The joy of flying out for a dream vacation is always saddled with nervous thoughts of whether your property will stay secure when you are away. Thankfully, with the advent of smartphones and mobile applications, it is now easier than ever to keep a tab on your house regardless of which part of the world you are in. Here are some really useful mobile apps that you should consider installing when leaving on a long vacation.
AtHome Camera – Home Security
This is one of the best home security apps available for Android. To begin with, you will need to install the AtHome Camera software on your home computer. Once this is done and you are registered on the system with an ID, you will be able to stream live video from home on to your Android phone any time of the day. The app also has a motion detector that will alert you using a push notification or an email whenever the software detects a motion at home. Worried if the intruders may take your computer away? You can also record the live streaming from home on to a server. Here is a short video from the manufacturers that will give you a snapshot of how the app works.
Simplisafe Home Security
Sometimes burglars are not the only worry for home owners. If you live in an area that is flood prone or if you simply want to ensure there are no accidental fires at home while you are away, the Simplisafe Home Security app is a valuable tool. While this app itself is free, you may need to additionally purchase and install the sensors at home (the cost is under $250 for a starter edition). Simplisafe is equipped with flood and thermal sensors that alert you in case of water leakage, pipe burst or accidental fires. If you have your kids or pet sitters visiting your house while you are away, the app keeps a track of their entry on an ‘entry log’ that also gives you information on whether any of these visitors have accessed sensitive areas of your house like your bedroom closet or gun safe.
BHN Home Security
This service is very similar to the one offered by Simplisafe with some minor differences. Firstly, if you feel more comfortable paying a subscription fee every month, then you will be happy to take up the home security system offered by BHN that comes at only $32 per month. The Android app to let you monitor the activity at home is free to download though. In terms of services offered, one additional feature that you can make use of in this app is the ability to switch the lights in various rooms on or off right from the comfort of your phone. This feature serves two purposes – Firstly, to check the live stream in better lighting conditions if you suspect an intruder. Secondly, keeping the lights on and off at various times of the day might give a potential intruder an impression that someone’s at home which could keep them at bay.
Have you tried a home security app on your Android? Which app was your favorite? Do write to us in the comments section below.