Arlo Ultra is a wire-free 4K smart home security camera

Alex Choros - Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor

Last updated 09 January 2019

The latest version of Arlo's smart home security camera - Arlo Ultra - will be available locally by the end of the month. Redesigned from the ground up, Arlo Ultra adds new features such 4K HDR video recording, an integrated spotlight, colour night vision, and improved noise-cancelling microphones.

While 4K video may seem like overkill for a security camera, the increase in resolution effectively provides 12x digital zoom. This should make it easier for the camera to record fine details like registration plates or get a more accurate representation of facial features. The Ultra is also able to automatically zoom when it detects motion and track its subjects.

While the Arlo Ultra will be compatible with the current Arlo Hub, a new 'Ultra Smart Hub' will be bundled with most packages. The Ultra Smart Hub is required if you want to use the Arlo Ultra's 4K functionality. It also adds a microSD slot for making a physical backup of your footage.

Much like past Arlo cameras, the Arlo Ultra is completely wire-free with a rechargeable battery. You should get six months of usage in between charges, but an optional solar panel accessory will also be available. Footage from Arlo Ultra is viewable through the Arlo app on iOS and Android, and you'll get notifications whenever the camera detects motion and starts recording.

Arlo Ultra can be used indoors and outdoors.

When Arlo Ultra hit stores, you'll be looking at $1,049.99 for a two-pack of cameras bundled with a hub.

This will also include a one-year Arlo Smart Premiere subscription valued at $129, which includes 30 rolling days of cloud storage for 1080p recordings and additional software features. Storing 4K video in the cloud will require a further add-on (and a decent internet connection). Arlo cameras do however include seven days of cloud storage at no extra charge.

Pricing for individual Arlo Ultra cameras has yet to be confirmed.

Alex Choros

Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor | X | Instagram | Threads | LinkedIn

Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.

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