Arlo's new security camera has a 4K sensor and built-in spotlight
It costs $400 and starts shipping next year.
As if you needed more choices to think about when picking out a security camera, Arlo has a new option for you: the Arlo Ultra. The wireless camera features a 4K Ultra HD resolution sensor with high dynamic range (HDR) and comes with a built-in spotlight that can place a bright beam on anyone who moves in front of the device. The camera will run you at least $400 when it starts shipping sometime during the first quarter of 2019.
A more technically impressive device than the Arlo or Arlo Pro cameras, the Ultra is a high-end, indoor and outdoor solution for smart home security. The 4K lens, which as a 180-degree diagonal field of view, makes it easy to zoom in on small details on captured footage. The camera is also smart enough to spot action on its own with audio and motion detection. When it identifies someone or something of interest, the Ultra can start blaring a siren, use its bright spotlight or even call 911 for you.
To get the most out of the Arlo Ultra, you'll have to combine the camera with the company's subscription service, Arlo Smart. You'll get one year free if you buy the camera but will have to fork over at least $29 per year after that, depending on what types of features you're looking for. It's worth noting that the free year of the Smart subscription will only save your footage in 1080p, not the full 4K resolution that the camera is capable of. For that, you'll need to purchase another add-on. Alternatively, you can use an SD card to save the footage locally.
A single Arlo Ultra camera will run $400, and you can save a little when you purchase a multi-camera system. Arlo is offering bundles of up to four cameras. While the company's security suite is generally well-regarded, it suffered some significant outages earlier this year that knocked cameras offline.