When I first saw U21 HD camera it reminded me of SOOCOO G1 is action camera with a flexible stick, since the camera also comes with a flexible hose which allows you to orient it as you please.
But it’s a different bear, as U21 is a surveillance camera powered over USB and featuring WiFi connectivity. I can’t see any motion detection, so it may have some dose of “AI” since it claims to support motion and human detection so you only get relevant alerts. It is currently sold (pre-orders) on Banggood for $33.65 including shipping with order starting to be processed on October 30th.
U21 USB WIFI camera key features and specifications:
- MCU / WiSoC – No information (yet)
- Storage – MicroSD card slot up to 128GB for up to one month of recording (8GB = 2 days); Cloud storage via third party (paid)
- Camera – 14mm lens, HD resolution
- Alerts – Motion detection, AI human detection (provided and charged by third party )
- Power Supply – 5V/1A via USB port
- Dimensions – 16 cm long x 2.5 cm wide; camera: 1.5 cm ∅
- Weight – 23.8 grams
The product description explains recording that are saved on “microSD card can be watched on computer with a card reader or directly on the mobile phone”, while “the recordings saved on Cloud storage can be downloaded and watched directly on mobile phone”. It’s a big confusing but there’s an earlier listing of the product which reveals the mobile app is V380 Pro. This appears to be where we’d get the extra services like cloud services and AI human detection. Note the reviews are rather mixed.
We also learn some limitations or features the camera such as the lack of night vision and zoom support, as well as the ability to record audio despite microphone not being part of the specifications. Answers from customer support are often incorrect though.
The video below shows how to setup the camera and get started with V380 Pro app.
If you have no need for WiFi, and I’d like to have a camera that records to the MicroSD card only, U21 HD camera is also available without WiFi. You’ll find many sellers on Aliexpress with either option for about $17 and up.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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Alerts – Motion detection, AI human detection (provided and charged by third party )
Does this mean someone else can potentially watch your camera feed?
I understand AI human detection is done in the cloud (e.g. not at the edge) through a service users can subscribe over V380 Pro app. So yes, it’s true something can potentially watch your camera feed, but it’s also true for any camera connected to the Internet.
nice post