Dash cams are excellent at keeping an eye on you while you’re driving, but most stop recording once the car is parked. The $349 Owl Car Cam, a new competitor in the dash cam market, claims to monitor your car even when it is off and you are not in the driver’s seat.
The Owl Car Cam constantly monitors the area in and around your car for activity and pings your smartphone if and when something or someone approaches it using LTE connectivity and the power of your car’s battery.
A small number of dash cams support LTE, and some have separate battery packs. Yet, the Owl Car Cam touts these features as a means of enhancing levels of comfort and security that other gadgets are unable to offer. The business is hoping that consumers will be prepared to pay more up front or a monthly subscription in exchange for the freedom to check in on their cars whenever they want and have them contact them when necessary.
Owlcam, we just put the gadget to the test to see how it did.
Even though Owlcam closed its doors earlier this year, the product will revive in August 2020, first to restore service to its subscribers and then to introduce new gadgets in the following year. We continue to support the analysis below. Also Check Out Quick Charge Pro
What Is Owlcam?
(Owlcam Reviews)
Owlcam is a brand-new dashcam-like linked security device that secures your automobile from the inside out, even when it is parked. You can access a live view and communicate with the driver via an HD camera. Owlcam is similar to GM’s OnStar, but the person on the other end of the line can see me even though I can’t see them.
Features Of Owlcam
(Owlcam Reviews)
With feature parity across iOS and Android, Raven offers a mobile app. Moreover, Raven has a comprehensive online app that allows you to access events, driving records, and media related to previous journeys in addition to live streams of your Raven data from your computer.
- Connectivity to a computer and SD Card Expansion
To increase its storage and make it easier to access the complete video log if necessary, Raven can be equipped with a high-capacity SD card. If you ever need to access the whole HD video log, Raven may also be plugged into a computer and appears as a USB storage device.
- a built-in battery
When Raven is unplugged, its internal battery will keep it running for about 5-7 minutes. You can live stream video from the gadget during this period as if it were plugged into the car. Also, you can follow it using the GPS radio in the gadget.
- If the device is unplugged, we send a “Raven Unplugged” event notification with related material.
- recording of a live stream
A Live Stream event is created in the event history when you start a live stream to Raven using the mobile or web app. The live stream is also streamed to the cloud. It functions as a form of video recorder that makes it simple to subsequently watch the live stream footage.
- Display Heads-Up
On Raven’s screens, a variety of practical, editable “widgets” can be shown for a heads-up, at-a-glance display. This contains information about the vehicle’s speed and related speed limits (it detects when you’re speeding!), fuel levels, remaining driving time, compass, and more.
- Geofencing and place
You can locate your automobile using the live vehicle location feature, which updates every two seconds. When your car enters or leaves a specified area, such as your house or place of business, geofencing gives you a notification. Using Trip Sharing, you may give a buddy access to your current position so they can see where you are or when you plan to arrive.
- Vehicle information
As previously mentioned, Raven pulls information, like vehicle diagnostic, from the OBD-II port. This allows Raven to identify fault codes and to interpret what could be wrong—no more guessing what that check engine light is trying to tell you. It also enables Raven to display real-time vehicle information on the heads-up display.
- The driving history feature gathers all of Owlcam data and wraps it up into trip cards for your review.
- Entertainment
These devices wouldn’t be very exciting without a bit of fun. Utilize Raven’s Wi-Fi hotspot feature to stay entertained on long trips. You can also create shareable road trip videos with Raven’s time-lapse feature.
How To Configure It
(Owlcam Reviews)
The Owl Car Cam app can be downloaded from the ITunes Store or Google Play as the initial step in configuring the camera. It’s important to note that you’ll need an Android device with the Oreo or Pie operating system or an iPhone 6 or newer with iOS 11. Although comparable newer versions like the Google Pixel 3 and Samsung Galaxy S10 should function just fine, the brand has tested phones including the Google Pixel 2/2XL, Samsung Galaxy S8/S9, and LG V30.
