Careers are inevitable parts of life, and every morning millions of pets around the world sniff their owners goodbye and are left to their own devices for a considerable amount of time. What they get up to within those hours is unbeknown to us and beyond our control. Well, that was until recently.
With technology advancing every day it’s no surprise that electronic gadgets are starting to creep into the dog industry. With timed food bowls that fill themselves, balls that launch themselves and even electronic poop scoops.
I am counting down the days until there is some type of machine that will walk them for us too! There’s one gadget, however, that has taken the market by storm and proved to be a really viable tool in the dog ownership arsenal; Pet cams.
There are a decent range of Cameras geared towards pet watching at a large range of prices. Some are mere cameras, whilst others have lasers, treat/toy dispensers and some even have two-way sound systems to actually communicate with your pet. I researched and found a few great cameras, and then was given the great opportunity to review the product. I hope you enjoy my Petcube Camera review.
Introduction to the Petcube Camera
Petcube is a camera designed by Petcube Inc. for pet watching from your smartphone. It offers fool proof set up and operates via Wi-Fi with some key features that set it apart from other pet cams. I find the camera itself very attractive and fits in well within your household furniture. The camera is $199, or you can buy two at discounted prices. The camera is protected by a 4 x 4 x 4 aluminium house that comes in range of colours from Matte Silver, Rose Gold to Carbon Black. I was given the Matte Silver.
Petcube Features / What separates Petcube from other Petcams?
- 4 x 4 x 4 aluminium housing in 3 colours
- Non-slip bottom
- Standard tripod mount
- 138° wide angle camera that streams in HD 720p video
- Compatible on iOS and Android devices
- Built in two way audio system
- Built in 5mW 3R certified and safe laser
- Motion and sound detection notifications
- US and UK changeable power adaptor plug
Petcube Design
The design of the Petcube, I think, is nailed right down to the packaging. Upon opening the box, the Petcube and lead are nestled in shock proof material along with a brochure on how to set the camera up. All you need to do is download the free app and follow the very simple instructions, connect your Petcube to your Wi-Fi and you’re set to go.
There is only one lead which plugs the camera into the wall and that’s about as complicated as It gets. The camera itself is, as I said, very modern and attractive and it blends well into my home. There is a light on the front of the camera which tells you when it is on, but also tells you when someone is viewing the footage from their smartphones. You can give permission for other users on the Petcube app network to view your live footage.
Petcube Function
The function of the camera and app both are very smooth. The picture quality of the camera can be prone to go quite pixilated if there is anything lower than fantastic Wi-Fi connection, though that is honestly down to your Wi-Fi service connector than Petcube. I have not experienced any footage freezing, despite sometimes some pixilation.
The running of the footage is up to date and really accurate, as well as being able to see a lot of space at once due to the 138° angle. I have found also that when speaking into the camera the microphone on the other side picks up your voice and repeats it back to you, which can interfere with the sound from your pet but is not a huge bother.
Lasers, Sounds and Notifications
I am really impressed with the laser quality. I was wondering if it would be quite weak but it is very vibrant and easily spotted by my curious husky. By clicking on the footage on your smartphone you can control where the laser goes to and so actually play with your pet! Another thing that I think is the best thing of all are the sound and motion notifications. If your camera detects either of these, it will send you a notification telling you so. I feel that this saves time as instead of continuously checking the camera, I can rely on the detectors to notify me if my pet is howling or pacing for example.
App Network
One thing that was surprising is the fact that the Petcube doesn’t stop at just owning the camera. You are able to actually download the app and interact with other Petcube owners, even if you don’t have the camera yourself.
Petcube has a social network system that operates very similar to Instagram, where users can share content from their phone library or straight from their live footage onto their page. Other people may then like or comment on users content, as well as being able to follow users.
If you don’t own a Petcube, upon following the users you will be updated when the user has allowed their live footage to be viewed by other parties. You can then talk to, play laser and watch their pets. Users are able to deactivate any features if they wish to (such as deactivating the laser as your pet may be nervous to it, for example).
Cons and Suggested Improvements
I think the issue with the voice being repeated may be bothersome to some people but it is not a deal breaker for me. The price of the product may also deter some customers but what they need to remember is you get what you pay for. Petcube does what it says on the tin and I use it just about every time I leave the house now without that sense of dread, wondering if Anuko is howling and frustrating the neighbours.
As for improvements, I feel that Petcube are missing out on an opportunity to make even more revenue by not offering items to go alongside the Petcube. On their store, all there is to buy is the camera and that’s just about it. I would advise that they would enable being able to buy replacement leads, maybe even a lead extension, and replacement power adaptors. Another thing I would like to see on their store are screen protectors for the cameras front, and perhaps even funky cases to put your Petcube in like smartphones have fun cases.
Verdict
I am really happy with this product and will continue to incorporate it into my every day life. I have kept the packaging as well, as it was a sliding box (similar to how Apple products are packaged) and use it when travelling. I advise anybody who has a pet with separation anxiety to consider this product, as well as anybody who is just interested in seeing what their pet gets up to when they are not around. Is it really like The Secret Life Of Pets?
I hope you enjoyed my review of Petcube.
Where can I buy?
You can buy a Petcube here
You can support Petcube on their Facebook page here
Disclaimer: Even though the product sent to us was for free, all opinions are our own. If you are a company looking to have your product reviewed by us, please contact Jasmine through jasmineglanville@hotmail.com
Great review Jasmine! I want one!