Resideo & Honeywell Home IP Cameras - Possible Ideas

If you are a regular reader of the Alarm Grid Blog, then you have likely heard us joke about the current paltry selection of Total Connect 2.0 IP Cameras from Resideo (formerly Honeywell). But what if Resideo were to revamp their camera lineup? Today, we speculate what could be possible.

First, let's look at the currently available TC2 IP Cameras. There are two (2). We have the Honeywell IPCAM-WIC1 and the Honeywell IPCAM-WIC2. Both are indoor cameras, with the IPCAM-WIC1 being a "budget" 720p camera, and the IPCAM-WIC2 as the premium 1080p camera offering. There isn't anything inherently wrong with these cameras, and the IPCAM-WIC2 is actually quite nice. However, since the Honeywell IPCAM-WOC1 was discontinued, there is no outdoor camera for the lineup, and if you compare this selection with the Alarm.com Camera Lineup, quite frankly, Resideo should feel embarrassed.

But it doesn't necessarily have to be this way! Not only have we heard grumblings about some new cameras coming out of the Resideo pipeline, we're also happy to do our very own speculating. So let's play pretend for this blog post, and imagine what might be possible from Resideo and Honeywell Home.

With the Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS positioned as one of the leading next generation security panels, just imagine what could be possible if it had a robust and complete camera lineup to accompany it. Actually, you don't have to imagine, because we're going to do it for you. Right here, right now, we're going to drop some ideas and speculation about what Resideo could be cooking up. Who knows, maybe we'll see some of these thoughts become reality at ISC West 2021 next month.

We would want these cameras to look sleek and impressive. They should be easy to pair with your Total Connect 2.0 account. How about QR code pairing through the Total Connect 2.0 Mobile App? That would be quick and easy. WPS pairing for WIFI connectivity would likely be possible, but there should also be more secure Access Point (AP) mode pairing for greater security. We wouldn't be too disappointed if WPS pairing were dropped entirely, just as long as there were an efficient and simple process for network connectivity. Maybe they could do something where you connect an initial camera to the network, then other cameras could connect with that "Master Camera" and automatically pair with the network? There would be some security kinks to iron out there, but that sounds quick, easy and simple, which is optimal for end-users. And actually, if you were to use a power over ethernet setup, then you wouldn't even need WIFI connectivity.

Here's a quick and easy idea that consumers will love - a simple color option for each camera. Release each camera in the classic white coloring option, as when you think of security cameras, you usually think of white. But what about also a jet black color option? The black-colored cameras would be well-hidden in the darkness of night and catch intruders off-guard. Why hasn't this been done yet? Plus, consumers love fun choices like this. It's simple, sure, but black-colored security cameras would be a major market hit. Speaking of night time, we would want these cameras to have IR night vision capabilities for recording in the dark. We wouldn't expect anything less from these top-of-the-line cameras.

How would you go about viewing these camera feeds? Well obviously you would be able to access them remotely through the Total Connect 2.0 platform. You could use the website or mobile app. We also know that there would be connectivity through the PROA7PLUS Alarm Panel, and the PROWLTOUCH Keypad. For the most part, that would probably be enough. But let's get creative here. What if you put an HDMI or other type of port on each camera, and then you could connect a loose monitor just to get a quick peak at the camera's feed while you are installing the devices in the field? Maybe that's packing too many features into a tight space, but at the same time, why not?

Speaking of, we have to wonder how the cameras would receive power. You could do what Alarm.com does. They have a "residential" lineup of cameras that uses simple, yet effective, plug-in transformers. They're quick and dirty, but they get the job done. Then there's also a "commercial" lineup that uses Power over Ethernet (PoE). We'll give you the best of both worlds here and just say that each camera should have both options available. Bundle a transformer, and release a universal "extension cable" for those who need a long wire run. But at the same time, allow a user to lose that transformer and just run an ethernet cable for both network and power connectivity. More choice, more options, more power.

And also, why not battery power? Allow a camera to run off AA batteries or CR123A batteries, and make something truly wire-free. Battery power is only becoming more impressive as technology grows and changes. This could also be a backup power option during electrical outages. Maybe you could do something where the camera pairs with the PROA7PLUS like a sensor, and then it uses its cellular connection (via the PROLTE-A or PROLTE-V) to remain connected to the network even if the internet is down? This might be a bit unrealistic at the present time, but hey, we can dream right?

