Technology and Home Surveillance: The Evolving Market for Improved Security 

In 2016, the global video surveillance market value was $26.59 billion and is projected to reach $62.62 billion by 2023. Like every industry, technology has transformed surveillance in the last decade. A simple security camera no longer cuts it; the needs and possibilities are expanding day by day. Besides recording burglars in the event of a break in, surveillance cameras can be used as baby monitors, pet sitters or video intercom system. In order to suit these functions, today’s surveillance cameras are connected with other devices and are becoming smarter and more reliable.

The Flexibility and Quality of Surveillance Cameras

The camera has come a long way but gone are the days when HD security cameras were costly and only produced grainy analog resolutions, barely enough to see things clearly meters away, let alone recognize human faces and plate numbers! The improvement in video technology has enabled today’s video cameras to offer immersive experiences by recording footage in high definition technology. Security cameras are now capable of even identifying human faces so that they can capture the details of would-be burglars or other offenders.

Another improvement in technology is the ability to capture images at full 360 degrees around space using motion detection sensors which enable cameras to record areas with significant movements or disturbances. The benefit of this is that with the omission of blindspots your camera will never miss any action. Some cameras even have auto-correct technology so that if the sun is super bright, it can adjust and record the video with the right lens. Even in dim lighting or dark setting, the camera will automatically slow the shutter speed or use night vision to display a clear image.

The Adoption of Cloud Technology

Cloud computing is based on centralized computing in one or many data centers, and as the proliferation of connected, Internet of Things (IoT) devices grows exponentially, so does the amount of data produced. So if your surveillance system is made up of many connected devices (e.g, an alarm and motion sensors) or if your security cameras are recording your entire home 7 days a week, then a lot of hard drive memory is definitely used to store the enormous amount of data produced.

However, with cloud computing storage, you are not limited by space or the price of storage devices since you can store an infinite amount of data in the cloud. Also, cameras with sensor capability can be able to record only when an activity is detected, let’s say when an object or a person is moving. This way you won’t have to search through hours of irrelevant footage so that you can locate certain events. Cloud-based cameras also give you the ability to adjust their range and direction either using a mobile device or a computer remotely, so you can use your phone to view video footage and control your cameras.

The Tailoring of Home Surveillance to Other Activities

The advancement in technology has allowed surveillance systems to be tailored to other supervision activities such as monitoring pets and kids. A lot of surveillance cameras are now connected with wifi and come with accompanying apps that enable you to check in on your home in real time. A good example is the pet cams. These devices are integrated with two-way communication technologies, treat dispensing mechanisms and live streaming capabilities. These cool functions enable pet owners to communicate and play with their pets even when they are away from home.

There are also high-tech cameras with advanced zoom technology that can be installed in entryways and used as peepholes in order to screen visitors before letting them in. Surveillance systems have also been tailored to suit the needs of seniors, especially those who are living alone. For example, there are motion sensors that can be placed around the home and if a senior takes a fall or requires urgent medical attention, the sensors send alerts to the relevant authorities who can then respond accordingly.

Future Predictions for Home Surveillance

In two years, analysts are predicting that there will be 20.4 billion connected things live in the world, and as many as 12.8 billion of those will be catered to households rather than businesses. Technologies around the world are always improving and surveillance systems are no different. Automation through artificial intelligence is one area where home surveillance systems of the future could surpass today’s technology. For example, you could install a home security camera and record everything that happens on your property, but in order to check the footage for relevant in incidences, you may need to process a lot of footage.

While motion detection sensors reduce the volume of footage that has to be checked, it’s still not enough. To address this, home security cameras of the future may come equipped with deep neural network artificial intelligence. Rather than relying purely on motion detection, these neural networks will be able to identify suspicious behavior and send a real-time alert. The idea is that you may then be able to stop crime such as a burglary before it happens or alert the police immediately.

The surveillance industry is evolving and soon enough there will be the tech that will make stopping crime so easy. Meanwhile, if you haven’t secured your home, it might be time to take advantage of shopping around for something that can protect your home while also allowing you to monitor your loved ones.