#homekit camera

Logitech has recently upgraded its firmware for their new flagship smart security camera the Circle 2. As promised by the company at release the update includes HomeKit platform support for the product, making it only the second official HomeKit integrated security camera on the market. Some confusion from the original announcement over what versions of the product would support HomeKit swirled around but (unfortunately for some would be users) that has all been cleared up now. Logitech has stated that only the Circle 2 units using wired mounts would be able to utilize the HomeKit platform. They indicated that the issue with bringing HomeKit support to the wireless camera comes from Apple’s side noting that HomeKit requires an always-on configuration to be supported. In light of all the exciting news, I set out to get my hands on the product to try it out.

Unboxing

Picking up the Logitech Circle 2 wired version was as easy as driving to my local Bestbuy and heading to their newly revamped “Smart-Home” section. I have to say I was impressed both by the strong availability of the product. Too often, smart home products are released and difficult to find or only available online. Once I got the product back to the house I took a few promotional photos and then cracked open the box.

  Opening the outer box reveals 2 cardboard boxes inside marked “one” and “two”. Inside them, you will find the wired mount, cord clips, a mounting disc, a power supply with plug adaptor, and of course the Circle 2 camera itself.

Installation

Slide

Installation is simple and intuitive. Slide on the plug adaptor to the power supply and insert the USB plug into the power supply.

Press

Next line up the guidelines on the camera housing and the mount and firmly press the camera into the mount.

Rotate

Once recessed into the mount you can rotate the camera in either direction until to reach the desired position.

Mounting

The mount provided can be set on a table or any flat surface on its own. However, if you want to attach the mount to the wall Logitech includes a small wall mounting disc and all the necessary screws to do so.

Line-up

To do that you will line up the mount at the desired location and mark the holes for the screws.

Drill

Drill the pilot holes to the specified diameter for the wall anchors (provided).

Tap

Gently tap the wall anchors into place with a hammer.

Tighten

Align the holes on the mounting disc with the holes from the wall anchors and insert the screws.

Press

Once the disc is securely in place you will align the base of the camera with the mounting disc and press the base firmly into the disc. Once fully recessed rotate the base of the camera mount to lock it in place.

Set-Up

The set-up of the Circle 2 is incredibly simple. You will need to head over to the app store of your choice and download the Circle 2 application. Once downloaded open up the application and register an account with Logitech. After your account has been set up you just follow the in application instructions to complete the set-up. This took me about 2 minutes to do. (**Note** the camera must be connected through a 2.4 Ghz wireless connection and does not support 5 Ghz.) If you need to update the firmware this might take a few more minutues to download and install.

Performance

Performance is where things drop off a bit for me on the Logitech Circle 2. I have been very pleased with the product when it functions properly. The picture is extreamly clear and in settings you can toggle between 360, 720, and 1080p respectively. Logitechs “Enhanced” night vision seems very clear as well showing little grain and noise. The ulta wide field of view is great allowing you to capture nearly an entire room with it’s 180 degree capture. Alerts are quick and tapping into the live view is some of the fastest I have seen when using WiFi connected security cameras.

No for the not so great news. I have had to restart by unplugging and plugging back in the adaptor on multiple occasions since installed. The product appears to lose its connection to the wifi or freeze and will not reconnect on its own without a force restart. That being said I have been in touch with the company for solutions and they have been very responsive and are looking into this issue for me. At this point, there is no way of me know if this issue is isolated to just my product and network set up, or if it is more wide spread. I fully expect that Logitech will correct shortly regardless if the issue is on my end or the application/product needs a firmware update.

HomeKit Integration

One of the greatest features offered by the Logitech Circle 2 camera is its ability to integrate with Apple’s HomeKit platform. If you follow along with smart home news that makes this camera only the second official supported HomeKit camera. So what benefit does the Circle 2 gain by connection to the HomeKit platform?

One Home for All Cameras

Well for starters you can view the live stream directly from Apple’s Home application. The integration is nice because in the future you may have multiple cameras from different companies and being able to access them all in one application makes everything a more intuitive experience.

Triggering Other Accessories

The HomeKit integrations offer much more. Including the ability to utilize the motion sensor in the camera to control many other products in the HomeKit ecosystem. For example, you can have your Philips Hue lights turn on when you enter a room when the Logitech Circle 2 senses the motion.

Letting you know (But on your terms)

Lastly, the HomeKit integration allows for customizable notifications to alert you to activity monitored by the camera. These notifications can be turned completely off, only enabled during certain times of the day, or only be enabled based on who is or is not home.

Other Integrations

Adding to the fun integrations that can be used with the Circle 2 camera is Amazon’s Alexa. With Alexa, you can turn on/off the camera or privacy mode or even start a manual recording. My bet here is that Google Home integration is not far behind.

Final Thoughts

If you find yourself asking. “What cameras work with Homekit?” Look no further than here. Minus a few connectivity hiccups, that truly could be on my end, the camera boasts some of the greatest feature attributes available today in a security camera. With its simple set-up and installation and its growing integration list. I believe the Circle 2 is the best HomeKit enabled security camera available today. I plan to use mine as a baby monitor for our imminent delivery, but I see numerous use cases for this product. If you are looking for a great versatile and adaptable security camera solution, then you should check out Logitech Circle 2. Be sure to check out our soon to come How/To Tips and Tricks section on the Logitech Circle 2.