The Circle 2 comes in two different versions, wired and Wire-Free. The wired one is $20 cheaper but will restrict you in where you can place the camera. You also have to pay extra for cable protection if you’re using the device outdoors. It does have the benefit of not needing recharging though.
Whichever one you choose, the Circle connects to your home Wi-Fi and communicates with your smartphone. There’s also a web app available so you can keep tabs on what the camera’s seeing.
Logitech hopes you won’t have to do that often though. The Circle 2 is meant to be a no-intervention security solution, giving you an assurance your house is protected. If unexpected motion is detected, you’ll get a notification and be prompted to check what triggered the alert.
“People want the peace of mind that comes with a simple security solution,” said Vincent Borel, director of new ventures at Logitech. “Circle 2 gives people just that – you can place the camera wherever you need it, inside or out, and rest assured that you’ll be alerted of any changes in your home while you’re away.”
The camera records in 1080p Full HD and includes night vision technology. The wide-angle lens covers a 180-degree span so you can use a single camera to cover an entire side of your home. All the footage is stored for 24 hours in Logitech’s encrypted cloud for free. If you need a longer-term solution, paid plans are available to expand this to 14-days or 31-days.
There are paid extensions available for the camera’s hardware too. Optional add-ons include window and plug mounts, additional 3-month rechargeable batteries and weatherproof cables for the wired camera. There’s also a case that protects the camera body and wires from challenging weather conditions.
Logitech’s ensured the Circle 2 integrates fully with the rest of the smart home by including support for third-party services. You can control the camera with Amazon’s Alexa assistant, letting you start and stop recordings using your voice. The company is also preparing Apple HomeKit compatibility which will arrive soon as a free software update.
The Circle 2 appears to be a robust and considered approach to smart home security. Logitech is going up against established names, including Nest’s popular outdoor cameras. Logitech’s already a familiar name to many tech consumers though, noted for its strong webcams and home accessories. While its smart home ecosystem is still developing, the company has a history of succeeding in the peripheral market.
The Circle 2 will launch next month in the U.S. at retailers including Amazon, Best Buy and Apple. Pricing starts at $179.99 for the wired camera or $199.99 for the wireless model. Add-on accessories range from $29.99 to $49.99.
