#homesecurity

#homesecurity

Turn Your Old Phone Into A Security CameraAre you looking for a way to dispose of your old smartphones? If selling them isn’t an option, don’t just throw them away! Why not repurpose them as new devices for your home?A good way of reusing these forgotten devices is by turning them into home security cameras. Not only will you get these gadgets working again, but you’ll also get to save a few bucks in keeping an eye on your home, especially when you’re not there. All you need is your old phone (Android or iPhone will work), and for you to follow 3 simple steps, which we’ve written below. Don’t worry, we’ll explain bit by bit in the following sections: 1. Install a security camera app on your old phone2. Choose a spot for your phone security camera3. Mount and power your new security cameraSo let’s say you have your phone. The first step is to install a security camera app on it. Consider looking for an application that has local streaming, cloud streaming, recording and storing footage locally or remotely, and motion detection and alerts. CNET recommends Alfred, a cross-platform software that is compatible with both Android and iPhone. You can also install the application on your new phone so that you can monitor your space anywhere at any time. Once you’ve chosen and installed your chosen application, the next step is to find a good place for your camera. We recommend placing it on the main entry area of your home, backyard, or the area where you store your valuables. The last step involves mounting and powering up your camera. Try using a small smartphone tripod or a suction-cup car mount to position your device. As your old phone turned security camera will be on 24/7, position it close to a power source. And that’s a wrap! We hope that this short guide is of assistance to you. Image credit: Lisa Fotios#camera #phones #smartphones #technology #reuse #iPhone #Android #security #homesecurity

Should You Blur Your Home on Google Maps?Google Maps is a navigational tool that helps people around the globe see different places that they are unfamiliar with. Its accessibility, in which users can have only an internet connection and/or download the app, allows travelers to reach a new destination without getting lost.Aside from that feature, Google Maps is also used for recommendations and ratings of different establishments such as malls, restaurants, and tourist spots. Some people also use the application to “travel” without leaving their home– as in use it to go around different locations in any part of the world. The application's immersive and wide coverage provides some pros and cons of course. The pros are what we’ve indicated above. For the cons, well, privacy. Anyone can enter almost any address into the software and get a recent image of whatever building is on that area. Stalkers or criminals can easily plan their way inside any area, especially your home.For the sake of privacy and personal safety, we do recommend you blur your home on Google Maps. The application allows users to do this. All you need is a computer, an Internet connection, and a trusted web browser. Here’s a step-by-step process on how to do so: 1. Go to the Google Maps website on your browser. 2. Enter your home address in the search bar. 3. Use the Street View of the resulting location on the website. 4. Click Report a Problem, which is at the bottom-right of the site.5. A new window will appear, where you will have the option on how to blur your home. Adjust as desired using the plus and minus buttons. 6. Choose what you’re requesting to blur underneath this area. 7. Enter your email once you’re satisfied, verify the captcha code, and click submit.Note that this change will be permanent, so think about if it will be necessary before submitting your request!Image credit: Google #Google #GoogleMaps #privacy #navigation #security #homesecurity #technology