WiFi Indoor Home Video Camera Review Offers Face Recognition + Other Security Features

Technology

by Jacob Elspas, Staff Blogger
MommyBlogExpert.com

This is a sponsored post

At first glance, the Simplicam from ArcSoft and powered by Closeli may seem to be just like other home security recording systems out there. A camera, some software, maybe a wall or table mount if you’re lucky, but essentially the same thing. This makes it very challenging for companies to sell and market a monitoring device that stands out. But Simplicam, which is a direct competitor of Dropcam, succeeds in differentiating itself from the sea of similar devices currently on the market today -- offering something the others do not: face recognition.

Raphael Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

Upon opening the box the first thing I immediately liked about Simplicam is the packaging, specifically the cubic box and the layered contents which are reminiscent of the gift-like experiential way Apple artfully presents its products to an adoring fan base. 

This makes the presentation of all the various included components (the main unit and stand, cable with USB, USB outlet, wall mount and screws) and instructions feel very organized. Besides, it looks super cool and is exciting to unwrap a product in a box that is perfectly symmetrical. Everything fits compactly inside the box and is ordered to ensure that the buyer has the easiest time understanding, setting up and using the camera. 

Raphael Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

Speaking of this being simple to use -- that is in fact how this product got its name. This camera is one of the easiest of its type to operate that I have ever seen. Unlike others, you don’t even need a computer to set it up. You just follow the clearly written instructions provided in the box and before you know it, you can have live footage streaming to your computer or smartphone. 

“But why do I need one of these?” you may ask as you contemplate making the Simplicam your most recent connected home purchase. I can think of quite a few reasons. Have to work late when your kids get home from school? Just use this gadget to have two-way talk with your sons and daughters to make sure they stay on task; you can even help them with their homework. Want to hear and be able to see your pet while you’re away from home? The Simplicam has you covered there, too.

See how Simplicam works...




This device is equipped with night vision which is another great asset. But my favorite feature by far would have to be the facial recognition, going over and beyond the functionality of a simple motion dectector which can't tell the difference between a human burglar and the family dog running laps around the house when the daily mail is dropped into your mailbox.

You can train the Simplicam which features special facial recognition software to recognize up to ten people’s faces. This may not seem like such a big deal. But, if an unapproved person gains entry to your home, for example, the device is capable of immediately sending alerts straight to your smartphone when it detects there is a stranger or unusual motion or noise inside your house.

Raphael Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

I personally wish we'd known about this product sooner. My mom points out that it's perfect for all those "not me" moments that every family with kids knows about. It's good for michievious pets too. One time our 12 pound dog Dexter jumped onto the kitchen counter when we were in another room and ate an entire tray of homebaked Baklava that was bigger than him. If we had the Simplicam we could have caught him in the act and made the proper correction on the spot. Besides, to this day, I'd still like to see with my own eyes how in the world that little dog made that record Superman-style high jump onto the kitchen counter! 

If you’ve ever felt like you wish you could watch what was going on at home when you were away, or wanted an extra security system that is basically undetectable, then I highly recommend looking into the Simplicam.

Raphael Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

What you need to use Simplicam 

• A smartphone, tablet or computer running iOS 7+ or Android 4+
• Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n: WEP, WPA, WPA2-personal encryption supported
• High-speed Internet connection, such as DSL or cable with upload speed above 1 Mbps for each camera

While you can always view live video and the device includes 11 free days of monitoring, if you want to access archived recorded video in the cloud you will also need to subscribe to 1 of 3 Closeli Recording Services plans. These range in price from $49.99 to $229.99 per year.

Image from Simplicam

About Simplicam
Simplicam, from ArcSoft of Fremont, California, is beautifully designed, well made, easy to use, and has a bunch of features that most of its competitors lack. Configured to run in the U.S. only, it retails for $149.99 and may be purchased direct from Simplicam.com and from Amazon; it is not available in stores. Animal lovers especially will appreciate knowing that the company has placed two of their Simplicams inside the animal living quarters at San Francisco SPCA to share video with the public and help match adoptable dogs and cats with their forever homes.

