What you need to know
- Arlo is implementing a new EOL (End of Life) policy to end its previously free 7-day rolling cloud storage program.
- Some older Arlo cameras manufactured before 2019 will no longer receive firmware updates after the specified date for that model and will no longer be able to generate email notifications.
- Arlo says customers can continue to use these EOL cameras with an Arlo Base Station or with an Arlo Secure plan.
- Arlo will also EOL email notifications and E911 services for all Arlo products beginning April 1, 2023 in favor of a new emergency response system.
When Arlo issued a new EOL (End of Life) policy on January 1, 2023, many were concerned about the state of their home security systems. That means Arlo will discontinue several of his cameras manufactured between 2014 and 2018 and will no longer provide firmware updates for those products. It will also end his previously free 7-day rolling cloud storage program that many of his Arlo customers have enjoyed for years.
If you have one of the cameras below, please note that all motion events, recorded video, live streaming capabilities, and most other features will continue to work as they do today.Thankfully, this is not a security-related issue like we’ve seen with Eufy cameras recently. (opens in new tab) Wise camera before that.
Arlo CEO gave to twitter (opens in new tab) It further explains that these older cameras (listed in detail below) have not been bricked or disabled. Rather, Arlo says the reason it can’t support these devices is because many of the components are no longer available or produced and haven’t been used in years. and plan to continue using it beyond the EOL date, the camera will record video and issue motion alerts as it does today, with one exception.
Arlo CEO Matthew McRae said the previous email system is no longer considered a “secure means of communication” because phishing and other scams are actively affecting Arlo customers. says. He also notes that email notifications often cause significant delays, and instead he says the Arlo app will become the go-to method for receiving push notifications from all his Arlo cameras in the future. pointing out.
this affects all Arlo cameras through January 1, 2024, in addition to those listed below. Make sure the Arlo app is installed on the device where you want to receive push notifications.
Additionally, Arlo will end E911 service on January 1, 2024 in favor of its own emergency response service included with Arlo Smart. (opens in new tab) subscription plan. Arlo says his old E911 system is outdated and should be replaced with a “safer, more robust emergency solution.” McRae says Emergency Response is better. This is because the app does not act as a “simple 911 dialing assistant”, but rather through this feature he can speak to safety personnel 24/7.
Arlo cameras transitioning to EOL on April 1, 2023:
- Arlo Wireless Camera (VMC3030)
- Arlo Pro Camera (VMC4030)
Arlo cameras transitioning to EOL on January 1, 2024:
- Arlo Pro 2 (VMC4030P)
- Arlo Q (VMC3040)
- Arlo Q+ (VMC3040S)
- Arlo Baby (ABC1000)
- Arlo Security Light (ALS1101)
- Arlo Audio Doorbell (AAD1001)
Why are some Arlo cameras deprecated?
Arlo says it is moving away from its previously used Amazon S3 cloud storage system and adopting “a new video storage architecture for features, optimization and security reasons.” Android Central reached out to his Arlo to find out more about this new cloud storage system. We will update this article when we know more.
According to Arlo, this new system will only support more than 30 days of storage, so older 7-day storage systems are not compatible with the new design.
Listed Arlo as the best alternative to Eufy cameras (opens in new tab) Since videos can be stored locally in Arlo hubs indefinitely, customers who already have Arlo hubs may not see any change when Arlo switches to the new cloud system in a few months. .
Arlo says it’s creating offers to help customers transition to the new system affordably, and will send marketing emails to customers who opt in. He previously opted in to marketing emails from Arlo and if you have one of the affected devices listed above, you should have already received the email. Arlo says it will soon release program details for affected customers.
Finally, there is the matter of firmware upgrades for older products, which may pose real security concerns in the future. If you have one of the older Arlo cameras listed above and are concerned about the security of your captured footage, we recommend investing in a new Arlo system to ensure you continue to get important firmware security updates. To do.
Customers are understandably frustrated by Arlo’s choice to EOL its security products less than 10 years after release, but some are less than 5 years old at this point. .
Since Arlo relies on other companies to manufacture and support our components, we understand that this must be done. Many older phones no longer receive security or firmware updates. This is because chipset manufacturers no longer support the older chips that power those phones. The move is not unprecedented for internet-connected devices.
