We've reviewed a lot of
home security cameras in the past – those designed to allow you to
keep an eye on all your stuff while out of the house. Obviously,
they're a great idea, but not a lot of fun. Fun is something that
pets need in abundance, and if you have to leave your pets at home
while you're away, you might worry about them getting bored and
lonely. Well, worry no more, animals lovers! Simply get a Pawbo+.
Pawbo+ is essentially a WiFi IP camera like any other, linking to your home network and letting you pick up the stream anywhere in the world on your smartphone via an app. Just like many other wireless cameras, the Pawbo+ streams in 720p (which is the lower end of good) and features a microphone and speaker for two-way audio. Looks pretty ordinary so far.
Where Pawbo+ differs
greatly from other cameras is how it has been specifically designed
to interact with, and entertain, your pets. Seriously. Behold:
Although that video
features other humans hanging out with the animals, this is most
useful for pets who are left alone during the day. And boy, will they
like it. Get this: as well as letting you talk to your pet and hear
them bark, meow, chirp, or glubb in return, you can also play a game
with them.
Built into the Pwbo+ is
a laser dot emitter. This can be activated and then moved around via
the app, so you can drive your cat a bit crazy as you wiggle the red
laser dot around on the carpet while he tries to catch it. You can't
catch it you idiot – it's light! Stupid cats. But, should you deem
your pet's efforts worthy of reward, you can give them a treat. And
no, we don't mean order them a pizza.
The Pawbo+ has it's own
little treat reservoir which you fill before leaving for the day.
When you want to give your pet a bit of love you can hit the treat
button in the app to dispense a few tasty bits. They scatter just in
front of the Pawbo+ so hopefully their enthusiasm won't result in
them smashing into the camera and sending it flying. It's a nice
extra feature, and saves you having to leave a pile of treats out for
them, which they would just scoff all at once as soon as you leave.
The Pawbo app works
very well and is nicely laid out. Interestingly up to eight users can
dial into your Pawbo+ at the same time, allowing a group chat of
sorts with your pets. Also, you can connect more than one Pwbo+ to
the same account, allowing you get coverage in other rooms of your
house to keep an eye on your animals all day long no matter where
they wander.
Pawbo+ is a great idea:
taking the existing convenience of WiFi security cameras and adding a
pet-friendly touch. If you're worried about your best friend getting
bored and missing you throughout the day, this could help tackle
that, while also being a great way to keep an eye on all your stuff.
The stuff that doesn't poop.
£169
Visit
www.pawbo.com
