Arlo has always been one of the most successful home security systems due to its powerful cameras and efficient alerts. With its most recent change to the Arlo Secure subscription, it has leapt forward in intelligent security. 

One feature stands out: Custom Detection, a feature still under development that enables Arlo AI to learn to detect specific objects or events you want to recognise. It’s a level of customisation we haven’t seen in home security, at least not to this degree.

Advanced AI recognition in Arlo security

Arlo’s new Arlo Secure subscription service update enhances its already impressive AI recognition capabilities. The cameras can now identify individual faces and vehicles, a feature that’s still rare in the consumer home security market. 

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This means you can get specific alerts when a particular person or vehicle is detected, such as knowing who is parking in your driveway. The race for the most advanced AI in home security is heating up, and Arlo is leading the charge with these features.

Custom detection: A game-changer

What truly sets Arlo apart, however, is the new custom detection feature that is currently in beta. While most security cameras are restricted to recognising generic categories like packages, people, or vehicles, Arlo’s Custom Detection allows you to train the camera to recognise specific objects or states in your home. 

For example, you could teach the camera to recognise if your garage door is open or if a specific toy or item has been left out.

This level of personalisation , until now, did not exist. Arlo suggests using Custom Detection to monitor everyday activities, such as whether lights were left on or a sprinkler system is still running. 

With the proper setup, though, the potential is much greater. You could train the AI to keep track of anything visible to the camera that’s important to you, bringing a whole new level of precision to home monitoring.

How custom detection works

Custom Detection operates by asking users to upload images of a “Yes” state and a “No” state, such as a picture of the garage door open and another of it closed. The camera then learns from these inputs and sends alerts based on the criteria. As the camera’s AI improves through repetition, its accuracy increases.

In testing, the beta version performed impressively. After just a few training sessions, the camera reliably identified a specific toy left out on the patio. This success with a small object like a toy illustrates the AI’s ability to learn from user input, opening up possibilities far beyond standard object detection.

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Additional customisation options

Users can fine-tune their alerts even further. You can select specific days or times for the camera to monitor and choose whether to be notified when an object appears or disappears. This flexibility makes Arlo’s AI ideal for monitoring valuables or ensuring that important doors or devices are secure.

While recognising larger objects or significant state changes is relatively straightforward, Arlo’s AI also shows potential for more intricate detection. For instance, letter identification tests showed that the camera could distinguish between markings after multiple runs, indicating that it may eventually handle finer details, such as recognising patterns or colours.

Limitations and pricing

The Custom Detection beta has some limitations, as it only allows one customisable alert at a time. However, this single-alert customisation is incredibly valuable for users with specific concerns—whether it’s a door left ajar or an item out of place.

To access the beta, you’ll need a compatible Arlo camera and an Arlo Secure Plus subscription, which starts at around $17 per month. Given the advanced capabilities, this could be a worthwhile investment for users seeking a more intelligent and personalised home security system.

Arlo’s new AI feature brings unprecedented customisation to home security, allowing users to teach their cameras to detect specific objects or activities. While still in beta, the Custom Detection program shows enormous potential, and as Arlo continues to refine the technology, it could revolutionise how homeowners monitor their properties. With the added benefits of advanced vehicle and face recognition, Arlo is solidifying its AI-driven home security market leader position.