Popularity of the Wyze Cam

The Wyze Cam is recognized in the security camera sector not just for its affordable pricing but also for its commendable features. The Wyze Cam v3, for instance, offers an IP65-rated, full-HD security camera equipped with a Starlight CMOS Sensor, enabling decent colour vision in dimly lit conditions.

Additionally, the Wyze Cam offers 14-day free cloud storage and supports local microSD card recording. It is advisable to use Endurance-rated microSD cards for better performance. The Cam Plus subscription, available for $2.99 per month, provides an upgrade by removing the recording length limit and cooldown period, in contrast to the basic service that limits to 12-second clips with a five-minute interval between each.

The Wyze Cam series includes the v2, v3, and the Wyze Cam Pan. The v3 is an updated version of the v2, with improved specifications such as a wider field of view and higher frame rate recording, alongside weatherproof capabilities. The Wyze Cam Pan adds a panning feature, allowing for broader surveillance coverage. Despite the advancements in the v3 model, the v2 remains relevant for users looking for an integration with Home Assistant.

Overview of the Wyze Cam

At a glance, Wyze Cams closely resemble those from brands like Xiaomi or Neos, suggesting a common manufacturing source. It appears that Wyze Cams, along with Xiaomi’s Dafang models, are likely sourced from the same Chinese Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), then customized with unique firmware and rebranded. This manufacturing strategy enables Wyze to offer their cameras at lower prices by leveraging outsourced production.

For instance, the Wyzecam Pan shares similarities with the Xiaomi Dafang, and the Wyze Cam v2 could be likened to the Xiaomi Xiaofang 1S or Neos SmartCam. Their resemblance is so pronounced that they can use the same custom firmware. While it's uncertain if their internal components are as identical as their exteriors in markets outside Asia, it's reasonable to consider them closely related.

The primary focus for Wyze has been to deliver a satisfactory app experience. Despite varied feedback on platforms like the Play Store and Apple Store, Wyze maintains a generous free service tier and a cost-effective premium tier with additional features.

Integrating Wyze Cam v2 and Wyze Cam Pan with Home Assistant

The Wyze Cam v2 and Wyze Cam Pan offer an exclusive onpportunity for integration with Home Assistant, thanks to the availability of official RTSP firmware and the option to use custom firmware. For those willing to experiment, leveraging an old Android device or an Android virtual machine to run a tinyCam PRO server presents an alternative method to feed video into Home Assistant.

RTSP Firmware: A Key Advantage

The primary reason to choose the Wyze Cam v2 or Pan over the v3 is their RTSP support. Wyze released specific firmware updates for these models to enable RTSP, facilitating straightforward integration with Home Assistant through a few lines of YAML configuration. Despite being in beta and without promises of future updates, the RTSP firmware has proven popular. Wyze commits to providing necessary security patches, and with the RTSP feature, users can easily incorporate live video feeds into their Home Assistant Dashboard.

Custom Firmware via Xiaomi DaFang Hacks

An alternative approach involves flashing the Wyze Cam v2 or Pan with custom firmware, effectively erasing its Wyze identity and replacing it with an RTSP-server capable of Home Assistant integration. This option, while offering additional features, requires a more detailed setup process. The custom firmware allows for the integration of various sensors and controls in Home Assistant, including light and motion sensors, IR filters, LEDs, night mode, motion detection, and even panning for supported models.

Installing this firmware may require some patience and technical tweaking, but the result is a highly customizable and integrated camera system within Home Assistant, offering extensive control over your security camera's features.

Setting Up a tinyCam PRO Server

tinyCam is an Android application designed for managing and recording video from IP cameras, including the Wyze Cam v2 and Pan. It provides a workaround for integrating these cameras with Home Assistant, especially since tinyCam does not support other operating systems like Windows, Linux, or macOS. Running tinyCam on a dedicated Android device or through an Android emulator allows users to bridge their Wyze Cams to Home Assistant. Guides and discussions on setting up tinyCam with Home Assistant can be found on forums and Reddit, providing step-by-step instructions for those interested in this method.

Awaiting Integration: The Wyze Cam v3 and Home Assistant

The release of the Wyze Cam v3 has garnered attention for its affordability and improved features over previous models. It would be a standout choice for those seeking a cost-effective security camera compatible with Home Assistant. However, the integration of the Wyze Cam v3 with Home Assistant is not yet a reality. The anticipation for a direct integration method is palpable, yet it remains out of reach for now, leaving enthusiasts in a holding pattern for the perfect pairing of these technologies.

Wyze's hesitance to release an official API contrasts with other companies like Logitech and Arlo, which have embraced third-party integrations. While Wyze products, including bulbs and switches, integrate with popular platforms like Google Home and Amazon Alexa, a seamless connection with Home Assistant is still missing. The potential bridge via tinyCam offers a partial solution, but the call for a more direct approach is growing louder within the community.

For those passionate about Wyze's offerings but frustrated by the integration gap, voicing concerns on the Wyze Forum could encourage the company to reconsider its stance. Advocating for even a paid API could signal to Wyze the importance of developer and community collaboration.

Exploring Alternatives to Wyze Cam

For those open to alternatives that harmonize with Home Assistant, several options merit consideration. Logi Circle and Abode have been highlighted for their compatibility, offering features like cloud storage and user-friendly apps. Additionally, the forthcoming integration with Google Nest, despite its anticipated cost for API access, is an exciting development for enthusiasts of the platform.

Home Assistant also caters to those preferring a hands-on approach to security camera integration. It supports ONVIF Profile S compliant cameras and allows for RTSP stream routing through software like Blue Iris. This flexibility appeals to users who desire full control over their security systems.

Direct integration options are plentiful within Home Assistant, with support for Ubiquiti UniFi Video, Synology DSM, and ZoneMinder, among others. This diverse range ensures there's a compatible solution for every preference and setup, underscoring Home Assistant's versatility in smart home integration.