Summary
- Walmart’s Onn smart cameras claim compatibility with Google Home by including Gemini features.
- Users have reported issues with Onn cameras not functioning properly with the Google Home Premium familiar face detection feature.
- Engineers have identified the issue and are working on a resolution.
For those in the market for budget-friendly smart home devices, Walmart’s Onn brand presents an appealing option. Priced significantly lower than Google’s offerings, Onn cameras boast good integration with Google’s ecosystem. Since their initial release last year, the product line saw new models introduced this summer, all promising full support for Google Home with Gemini integrated. However, there have been compatibility issues with some of these cameras.
To fully utilize the features of these smart cameras through Gemini and Google Home, users need a paid subscription. Google Home Premium currently has two subscription levels: an Advanced plan for $20 a month that includes 24/7 video history, and a Standard plan priced at $10 per month. Even the Standard plan offers video enhancements such as familiar face detection, which alerts users to familiar individuals and identifies strangers. Unfortunately, users on Reddit reported that familiar face detection is not functioning on their Onn cameras, even with the Standard plan.
A Reddit post addressing this issue surfaced late last week, and today, Google responded with an update:
We appreciate you bringing this to our attention. Our team has determined that the issue lies in the device firmware, causing the temporary disablement of the feature. A fix is being tested and will be included in the next firmware update in the coming weeks.
While it’s disappointing that users must wait for a solution to a feature they are already paying for, it’s reassuring to hear that a fix is indeed forthcoming.
We will continue to monitor for updates regarding the firmware fix so that we can inform interested Onn camera owners when it becomes available.
Walmart Onn Outdoor Camera Plug-In
Budget-friendly option • Intelligent alerts via Gemini • Integrates with Google Home • Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
This Google Home camera, priced at $35, functions effectively indoors and outdoors.
The Walmart Onn Outdoor Camera Plug-In is an affordable security solution providing 1080p video, night vision capabilities, Gemini-powered alerts, and smart TV streaming, making it a more economical alternative to Google’s Nest Cams.
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