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Review: Ring Spotlight Cam Plus (Battery)

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The Ring Spotlight Cam Plus is an advanced smart home security camera that delivers very good home protection. This camera is specifically designed to provide you with top-notch video and audio recording capabilities, ensuring peace of mind. You can stay connected and receive instant notifications with the Ring Spotlight Cam Plus, through the Ring app, thus enabling you to monitor your home from any location, day or night.

The Ring Spotlight Cam Plus offers a range of power options, giving you the flexibility to choose what suits your needs best. Whether it’s battery-powered, wired (Plug-in), or solar-powered, this outdoor security camera ensures convenience and adaptability. The one reviewed here is a variant that comes with a rechargeable battery. The security camera also comes with built-in spotlights and a siren, in order to effectively deter potential intruders such as porch pirates and other security worries.

The Spotlight Cam Plus supports 1080p HD video recording, to capture crystal-clear video footage, allowing you to see every detail with precision. You also get two-way audio communication to speak to visitors or potential intruders through the built-in speaker and microphone. Ring has also included infrared night vision for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions. And when the security camera detects a motion, it sends notifications to your smartphone in real time.

The Ring Spotlight Cam Plus features a sturdy and intelligent design available in black or white. The company has positioned LED lights on either side of the camera and the sensors to give it a robust appearance. While the overall build may feel somewhat plasticky, the quality of the construction is pretty good.

On the camera’s rear, you will find a removable rubber cover for the USB-C socket. Although the cover can be easily lost, this socket allows for powered installations. It also provides the option to connect to Ring’s solar panel using an adapter, offering a low-maintenance solution to keep the battery charged.

At the base of the camera’s rounded square body, you’ll find vents through which the speaker, siren, and microphone operate. The camera is intended for mounting, and the entire base section can be rotated and removed. When detached, you gain access to the battery bay where one or two Ring batteries can be installed. These batteries feature MicroUSB sockets for charging and include built-in indicator lights.

Inside the box, you get the Ring Spotlight Cam Plus, a quick-release battery pack, a USB charging cable, a mounting bracket, and some screws for installation. The setup procedure is a breeze. First, download the Ring app onto your smartphone. Next, install the battery by rotating the base section and inserting the battery pack in place. Then follow the onscreen instructions on the Ring app to complete the setup.

Once the setup is done, you can go ahead and mount the security camera in a place that covers most of the blind spots. Despite its flexibility, the camera’s video quality is limited to 1080P. A strong Wi-Fi signal is necessary for optimal performance, as we experienced some dropped frames when testing the camera in an area with a weaker connection.

However, the issue resolved itself, and the accompanying app intelligently alerts users about poor connectivity. Apart from this, the video quality remains sharp enough to identify individuals at a distance of around 15 feet and accurately detects human movement from more than twice that distance.

The app offered impressive features, including the ‘Snapshot’ function, which captures still images every 14 or 60 minutes, creating a timelapse-like effect when scrolling through events. Moreover, the app provides comprehensive guidance on settings, offering clear explanations of how each choice affects battery life.

The overall design of the camera is well-thought-out, and despite a few quirks, it offers various options, including the ability to slide the back out and reposition the mounting point. While Ring has transitioned to USB-C for housing, it raises the question of why the batteries still use MicroUSB.

In addition, the $3.99 per month per device charge for Ring’s subscription service may be significant for some, since it allows for multiple users and easy event checking through the integrated “Snapshot” feature. However, it is an added expense considering the wide range of subscription-free alternatives available in the market.

Having said that however, the Ring Spotlight Cam Plus is a great security camera for your home as it accompanies lots of features and offers very good overall performance.

Price: AED 699 onwards

Rating: 3.5/5

Intersec

Milestone Systems Outpaces Global VMS Market

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Milestone Systems, a leading video management software (VMS) provider, showcased its latest advancements at Intersec 2025, focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) in video surveillance and analytics. An independent report by Omdia identifies Milestone Systems as a major supplier of VMS in the Middle East and Europe.

The Middle East, with its investment in smart cities and infrastructure, has fueled Milestone’s growth. The company has achieved growth rates higher than the average 8-9% in the VMS sector, meeting the demand for robust surveillance solutions.

“We are proud to participate for the 15th time in Intersec 2025, as a security leader in the transformation of the Middle East towards smart cities.” said Louise Bou Rached, Regional Director of META at Milestone Systems “Our strategy is to strengthen partnerships with integrators, resellers, and end-users to drive growth and innovation and simultaneously expand our presence in the MENA region.”

Milestone’s flagship product, XProtect Video Management Software, and the AI-driven BriefCam Video Analytics platform took centre stage. Integrations with technology partners, including Conexao Technology and CIAS, highlighted the open-platform flexibility of XProtect.

