat/dog/other pet from the companion Android or iOS app).
During a time when most camera companies emphasize privacy features for concerned customers, you also have the option to make your Helmet cam public. There's even a search function so you can find fellow Helmet owners in your area with similar interests. I'm not sure exactly how I feel about that, but at the very least they're taking a unique approach.
And as far as design goes, Helmet cams are available in white, black, gold or silver, so there's a finish to fit in with most decors.
That's a whole lot of functionality and options at about half the price of comparable models, like Nest Cam , Samsung SmartCam HD Pro , Withings Home , Netatmo Welcome and Flir FX , although iFamCare doesn't make any mention of third-party integrations on its Indiegogo page.
With less than a week left on the Helmet campaign, iFamCare has already raised over $55,000 -- well exceeding its original $15,000 goal. Get a unit of your own with a minimum contribution of $99/£50/AU$110; units ship worldwide and are scheduled to reach backers in early 2016.