The OBDII port for your vehicle can typically be found on the lower dash on the driver’s side of the interior. I used my mom’s 2007 Honda CR-V to test the camera out (my vintage cars are too old) and the port was located almost directly underneath the steering wheel. If your car’s port is not immediately visible, check your car’s owners manual or do a quick Google search. Once you’ve located yours, it’s time to install the camera on your dash and run the wire to your OBDII port.
The camera, the camera mount, the OBDII port adaptor, the power wire, and a tool for tucking the wire in the crease of the dash and windshield are all included in the box. Owlcam claims that the installation process may be finished in six minutes, but I took a little longer since I wanted to make sure my camera was placed perfectly in the center of the dash and that the wiring was properly hidden. The on-screen instructions will walk you through pairing the camera with the app once it is plugged in and your car is turned on. I really like that the installation doesn’t require any hard-to-reverse modifications, so if you ever decide to take it out, you won’t be left with sticky adhesive on your dashboard.
Dash cams for cars have the useful function of continuously recording in the case of an accident, but they can be difficult to use and difficult to gain access to.
One of the few that isn’t is Owlcam. It is a smart dash camera that uses LTE connectivity to live broadcast and store videos that are viewed from the inside and outside that can be accessed from anywhere with your smartphone. Never be concerned about whether something was captured or not.
When your automobile is parked, the Owlcam also serves as a security system. You’ll receive alerts for potential impacts or attempted burglaries.
Owlcam costs $349, which is a little more than the majority of other dash cameras, but given all the features and convenience, I believe it is worthwhile. If it can protect you from being accused of being at fault for one accident or from one theft, it’ll pay itself off.
By clicking ‘Sign up’, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider as well as other partner offers and accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
If you own a car, you should do everything in your power to protect it.
But even if you’re the safest driver on the road, accidents are unfortunately not always avoidable — and they’re expensive to fix. Beyond having car insurance (which every driver should have), the next best thing you can do to protect yourself and your ride is to install a dash camera.
The premise of dash cameras is simple. You mount a camera on your dash to record 24/7 just in case an accident occurs. It’s a smart way to cover yourself from reckless drivers or even those that made an honest mistake.
But a not-so-smart device with grainy video, poor audio, and limited storage space for recording can easily turn out to be more of a headache than an added safety measure. That’s where Owlcam comes into play.
The Owlcam is a smart dash camera that fits into your car’s OBDII port and is made to operate with any vehicles model year 1996 or newer, with the exception of the Tesla Model 3. Its two HD cameras (one facing the road and the other facing the inside), LTE connectivity for video storage, and integrated smartphone app set it apart from the majority of other dash cams.
These improvements solve concerns with recording video that is difficult to make out clearly and the ongoing requirement to free up space on SD cards. It also offers a level of security and vehicle monitoring that the majority of dash cameras completely lack.
How Owlcam Operates On A Vehicle
(Owlcam Reviews)
The biggest nightmare for a driver is to get involved in an accident and then be falsely blamed for it (well, maybe this is the second worst nightmare). Although the primary function of all dash cameras is to record video that you need as proof for insurance companies or the police, they can be difficult to operate and are frequently unreliable. Many dash cameras may quickly become worthless when they are most needed if you have to continually check to make sure they are truly on, recording, and have enough storage space to capture data. Yet, that’s never a problem with Owlcam. Both HD cameras record continuously as long as it is plugged in, and because the system uses LTE connectivity, the recordings are automatically saved to the Owlcam app.
In addition to road safety, the Owlcam can also be used for fun on the road. If you see something cool on the road like a rare supercar or you and your passengers decide to have a car karaoke session, simply say “Ok Presto” to begin recording a clip from either camera that will be sent directly to you — there’s no need to go into the app to retrieve it.