BriefCam’s analytics capabilities allow organizations to analyze hours of video quickly, aiding in emergency response, forensics, and operational efficiency. Milestone aims to meet the rising demand for hybrid and cloud-based VMS solutions, contributing to safer public spaces and smarter business operations.

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Intersec

Axis Communications to Unveil the Future of Physical Security at Intersec Dubai 2025

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Axis Communications will be exhibiting at Intersec Dubai 2025 where the company will showcase product innovations, demonstrate key product offerings, participate in thought leadership events, and engage with stakeholders from across the safety and security industries. The 26th edition of the premier event will take place from 14 to 16 January 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

“The security landscape is constantly evolving and nowhere is that more apparent with the adoption of intelligent technologies. Backed by our reputation for, quality, reliability, and innovation, we’re ready to explore what’s possible and show business, industry, and government leaders the power and impact of Axis,” said Ettiene Van Der Watt, Regional Director for Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa at Axis Communications.

A major feature of the Axis exhibition stand will be a showcase of Axis’s vision of an AI-enabled future where artificial intelligence transforms traditional processes and plays a role in how people live, and businesses operate. Some key features include AI-enhanced cameras that can detect and respond to specific events, how enabled cameras and sensors can improve business processes through quality control and predictive maintenance, cybersecurity through advanced threat detection and mitigation, and data analytics. Stand visitors will also have the opportunity to enjoy hands-on demonstrations and learn more about the use of AI-powered applications with Axis solutions.

Axis’s presence at Intersec Dubai 2025 follows the company’s recent announcement of the 9th generation of its purpose-built system-on-chip (SoC), ARTPEC-9. Refining and adding to the capabilities of previous generations of Axis’s in-house SoC, ARTPEC-9 boasts incredibly low bitrate, quality imaging, strengthened cybersecurity, and next-generation AI-powered analytics. ARTPEC-9 also supports the AV1 video encoding standard, ensuring extended client compatibility. Combined with Axis Zipstream technology that lowers network bandwidth and storage requirements while preserving forensic details, AV1 offers efficiency and reliability for both on-premises and cloud-based video management. At Intersec Dubai, Axis will exhibit selected network video products featuring ARTPEC-9 SoC.

Other innovation showcases that visitors can expect to see include:

  1. Video Technology: Thanks to the latest breakthroughs in video technology, Axis Solutions offers unparalleled image quality and usability while unlocking new insights for a variety of use cases. Come see our latest 41 MP, 8K camera utilizing electronic image stabilization for long-distance City surveillance or Sports Stadium surveillance.
  2. Axis Cloud Connect: A secure platform that enables users to manage their video surveillance systems from remote locations i.e. device lifecycle management. It is an open, hybrid cloud platform that enables managed services to increase efficiency and ensure scalable, future-proof solutions.
  3. Body-Worn Solutions: Useful for documenting events and gathering valuable evidence, Axis body-work solutions offer system operators an effective and reliable way to deter bad behaviour and influence the actions of both the wearers and those captured on camera.
  4. Radar: By not relying on visibility, radar keeps false alarms to a minimum while capturing crucial information that traditional visual cameras cannot. You will also see Radar / Video fusion products that combine these two technologies into one to improve overall performance by leveraging the best of both.

The Axis stand will also explore trending topics in more depth and showcase specialised solutions, to highlight a few:

  1. Critical Infrastructure: By combining multiple technologies including visual and thermal cameras, radar, access control, audio equipment, and analytics, Axis Solutions helps businesses confront the three main threats to the continuity of critical operations: Intrusion, interruption, and injury.
  2. Network Audio: Audio is a powerful tool with which to protect people and property. Leveraging the power of IP, Axis network audio solutions can be used to deter intruders, deliver instructions in the event of an emergency, and make general announcements.
  3. TCO: Utilising a total cost of ownership (TCO) approach, users can capture all costs associated with the security camera system over its complete lifecycle.
  4. Cybersecurity: Featuring built-in cybersecurity features designed to decrease the risk of compromise and enable secure behaviour, Axis solutions are built to confront the cybersecurity risks of today and ensure people and businesses are protected from digital threat actors.
  5. Sustainability: An important component of any business, Axis strives to make sustainability a cornerstone of its product offering and overall business operations.

