Wyze has introduced a more capable version of its Bulb Cam, a smart home device that combines a security camera with a controllable light bulb. The new Wyze Bulb Cam Pan Color, priced at $99, adds a motorized base, a higher-resolution camera and a full-color light.
The original concept was straightforward: a camera and a light built into a unit that fits an ordinary light bulb socket. 9to5Google called the earlier model effective and easy to set up, and said it was one of the site's favorite smart home gadgets of last year.
The new model installs the same way. It screws into an E26 socket and needs no extra power or wiring. Users turn the switch on and pair it with the Wyze app.
The main change is movement. The motorized base provides 360-degree panning along with 180-degree tilt. The camera can follow subjects automatically or move between preset waypoints.
The camera hardware has also been improved. It now uses a 2.5K sensor and supports color night vision.
The bulb itself sees a large upgrade as well. Maximum brightness rises from 800 lumens to 1,100 lumens. The light now supports full RGB, with Wyze citing "16 million colors" and a white range running from 1800K to 6500K. Additional bulbs can be paired with it.
Storage options match the earlier model. Footage can be saved locally to a microSD card, and Wyze also offers its cloud-based Cam Plus subscription.
Buyers who do not need the new features can still purchase the existing Wyze Bulb Cam, which sells for just under $50.
The launch is the latest in a run of Wyze hardware announcements. Recent products include the Wyze Solar Cam, which has a 2K camera and needs about an hour of sunlight to keep recording, and a weight scale with an easier-to-read display and Google Health sync. Wyze also released an Indoor Cam Pan with 360-degree tracking and built-in privacy features for under $40.
