Security Camera: Watchful Cam

Even with paid version, maximum video storage length. Also no ability to only record when there’s movement.

Settings are basically not there. Can't do photos in less than a 10s interval (e.g. no 5s or 1s), and doesn't seem to store media anywhere accessible to the user (e.g. not in ~/Movies, etc), so they're trying to force you to keep a subscription to access any recordings. Overall, feels like something someone built in a day, threw it on the Mac store and thought they could just make some passive income with it? Good idea, might work for some folks' needs, but IMO: pass.

I set cameras up at night to catch ghosts on camera and they always turn off but this one doesn’t turn off

Apps that immediately ask for payment when they start should say so in their description.

This app is a great way to use your computer as a security camera or view footage from your other devices. I like the fact that the videos are stored in iCloud. It gives me peace of mind to be able to check in on my home while I'm away. The time lapse videos are also a nice feature.

Need to monitor the baby while working from home? Wondering if the cats do get on the tables when you’re out? Need 24/7 security when away for a few days or for that long needed vacation? Watchful is the Swiss army knife of security apps that checks all the boxes and then some. And guess what, you don’t have to pay a security company $40 or $50 a month to get this kind of peace of mind. Watchful turns your iPhone, iPad, iMac, etc. into a security camera with images you can access from any other Apple device. A great feature set lets you record in real time, as photos, video and even a time lapse option. You can easily configure the resolution and recording interval to your liking. Images can be stored on the recording device or in iCloud, and you can choose how long those images are stored. Also, using iCloud storage enables you to erase images with just a few clicks from any of your devices, from anywhere. With no pets and being fully retired, we now travel often and sometimes for extended periods of time. My 70 year old eyes appreciate checking email and watching videos on the iPad, so I take the ipad along on trips and use my iMac as the Watchful recording device at home. I optimize the iMac for Watchful recording with the following settings: In the “Displays” section of System Settings, clicking the “Advanced” tab brings up an “Energy” option, “Prevent automatic sleeping when display is off.” I click this option On. When leaving for a trip I launch Watchful and start recording. Then I choose “Lock Screen” from the Apple menu before going out the door. After a few seconds the screen goes black, with Watchful recording in the background. These settings enable Watchful to provide continuous security to our home and deny access to the computer while preserving energy. An intruder caught by the camera would not even know they were being recorded, with these images stored off site in iCloud. Upon returning, my personal password unlocks the screen. As a “mature” gentleman, ease of use is as important to me as having robust features in any app. Watchful knocks it out of the park for both considerations, and I have to believe the developer paid close attention to the actual end user experience in designing the app. I look forward to exploring other apps that this developer puts out in the future.

Just downloaded it and installed on iPad in kitchen. We are heading out of town for a few weeks. We will see how it does. Was very easy to set up.

I just downloaded the app for my iPad and iPhone and was hoping I could use one as a recording device and the other for watching the the live recording but I don’t see anything that would let me do just. This app looks like it’s a still working progress and I hope that it will all come together as a perfect app I’m gonna stay and see that come together. 🤙👍🏼🤟🏽💯

So far I’ve been very impressed with the UI and ease of use of Watchful. The app offers a lot of convenient features for a free app and has given new life to my old iPhone. Great job!

I've always wanted to use my old iPhone as a security camera, and this app is the perfect solution for me. I like the fact that the videos are stored in iCloud. It gives me peace of mind to be able to check in on my home while I'm away. The time lapse videos are also a nice feature.