This post wouldn't be complete without talking about some camera types. We will start simple. There would have to be a universal go-to and basic indoor model. The equivalent of the ADC-V523 (for those familiar with Alarm.com Cameras). This would be a versatile device that you could use in pretty much any indoor installation. And if there's an indoor model, then there would also have to be an outdoor model, ala the ADC-V723. And why not have a budget model, aka the ADC-V515. Maybe tone down some of the features and give an affordable option. There could even be a budget outdoor camera, the fictitious ADC-V715, which doesn't even exist... yet.

Would Resideo and Honeywell Home release their own version of the ADC-V622-WELL? Sure, why not. Actually, Honeywell has definitely attempted a "social camera tower" device before. We do like the idea. An interactive camera with a call button and two-way voice. It's creative and unique, and it could absolutely be a hit. Imagine pressing the camera call button and then getting an alert on the panel or via push notification from Total Connect 2.0. This is an excellent option for those taking care of sick relatives, or aging family members.

We would like to see some dome camera options. Dome cameras are easy to hide, and they offer some excellent installation opportunities. How about a small dome camera like the ADC-V821, and a big dome camera like the ADC-VC826. Maybe the big dome camera would get a boost in specs and capabilities, like pan/tilt and possibly even zoom, to take advantage of the larger size. Resideo Dome Cameras and Honeywell Home Dome Cameras for residential and commercial applications alike. And they would certainly be suitable for outdoor use as well. The dome design practically screams "Install Me Outside Please!", and we don't see why not.

Lastly, we want to go out with a BANG! here. You know the ADC-VC836 Turret Camera? Well imagine a design like that, but then you can go into Total Connect 2.0 to remotely control the turret camera's position like a robot. A remote control camera, kinda like a stationary drone. Wait, a Drone! Resideo Drone Camera and Honeywell Home Drone Camera! Why not just release a Resideo Drone or a Honeywell Home Drone? Pair it with your Total Connect 2.0 account, select the Drone Camera, and then use your phone or computer as a controller for it. Take flight and scope out your home or business with your drone camera. An outdoor model could charge using solar power. Fly around and capture all of the activity recorded. Not only would you get amazing coverage, it would be COOL.

We can just imagine spending hours flying our TC2 Drone Camera. If privacy concerns are a thing, you could set the camera to only record footage while it is within the assigned property address. We're strictly talking for monitoring your own property. Still, the possibilities of flying a mini TC2 drone around a 3-story house or multistory company office would be pretty neat. Imagine the drone riding in the elevator and then surprising your co-worker as the door opens! Two-way voice capabilities would allow you to communicate through your drone in real-time. Again, we know a drone might a bit scary and open up some unnecessary espionage opportunities. But this is too cool not to at least imagine and dream about.

None of the ideas or topics discussed in this blog are known to exist, and this is just purely conceptional imagination "what-if" at this point. The odds of Resideo actually showcasing a drone camera at ISC West 2021 are slim-to-zero. At some point, the camera fairy tales in this post became exactly that - fairy tales. That's not going to stop Alarm Grid from thinking about a day in the future where Resideo has an incredible lineup of security cameras, and we laugh the fact that at one time it was just the IPCAM-WIC1 and IPCAM-WIC2.

What can we expect out of Resideo as far as new cameras at ISC West 2021? Well a drone, or even a stationary turret camera ala an ADC-VC836-like design that you can actually use for 360-degreee control through Total Connect 2.0 is probably asking too much. Let's come back down to planet Earth for a second. It's fair to expect a new indoor and outdoor camera for use with Total Connect 2.0. Seriously, TC2 users deserve a better camera selection. And even if we saw some nice dome cameras for the platform, we would probably still be blown away. Resideo has to up their camera game. Why not give the public something impressive?

Can you dream big on some Resideo and Honeywell Home Camera ideas? Or has this writer lost his marbles? Leave your thoughts in a comment down below. What would you like to see out of a next generation of Honeywell IP Cameras? What's realistic, and what's a fun fantasy idea? We clearly crossed the line into the realm of fantasy in this post, but why not get a little creative once in awhile? Security is fun, don't ever forget that. Speaking of fun, stay tuned to the Alarm Grid Blog for more security news and other content coming soon.