Battery-powered Roku security cameras give owners more flexible installation options

You probably don’t hear much about them on the news, but smart cameras have almost become a staple in many homes. Whether they’re keeping an eye on babies, seeing who’s at the door, or acting like an unseen security guard, these Internet-connected cameras try to give us peace of mind that our homes and loved ones are safe, even when we’re not home. Or at least that’s the case after the initial hurdle of installing them.

Outdoor smart security cameras are a bit trickier to set up because of current technology requirements. In addition to being weatherproof, these 24/7 cameras need to always have power to guard your home. The most straightforward way is, of course, using a power cable, but Roku, a brand better known for streaming set-top boxes, is joining the growing number of smart security cameras carrying their own batteries inside.

Designer: Roku

Although a direct power connection sounds simple, the considerations for an outdoor camera are actually the opposite. You might need to splice wires to route a power line outdoors and then make sure they’re protected from rain and snow. Given how many devices we have today that run on batteries without being plugged in, it’s really only reasonable to expect smart cameras to do the same.

The Roku Battery Camera and Battery Camera Plus take those well-earned rechargeable battery lessons and put them to use in this product category. These cameras are advertised to last six and 12 months, respectively, and, of course, they can be recharged as needed. That opens the doors to better installation options, especially in places where power cords would normally be unable to reach. Being weather-resistant, you don’t even have to worry about installing them somewhere they’ll always be exposed to the elements.

These are not the world’s first battery-powered security cameras, but they do come with one unique extra feature. They can be powered by a Roku Solar Panel, making sure that the cameras never go down. It also ties into households trying to move toward greener power solutions.

Both Battery Camera and Battery Camera Plus are capable of taking 1080p Full HD pictures and videos, as well as detailed images with color night vision. Of course, remote control and monitoring are made possible using Roku’s mobile and browser apps, and can even be accessed on Roku Smart TVs. Availability details are still slim at the moment, but just by cutting the power cord, these two new devices can help Roku push its smart home product line forward.

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