Visitors to the Axis stand will also be able to engage with co-exhibitors and members of the Axis technology and integration partner network:

  1. Aarani: Araani stands as a pioneer in video fire recognition technology, utilizing advanced video analysis for smoke and fire detection in critical environments. With the power of analytics, Araani systems do no not require physical contact with smoke or flames to sound the alarm. Axis stand visitors will get to see how Araani and Axis technologies work together to detect smoke and fire.
  2. Genetec: Genetec Inc. is a global technology company that has been transforming the physical security industry for over 25 years. The company’s portfolio of solutions enables enterprises, governments, and communities around the world to secure people and assets while improving operational efficiency and respecting individual privacy. Genetec delivers the world’s leading products for video management, access control, and ALPR, all built on an open architecture and designed with cybersecurity at their core. The company’s portfolio also includes intrusion detection, intercom, and digital evidence management solutions. Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Genetec serves its 42,500+ customers via an extensive network of accredited channel partners and consultants in over 159 countries.
  3. Milestone Systems: A leading provider of open platform VMS, Milestone Systems’ solutions enable organisations to monitor their premises and resources securely. Milestone’s VMS platform can be integrated into a wide range of third-party devices, and offers a high level of flexibility and scalability, making it the perfect fit for any organisation facility or site. With the help of Milestone’s data-drive video technology software, organisations can also access actionable insights that can help inform decision-making and optimise operational efficiencies.
  4. FF Group: FF Group is an innovative solution data provider with 10 years of experience creating AI Edge and data solutions for road traffic and parking vendors and integrators. Our revolutionary CAMMRA AI, Next-generation, on-camera AI-powered Vehicle recognition and license plate recognition (LPR) software sets a new standard in real-time analytics. By leveraging the power of five Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) integrated seamlessly into Axis cameras, CAMMRA AI delivers unmatched performance, even in the most demanding environments. It brings new standards in urban traffic management projects.
  5. PowerStack: An innovator of powered infrastructure, PowerStack reimagines the future of remote power generation and smart technology deployments to power and light up enterprises. PowerStack solutions are designed to be deployed quickly and easily, all while solving connectivity, lighting, and security challenges across a variety of industries.
  6. DataFromSky: A provider of real-time/post-recording traffic situations in cities, highways, parking lots, and buildings, redefining the concept of smart cities with innovative solutions for smart parking, traffic control and retail.
  7. CamStreamer: CamStreamer is a cutting-edge software solution that enhances IP cameras by enabling live streaming and advanced video analytics directly from the camera itself. Designed for seamless integration with Axis Communications’ network cameras, CamStreamer offers innovative tools for real-time content delivery to platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, and custom RTMP servers without the need for additional hardware.
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Matrix Intros New Features in its Video Surveillance Solutions

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Matrix has rolled out a series of exciting updates to its IP Video Surveillance Solutions. These new features are designed to provide enhanced functionality, better integration, and ease of surveillance management for users across industries. Here’s what’s new:

Supercharged Performance for NVRs
Matrix Network Video Recorders now come with improved performance parameters, ensuring smoother operations for users managing high-resolution surveillance systems:

  1. Uplink and Downlink Speeds Enhanced: The NVRs now support up to 512Mbps Uplink and Downlink speeds, double the previous limit of 256Mbps. This enhancement allows for seamless management of multiple high-resolution cameras without compromising on data flow.
  2. Expanded Storage Capacity: Each SATA port can now accommodate up to 18TB of storage, compared to the earlier 10TB limit. This increased capacity ensures extended recording retention for users requiring long-term storage.

These updates are available as a free software upgrade for existing 32-channel and 64-channel NVR models, ensuring that current users can easily benefit from these advancements.

Stay Alert Anytime, Anywhere with WhatsApp Notifications
The latest version of Matrix Video Management Software introduces WhatsApp integration as a notification medium for system events. This feature enhances real-time responsiveness by delivering event notifications—such as intrusion detection, motion detection, or tripwire alerts—directly to a user’s WhatsApp.

Notifications include images of the event, providing immediate visual confirmation for faster decision-making. Previously limited to Email, SMS, and TCP notifications, this addition expands the ways users can stay connected to their surveillance systems, ensuring timely awareness and action.

Intelligent Building Automation with BACnet Integration
Matrix Video Management Software now supports BACnet Integration, enabling seamless connectivity with Building Management Systems (BMS). For example, if a camera tampering event is detected at a branch office, Matrix VMS alerts the BMS via the BACnet protocol. The BMS then notifies the concerned person, enabling immediate action.

This integration ensures centralised monitoring, faster response times, and streamlined operations, making it ideal for environments that demand synchronised facility management and security.

Ruggedised Network Cameras with New Certifications
Matrix’s ruggedised network cameras are now even tougher and more reliable with:

  1. IP68 Certification: Improved durability to withstand extreme weather and environmental conditions, upgrading from the previous IP67 standard.
  2. EN45545 Certification: Ensuring compliance with fire safety standards for applications in railways and other critical environments.

These cameras are designed to operate in the harshest conditions, making them ideal for industries like transportation, manufacturing, and defence.

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