WyzeCam v2 Wi-Fi Security Cam Brings AI Object Detection While Keeping Low $20 Price Tag

Wyze Labs is based in Seattle, Washington, and was started by three former Amazon employees. The company's WyzeCam v2 builds on the strengths of its predecessor, which include 1080p video live streaming, night vision and two-way audio support. However, the second-generation model adds a new CMOS sensor which helps improve both daytime and nighttime viewing, and AI-based Motion Tagging, which can both detect and outline motion in streaming footage. The WyzeCam v2 has also been upgraded with a new audio processor.

While other smart security cameras have a "hook" in the form of a subscription service for storing captured video footage online, the WyzeCam v2 (like its predecessor) offers 14-day "rolling" cloud storage. You can easily access these saved video clips that are triggered either by sound or by motion. For those worried about the safety of such clips, they are stored using the AWS Cloud (which is quite fitting for former Amazon workers). If you prefer local storage, you can instead use the included microSD slot to store footage on a microSD card.

The WyzeCam v2 will ship later this month for the same price as its predecessor: $20 direct from the company’s website. According to Engadget, a firmware update that is scheduled for next month will even more functionality to the camera, including somewhat limited Alexa integration. Users will be able to call up live video footage from the cameras on an Amazon Echo Show or Echo Spot.

"We relentlessly keep costs low by partnering with the world’s most efficient manufacturers," writes the Wyze Labs founders on their website. "We cut out 'channel fat' by selling directly from our own website." In this case, the low price tag is offered due to a partnership with Chinese powerhouse Xiaomi to produce the WyzeCam series, which are rebranded versions of Xiaomi’s XiaoFang security camera with Wyze Labs' own firmware installed.