FTC Disclosure: MommyBlogExpert received the featured product to facilitate this review blogpost. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Twitter Party Calendar Sept 6 - Sept 12 Schedule of Parties w/ Prizes - Continuous Updates

Twitter Parties

Constant Updates, Keep Checking Back + Sneak Peek at Future Weeks


Master Twitter Party Calendar - Including USA & Canada

Brands: 
See bottom of post to hire Mommy Blog Expert for your next Twitter Party!

Get all the details in this free constantly updated Master Twitter Chat Party Calendar listing tons of family friendly parties including specifics on prizes you can win and links to RSVP and participate. Includes Twitter Parties in the U.S. and Canada. A new weekly Twitter Party Schedule is published every Sunday at 9 am ET.

Be sure to check back often during each week as new events are added on an ongoing basis -- often with new prize-winning opportunities added several times per day. You'll also get a sneak peek at Twitter parties coming up next week and in the month ahead. Now listing Facebook, Pinterest and Google+ parties with prizes too.

Be the first to know when the latest Mommy Blog Expert Twitter Party schedule goes live by following MBE on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Google+ and/or subscribe now.

The majority of parties are for U.S. only, unless indicated otherwise. Look for highlights in pink for Twitter Parties where CANADA residents are eligible for prizes.

THIS WEEK


Monday, September 7

Label Day Weekend Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @mabelhood. Prizes: TBA. #LabelDayWknd Details

Tuesday, September 8

I am Protective Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @protectivelife @freebies4mom @dentistmel and others. Prizes: ONE (1) $50 VISA giftcard, FIVE (5) $100 VISA GCs. #IamProtective RSVP

Orange Tuesday Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @costumeexpress @momtosprouts. Prizes: SIX (6) $50 CostumesExpress.com giftcards, ONE (1) Grand Prize $100 CostumesExpress GC. #OrangeTuesday RSVP

JBF Reading Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @seemomclick @jbfreading. Prizes: TBA. #JBFReading Details

National Ants on a Log Day Twitter Party at 8:30 pm ET with @dandy_fresh @familyfoodie. Prizes: TBA. #AntsOnaLogDay RSVP

Too Cool for School Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @project nursery @savvysassymoms. Prizes: $50 giftcards - 1 each from Minted, Polarn O Pyret and Rack Room Shoes, ONE (1) Micro Kickboard, ONE (1) BLOK iPad case from Logitech. #2Cool4School RSVP

Wednesday, September 9

Horizon Back to School Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @momsmeet @horizon_organic @kiwimagazine. Prizes: Horizon products. #HorizonB2S RSVP

Share Your Spirit Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @dawnchats @msmissy62 @daddyshangout and others. Prizes: ONE (1) $50 Sam's Club giftcard, FIVE (5) $100 Sam's Club GCs. #ShareYourSpirit RSVP

Share a Bear Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @snugglebear. Prizes: TBA. #ShareABear #NationalTeddyBearDay

Milestone Moments Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @momcentral @pampers @babiesrus and others. Prizes: EIGHT (8) $100 Babies R Us giftcards, ONE (1) Grand Prize $250 Babies R US GC. #MilestoneMoments RSVP

BTS Real Food Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @thehealthyapple. Prizes: TBA. #BTSRealFood Details

Flatout Love Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @splashscore. Prizes: Prizes every 5 minutes, $300 in prizes total. #FlatoutLove Details

Refresh The Routine Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @coryanneettiene @stonefirenaan. Prizes: THREE (3) $50 VISA giftcards, ONE (1) Grand Prize $100 VISA GC + Anolon cookware set. #RefreshTheRoutine No RSVP Details

Love is Grand Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @supahmommy @mackidmamabear @tracfonecalls. Prizes: FIVE (5) TracFone prize packs that include Alcatel ICON Pop,  90-day airtime card + $100 giftcard. #LoveisGrand RSVP

