Build your own security camera system using Android devices and the Alfred app
If you want to keep an eye on things at home while you’re at work, there’s a far cheaper and easier alternative to setting up dedicated security cameras. The Alfred app links two Android devices – one that is acting as the camera, the other which is acting as a viewer – via a Google account. This means that you can see the live view from the camera on the other device. The app is completely free (although it is ad-supported) and it’s an ideal way to repurpose an old phone you no longer use. The real beauty is that you can add as many cameras (and viewers) as you like, to create a sophisticated security system tailored to your needs. Most things can be controlled remotely from the viewer and you can even conduct a two-way conversation through the camera device – so you could use it as a baby monitor. What’s more, a motion detection option will send you a notifi cation when triggered and take a series of photos.
1. Camera or viewer
Download the Alfred app onto two devices.select one to be a viewer and the other a camera. log into the same google account on both devices , so they can be connected check you can see the vie from the camera in the viewer.
2. Place the camera
Place your camera device to watch an area. You could put it in a mug to keep it upright, or go to the trouble of hiding it. Note that the camera still works when the device is asleep. Make sure the audio is turned on if you want it.
3. Viewer options
The viewer device has a few options. If the view is oriented wrongly, tap the rotate icon to correct it. The LED light and night vision options can be useful in a darkened room. You can set night vision to Automatic in the camera settings.
4. Look both ways
Tapping the camera arrows icon switches between front and rear cameras, so you could use one device to cover two areas. Holding the mic button lets you talk through the remote device, to speak to a delivery man or deter an intruder.
5. Use motion detection
Motion detection can be activated on the camera or viewer and there are three sensitivity settings. When triggered, it takes photos and sends a notification to the viewer device. Events and photos are stored for seven or 14 days.
6. Add extra cameras
You can add more devices (including iOS ones) to set up a more elaborate system. Tap the cog icon for a camera in the main menu to rename it. You can also set up a ‘trust circle’, to share the camera’s feed with another Google address.
