Perch! Free App Turns Your Android Phone Into A Wireless Security Cam – Here’s How!

Shawn Kim

January 11, 2016

Perch, a mobile application managed by Foursquare, is recognized as the surest way to spy on your competitors – if you are a small business. However, homeowners and business owners may find other uses for this app; in particular, utilizing the app as a wireless automated security camera.

Not just any security camera, but one that is powered on your mobile phone. This capability ensures that your security monitoring activities are elusive, so that you can record natural happenings in the area you are interested in. Ready to find out just how you can tap into the security camera feature? Check out the post below.

The “Different” Camera

Most home and business owners install security cameras or simply power their tablets, laptops, and televisions to get the job done. To set themselves apart, Perch decided to add another piece of technology to the mix that includes security camera capabilities: the mobile phone.

As Andrew Cohen, the CEO of Perch, mentioned to CNET:

“Our goal is to be the easiest way to get started doing home monitoring. You’re able to set up in a matter of minutes and take a device and keep an eye on your kids while they’re playing in the next room.”

As you can tell, the security cam is not only a great solution for protecting your home, but it can also be used for home monitoring when you most need it, for instance – to protect your children from harm.

Designed for Any Mobile Device

When the application came out, most people were concerned about whether the release was a ploy by Perch to steer users to using Android mobile devices. Fortunately, Perch is not designed for any specific mobile products.

Those who would like to use Perch’s spy cam capabilities can do so, regardless of which smart phone they have. The only issue is that using Perch currently requires an Android device. However, developers are currently working on expanding the application to iOS and other mobile systems. The purpose of Perch is to be compatible with the home automation system that you are using for your security needs.

How to Get Started

The process for setting up Perch on your mobile device is fairly simple. The application was designed with the intent to provide users with a user-friendly interface that enables quality security monitoring capabilities. Just follow this step-by-step process:

1. Install Perch on your mobile device – there is no fee involved
2. Create an account with Perch on your computer or your mobile device
3. Add the mobile device as your capture point
4. You’ll be given the option to setup a network of numerous cameras throughout your house or office, a quick procedure if you choose to implement it
5. Set the capture point mobile device on a stand from your ideal vantage point
6. Start streaming the video from your capture point mobile device onto your computer or other mobile device
7. Check that the audio feature works
8. For changes, access the dashboard

The process for configuring your security system using Perch is fairly simple and intuitive. Once you have your network setup, you can make a number of changes by accessing the dashboard.

If you do not want to move the capture point mobile device, then the changes can be made on the mobile device or computer that you are streaming to. Let’s take a look at what features the dashboard includes.

The Perch Dashboard

Despite being in its beta stage, Perch has some a number of worthwhile features that you can access via the dashboard. The following features make your security system not only convenient, but pretty high-tech too.

• Audio Capabilities

Upon accessing the dashboard, you can enable audio capabilities. This capability allows you to hear anything that is taking place at your capture point and in the surrounding vicinity. This way, while you may not see any commotion, you’ll certainly be able to hear it beforehand and take action accordingly.

• Speaking Through the Camera

As if audio capabilities aren’t good enough, Perch has gone above and beyond by enabling you to speak through the camera. This way, if you need to contact someone at the capture point, you can do so with minimal effort.

• Movement Detection and Notification

If you’re using the security camera feature as a home security system and not just a way to monitor children, then you may want to enable the movement detection feature. The movement detection feature gives your phone the ability to register that movement has taken place at the capture point through Perch’s viewfinder feature.

Upon detecting the movement, Perch will notify your mobile device or computer. With this capability, you can take action quickly if you believe that the movement is the result of an intruder.

A Free App –But for How Long?

Despite being a free application, most users and developers wonder whether it’ll vamp into a one that requires a subscription – and for good reason. As a free application in its beta stage, Perch has no way to manage additional features that may be implemented.

As the application continues to evolve, it is highly likely that a subscription will be inevitable. If you enjoy the beta version so much though and the new capabilities pass muster, then paying for the subscription shouldn’t be an issue.

Summary

There is nothing like having an easy-to-use, free, and advanced home security system. Rather than invest hundreds of dollars on a home security automation system, you can simply install Perch on a mobile device that you aren’t using.

With the many capabilities available through the dashboard, the easy startup process, and the notifications, you’ll be able to start your home security needs quickly and effortlessly. Just stay tuned for the latest Perch developments so that you can make the most out of your new home security system.