Green Back to School Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @greenmomsco @pongcase @r3volved and others. Prizes: ONE (1) Pong Case, ONE (1) bundle R3volved school supplies, ONE (1) Green Moms Collective lunch gear prize pack - Canada residents ONLY eligible for prizes. #GreenBTS RSVP

Care Bears Share Your Care Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @blogginmamas @carebearfriend @heloenterprises and others. Prizes: SIX (6) Care Bears prize packages TBA. #ShareYourCare RSVP

Music Arts Back to School Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @thenetworkniche @therockfather @optimistic_mama and others. Prizes: Music Arts giftcards plus TWO (2) winners will get a musical instrument of their choice. #MusicArtsBTS RSVP

Fresh for School Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @produceforkids @bolthousefarms. Prizes: TBA. #Fresh4School RSVP

Thursday, September 10

Healthy Baby Home Twitter Party at Noon ET with @seventhgen @healthy_child @zarbees and others. Prizes: TBA. #HealthyBabyHome Details

Monster Jam Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @percyvites @birthdayexpress @monsterjam. Prizes: Prizes from Percy Vites, Birthday Express & Monster Jam. #MonsterJam RSVP to nila@chizcomm.com

NextpertstyleXtech Twitter Party at 2 pm ET with @wellconnectedmom @freebies4mom @katlean and others. Prizes: $2100 in prizes including ONE (1) LG Styler ARV $2000, TWO (2) $50 VISA giftcards. #NextpertXtech RSVP

Wellness VoxBox Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @influenstervox. Prizes: Influenster totes. #WellnessVoxBox RSVP

Sam's Club Baby Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @amomsimpression. Prizes: FOURTEEN (14) prizes including FIVE (5) $45 Sam's Club Membership giftcards, FIVE (5) $100 Sam's Club GCs and more - see RSVP link for full prize descriptions. #SamsClubBaby RSVP

Fresh Back to School Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @summerfresh @chancesmommy. Prizes: SEVEN (7) $25 prize packs, ONE (1) Grand Prize $100 VISA giftcard, $25 free product coupons, lunch box gear - Canada residents ONLY eligible for prizes. #FreshBTS RSVP

Friday, September 11

Slayer Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @officialfye. Prizes: TBA. #SlayerFYE RSVP

NEXT WEEK

Monday, September 14

Manwich Mondays Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @moderndaymoms. Prizes: TBA. #ManwichMondays Details

Shift A Shade Twitter Party at 2 pm ET with @beautystat @freebies4mom @clairolcolor and others. Prizes: FOUR (4) winners get 2 boxes of Nice 'n Easy, TWO (2) Grand Prize winners each receive $100 Walgreens giftcard, 2 boxes Nice 'n Easy and consultation with Color Director James Corbett. #ShiftAShade RSVP

Let's Play Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @crystalandcomp @thesimpleparent. Prizes: TWO (2) $50 VISA giftcards + playbook from KaBOOM!, ONE (1) $100 VISA GC + playbook from KaBOOM! #LetsPlay RSVP

Looking Forward to Fall Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @theonlinemom. Prizes: TWO (2) JAWBONE UP3 Activity Trackers. #LifeOnFiOS RSVP

Taste of Canada Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @foodbloggersca. Prizes: Two (2) tickets ARV $100 to Taste of Canada and various cookbooks - Canada residents ONLY eligible for prizes. #TasteCanada2015 Details

Tuesday, September 15

King of Flavor Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @elyucateco @aleamilham @simplybeingmom and others. Prizes: ONE (1) $50 Walmart giftcard, FIVE (5) $100 Walmart GCs. #KingofFlavor RSVP

Made in Nature Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @momsmeet @madeinnature @kiwimagazine. Prizes: Made in Nature Products. #MadeInNature RSVP

