The cameras can work without Wi-Fi, instead relying on Verizon’s LTE technology built in to a mount for the camera, meaning they can be placed in areas outside of Wi-Fi range.
Verizon will also sell the camera, through its own website. It costs $199 and is due to ship from 17 November, though a subscription with the mobile operator will cost around $5 per month.
The Flex is Verizon’s latest drive in to the connected home, which is expected to play a major part in the growing Internet of Things market, a segment mobile operators are keen to crack. Verizon already sells smart thermostats (Nest), Bluetooth trackers (Tile), and smart lightbulbs (Philips and Sengled).
Depending on who’s figures are being used, and whether they are including mobile devices, there is predicted to be between 20 billion and 50 billion devices that will be connected by 2020. All of these will need some form of connectivity, driving telcos like Verizon to invest heavily in the sector.
On the launch of the Canary, Verizon said: “The smart home just got smarter. Verizon and Canary today announced Canary Flex – the first and only indoor/outdoor, weatherproof, HD security camera that can be used wire-free or plugged-in. And the 4G LTE Mount for Canary Flex – an innovative accessory that adds 4G LTE connectivity to the Flex, exclusively available on the Verizon 4G LTE Network.”