Tech

Wyze’s new $40 indoor camera retracts its lens for privacy

The Indoor Cam Pan offers 2K video and AI motion tracking at a price point below Wyze’s existing outdoor models.

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Owen Mercer
Markets and Finance Editor
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Source: The Verge · View original source
The lens in Wyze’s new $40 indoor camera retracts for privacy
Consumer Tech

Wyze has launched the Indoor Cam Pan, a security camera priced at $39.98 that is designed specifically for indoor environments. The device distinguishes itself from the company’s existing lineup by featuring a lens that retracts completely into the body, a mechanical privacy solution that allows the camera to stop seeing the room when not in use.

The camera’s body rotates 360 degrees, while the front lens tilts up and down through a 103-degree range. This movement is powered by what Wyze describes as its quietest and smoothest motor to date, facilitating stealthy operation. The device records video at 2K resolution, a step up from the 1080p capability of the older Cam Pan v3, though it sits below the 4K output of the premium Cam Pan v4.

AI-powered motion tracking is a central feature of the new hardware. The system can be configured to ignore specific objects, such as robot vacuums, or people and pets that fall outside customised detection zones. This functionality is available as part of the base hardware, with additional AI-driven descriptive alerts accessible through Wyze’s Cam Plus and Cam Unlimited subscription plans.

For users concerned about data control, the Indoor Cam Pan supports local storage via microSD cards up to 512GB. The camera also includes night vision capabilities using infrared LEDs, although recording frame rates drop from 20fps to 15fps in low-light conditions. A built-in speaker and microphone enable two-way audio and a 95-decibel alarm.

The new release undercuts the price of Wyze’s current Cam Pan v3, which costs $44.98 and offers IP65 water resistance for outdoor use. The Indoor Cam Pan is available immediately through Wyze’s online store, positioning the brand to compete in the mid-range home security segment with a focus on privacy and resolution.

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