Power of Care Twitter Party at 2 pm ET with @crowdtappers @whirlpoolusa. Prizes: Giftcard prizes every 10 minutes: ONE (1) $200 VISA giftcard, ONE (1) $100 VISA GC, ONE (1) $75 VISA GC, TWO (2) $50 VISA GCs, ONE (1) $25 VISA GC. #PowerofCare RSVP

Responsible Pet Owner Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @charlottereed @petrendologist and others. Prizes: ONE (1) $50 VISA giftcard, ONE (1) $25 VISA GC and more. #PetrendsTweets RSVP

Flash Security Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @interac @sjconsulting_ca. Prizes: $1000 in INTERAC etransfer cash - Canada residents ONLY eligible for prizes. #FlashSecurity RSVP

Sofrito Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @lorrainecladish. Prizes: TEN (10) copie of the new novel Sofrito. #SofritoNovel Details

Wednesday, September 16

PlayDoh Twitter Party at 2 pm ET with @modernmom and others. Prizes: FIVE (5) PlayDoh prize packs, ONE (1) . Follow hashtag #WorldPlayDohDay Details 

1 Million for Education Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @candypo @coolchillmom @athriftydiva and others. Prizes: ONE (1) $50 VISA giftcard, FIVE (5) $100 VISA GCs. #1Million4Edu RSVP

Spend a Night in Caposaldo Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @tinylittlebows @kendallrayburn. Prizes: SIX (6) $50 American Express giftcards, FOUR (4) Grand Prize winners each get home spa or girls night out packages. #Caposaldo RSVP

Thursday, September 17

Bright Mind Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @outnumberedmama @2wired2tired @athriftydiva and others. Prizes: ONE (1) $50 PetSmart giftcard, FIVE (5) $100 PetSmart GCs. #BrightMind RSVP

Get Game Ready Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @dawnchats @sweeptight @adventuresof8. Prizes: THREE (3) prize packs that include $100 Sam's Club giftcard + backpack + men's deodorant, ONE (1) Grand Prize includes $200 Sam's Club GC + digital camera + backpack + men's deodorant - see RSVP link for prize details. #GetGameReady RSVP

Bloggin Twitter Party at 8:30 pm ET with @fitbloggin. Prizes: Prizes from Manitoba Harvest, 34 Degrees, Flapjacked, Justin's and more. #FitBloggin No RSVP, Details

RESP with RBC Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @sweetmamabrady @rbc and others. Prizes: SIX (6) $150 VISA giftcards - Canada residents ONLY eligible for prizes. #RESPwithRBC No RSVP, Details

Friday, September 18

Preparing for Emergencies Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @thetechdad @robynsworld @theonlinemom. Prizes: TBA. #VZWBuzz RSVP

Doctor Who Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @officialfye. Prizes: TBA. #DoctorWhoFYE RSVP

COMING SOON 

Tuesday, September 22

Supporting Friends Struggling to Conceive Twitter Party at 1 to 1:30 pm ET with @themotherhood @tmchathost @coopermunroe and others. Prizes: THREE (3) $25 CVS/Pharmacy giftcards. #TheStorkOTC RSVP

My Canvas Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @canadiantire @monicahibbs. Prizes: $1000 in prizes TBA - Canada residents ONLY eligible for prizes. #MyCANVAS No RSVP, Details

Chicken App Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @chickenfarmers @sjconsulting_ca. Prizes: TBA - Canada residents ONLY eligible for prizes. #ChickenApp RSVP

Thursday, September 24

TBA

Friday, September 25

Apps for a More Organized Life Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @thetechdad @robynsworld @theonlinemom. Prizes: TBA. #VZWBuzz RSVP

Tuesday, September 29

Carls Crew Subway Canada Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @subwaycanada @shesconnected @subwaycarl. Prizes: Subway giftcards - Canada residents ONLY eligible for prizes. #CarlsCrew RSVP

UNT Beautytalk Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @shespeaksup @untskincare and others. Prizes: TBA. #UNTBeautyTalk RSVP

