Sensr – A Watchful Eye in the Cloud

The security camera you set up may capture footage of an intruder entering your home, but what use is that footage if nobody is watching the video monitor at the time the intrusion occurs? Sensr is an application that allows people to monitor their webcams remotely, and sends automated alerts when suspicious activities occur within the home.

The first step in using Sensr is to buy a camera that works with the web-based app. Purchase one of Sensr’s recommended models, and then follow the application’s easy instructions for setting the system up using FTP credentials. Sensr lets you select how often you want your camera to send its footage to Sensr, or you can set up your home system to only record images with motion. Once you’re all set up with live remote access, you’ll be able to watch your camera from any computer and most mobile phones. Sensr captures still images from your webcam, and stores up to 600 of those images per hour for you to peruse.

While it’s nice to watch your home remotely, Sensr really stands out by offering email and SMS alerts when something seems amiss. Sensr saves the on-screen images when suspicious activity occurs — such as, when there is sudden motion in a home where pets and children aren’t present, or when a back door opens — and keeps those images safe in the cloud until they’re deleted by the camera owner. The application also gives users an easy way to share the images or clips they’ve gathered from their camera with friends via Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

Practical Uses:

• Capture an image of an intruder entering your garage
• Keep an eye on your kids when you’re not at home
• Find out when your children get home from school
• Make sure your dog isn’t getting into any trouble while you’re at work

Insider Tips:

• Users can connect multiple cameras to their Sensr accounts
• Sensr works with most computer webcams
• Sensr stores up to 600 images per hour
• People can give guests access to watch their cameras

What we liked:

• The application works with cameras at many different price points
• Sensr is just as useful for home security as it is for baby monitoring
• Wireless security systems can be installed in areas where hardwiring isn’t possible
• Sensr automatically sends SMS alerts when suspicious activity occurs

What we didn’t like:

• Some people might not like the idea of being recorded in their own homes

Alternatives:

• None

Company Info:

• Privately Held
• Headquarters: Incline Village, Nevada
• Founded by: Adam Beguelin, Thomas Sheffler, and Yacin Bahi
• Web site: https://sensr.net

Costs:

• Prices start at $9.95 per month for one camera