New camera provides simplicity, flexibility for home security

I stress over and over in this space: One of the most important features in a smart-home device is how easy it is to set up – along with price and quality.

The new Momentum WiFi camera ($49.99) is as easy as advertised: Simply plug in and go.

After downloading the free Momentum app (iOS and Android), create a quick account, pair a device and connect to an existing WiFi network. After the camera is named (Helpful hint: Name it for the location, so if others are added, you’ll know which camera is where), set it up anywhere inside that needs monitoring.

The camera has a 110-degree viewing angle with a 720p HD resolution. You can stream the video to a mobile device through the app and set alerts for motion and sound. Recording can be set to begin once it detects sound or motion, saving it to a cloud account or the built-in microSD memory card slot up to 128GB.

Cloud storage plans include seven-day storage or 30-day storage for an additional fee.

The Momentum WiFi camera has night vision and there’s a two-way talk feature between the mobile app and camera.

More: momentumcam.com

Outdoor speaker

The new iHome iBT91 dual-purpose speaker ($99.99) is perfect for summer, but don’t let that fool you – it’s great for every day of the year.

Aside from the Bluetooth speaker, many other features make it stand out for the outdoor season, including a color-changing lantern.

The lantern has multiple color modes (glow/slow fade, fast, favorite color, pulse to music, preset pulsing mode and emergency blinker) and more effects can be added with the free iHome app.

In addition, there’s a built-in USB port to connect mobile devices needing a charge. The speaker’s internal battery powers the charging port and the speaker, which is good for up to 6 hours of audio with the lantern on or 13 hours of audio. A USB charging cable is included.

Others features include a speakerphone for hands-free calls. The speaker is built with talk/end controls and digital voice echo cancellation. Your music source can be directly connected with the 3.5 mm aux-in jack.

The iBT91 speaker can absorb poolside splashes and a quick rain shower with its built-in 1P65 waterproof rating.

A second lantern speaker can be purchased to wirelessly connect with the first.

More: ihomeaudio.com

Wireless earbuds

Focal has launched new Spark wireless earbuds ($99), touting them as the best entry-level model available.

The lightweight Bluetooth earbuds are built with an aluminum body attached to an anti-tangle flat cable. Multiple ear tips are included along with a storage case and charging cable.

An in-line three-button remote works perfectly for pairing, power, volume control, microphone and music selections.

The wireless version is available in black, rose gold and silver. A wired version is available for $69 in black, blue cobalt and silver.

More: focal.com

This story was originally published July 12, 2017 at 12:22 PM with the headline "New camera provides simplicity, flexibility for home security."