What Happens While You’re Parked
(Owlcam Reviews)
The several capabilities the Owlcam has when you’re not in the car and driving are what really set it apart from most other dash cams on the market. The Owlcam is requested to save the footage if an impact or break-in is detected, but it does not continuously capture video like it would when your car is on (to avoid exhausting your car battery). If someone hits your car while it is parked, you will be alerted right away and footage from before the incident will be sent to the app. That video isn’t actively saved if your automobile is parked and is left there for an extended period of time.
The Owlcam is also quite effective in discouraging burglars. If a would-be burglar decides to break into your car despite the green flashing light failing to deter them, they will be greeted by two brilliant LED flood lights to let them know they are seen and captured on camera. When you receive a break-in notification, you may use the two-way audio and live video stream to watch what the intruders are doing and to yell at them until they leave.
I can attest to the fact that this function works even if I haven’t had to deal with auto thieves or robbers. Owlcam uses Bluetooth pairing with your smartphone to detect your entry. Since I installed the device in my mom’s car, I’d get a notification to my phone when she entered her car, which would be much more alarming if I knew someone else wasn’t supposed to be driving. I tried the two-way audio with her and it works without fault.
Pros And Cons Of Owlcam
(Owlcam Reviews)
PROS
- provides remote camera access.
- Recorded both inside and outside the vehicle.
- The smartphone stores the video, not the gadget.
- Simple to use app.
- imultaneously records indoor and exterior video.
- The interior camera can be turned off.
- Every time the camera detects vehicle tampering, push notifications are sent to you.
CONS
- after 24 hours of inactivity, it turns off.
- expensive, particularly with an LTE plan.
- Using a cellular app with choppy video quality necessitates constant location services.
- If you don’t activate location services, you’ll get annoying push notifications.
Customers Reviews
(Owlcam Reviews)
When I recently had my car robbed, not only did the Owlcam company take a stunning footage of the robber, but they also called me at two in the morning to let me know that someone had just broken into my car. I was able to inform everyone nearby and present the police department with all the facts. I’ve never made a better purchase than this one, by far. Really suggest, particularly if you travel frequently.
I couldn’t be happier with the quality, which even paid for itself from the videos I received! The app is a bit sluggish or finicky! They still have room to grow, but I believe they’ll do so because it was simple to contact them.
Overall, I give the camera 5 stars! Would recommend to everyone that has ever seen something while driving and wished they had one!! No wires showing and very neat and tidy! Really nice looking and like I said the quality of video is great!
How much does Owl Car Cam Cost?
The price of Owl Car Cam is $349, which also includes quick alerts and a year’s worth of free video storage (60 minutes). The firm website offers Owl Car Cam for sale. How does the price of this OBD security gadget compare to others? Raven is the only linked car device that we believe compares to Owl Car Cam. For video storage and monitoring, Raven costs $299, but requires a monthly plan of either $16 or $32.
Summary Of Owlcam
(Owlcam Reviews)
A nice linked auto security tool that monitors your vehicle is the Owl Car Cam. When your automobile is involved in an accident or is simply dinged in the parking lot, it records the incident and gives you an alert. We like how you can communicate with the driver while they are in the car, and see them as well as how they’re driving — peace of mind for parents of first-time drivers. We can also see Uber, Lyft plus taxi and limousine drivers using Owl to help protect them from unruly passengers. School buses too might benefit from Owl as well.
We would want to see some upgrades, such improved nighttime video capture. It’s challenging to see people in a car unless the LED lights are on or there is sufficient lighting shining inside. If feasible, we’d also like some vehicle diagnostics. Since that the camera is attached to your car’s OBD port, it would be convenient to receive a warning if something mechanical went wrong.
Therefore, Owl Car Cam is definitely not the best choice for you if you want a device that functions as a good dashcam and provides diagnostic information about your car similar to an OBD device. But be aware that you will pay dearly for such information. Instead, if you want a connected car security device that combines a dashcam with 24/7 security monitoring of your car, Owl Car Cam is a good choice. Just make sure you are going to use the device on a car manufactured after 1996 and are willing to pay a monthly service after the first year.