Wednesday, September 30

Back to Brilliant Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @opticwhite @clever_network. Prizes: EIGHT (8) prize packs including Colgate Optic White Toothbrush, Whitening Pen and more ARV $50. #BrilliantSmile RSVP

Wednesday, October 7

Kale Day 2015 Twitter Party at 2 pm ET with @motherthyme @produceforkids @nationalkaleday. Prizes: TBA. #KaleDay2015

Tuesday, October 13

Happy Pet Halloween Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @charlottereed @petrendologist and others. Prizes: ONE (1) $50 VISA giftcard, ONE (1) $25 VISA GC and more. #PetrendsTweets RSVP

Wednesday, October 14

Healthy Mind & Body Twitter Party at 1 to 1:30 pm ET with @themotherhood @tmchathost @coopermunroe and others. Prizes: THREE (3) $25 CVS/Pharmacy giftcards. #TheStorkOTC RSVP

Tuesday, November 10

Safe Pet Holidays Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @charlottereed @petrendologist and others. Prizes: ONE (1) $50 VISA giftcard, ONE (1) $25 VISA GC and more. #PetrendsTweets RSVP

Thursday, November 12

Fertility Issues & Relationships Twitter Party at 1 to 1:30 pm ET with @themotherhood @tmchathost @coopermunroe and others. Prizes: THREE (3) $25 CVS/Pharmacy giftcards. #TheStorkOTC RSVP


About this Weekly Twitter Party List

Compiled by MommyBlogExpert.com Master Twitter Party Calendar, the most comprehensive, constantly updated Free resource of its kind online. However keep in mind that each party is run by a different brand and/or hosts and MommyBlogExpert, unless specified otherwise, is not responsible for any dealings readers have with these events including, but not limited to, prizing of any party on the calendar.

For Brands

How to Add a Twitter Party

to the Calendar

Add an event to the Mommy Blog Expert Master Twitter Party Calendar FREE by emailing janis@janiselspas.com with "Twitter Party" in subject line including all details and links in the body of your message.

Hire MBE to Plan, Promote and/or 

Host Your Twitter Party

Also available, for a nominal fee, to plan, promote, host, co-host or serve as a panelist for your own brand Twitter party. To inquire, please janis@janiselspas.com for information with "Twitter Party Consulting Query" in the subject line.


FTC Disclosure: MommyBlogExpert does attend some Twitter parties as a guest and also works as a consultant, host, co-host, and/or panelist for others. I am not receiving payment or compensation associated with any party on this calendar. See complete FTC disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Free Kids Printables HOME Movie Celebrate DreamWorks Animated Feature Film Release

Printables

This is a sponsored post

Enter DreamWorks HOME Bluray DVD + Toy Bundle Giveaway

Read MBE's DreamWorks HOME  Movie Review

#HomeInsiders

Your kids are going to enjoy these free downloable printables based on DreamWorks HOME movie. With four fun activity sheets to choose from -- bookmarks, connect the dots, spot the difference, and word search decoder -- your children will likely enjoy them all and ask you to print out extras for their playdate friends.

Just Click, Download and Print 

each of the 4 full-size images below

For more on DreamWorks HOME visit the official site. You can keep up to date on everything else Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment is doing by visiting FoxConnect.com and following the movie studio on Facebook and Twitter.

Enter MBE's

DreamWorks HOME Bluray + DVD + Digital HD

Plus Light-Up Toy 

Movie Giveaway

Ends 9/8/15

FTC Disclosure: In connection with this #HomeInsiders post series, I disclose that I am a Fox Home Entertainment Insider #FHEInsiders brand ambassador. In addition, to facilitate this new release campaign, movie/toy giveaway and movie review, I received the featured Bluray/DVD + Toy bundle. Fox is providing the prize and shipping for MBE's DreamWorks HOME Blu-ray/DVD Movie + Light Up Toy Giveaway as well as these free downloadable printables for kids. All images in post provided by Twentieth Century Fox, except where noted otherwise. However opinions here are my own. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.