Need a webcam but don’t feel like an elaborate setup? Luckily, there’s a much cheaper alternative, thanks to the folks at Wyze. An acclaimed brand of quality budget cameras, the Wyze Cam V2 and Pan models can be converted into fully functional webcams if you need live video urgently. Wyze has been tight-lipped with this firmware patch, mainly to warn users that nothing can beat the performance of a real webcam and that the company won’t be offering any additional tweaks for this update.
We’ve put together this guide to walk you through the download and hardware patch from start to finish.
Web camera and security camera conveniently
The Wyze Cam V2 isn’t anything new, but if you need a webcam or home security camera that won’t cost you too much, it’s a winner. If you also happen to own a Wyze Cam Pan, it will work as well.
Before you begin, you’ll need to pick up a few mandatory accessories to complete the quest. You will need to purchase a microSD card and a specific type of USB cable, specifically a USB-A to USB-A cable. And finally, this is confirmed to work with computers running Mac OS 10.13, Windows 7 and Windows 10.
1. Download new firmware
John Velasco / Digital trends
Before you can start zooming with the Wyze Cam, you’ll first need to install the new firmware. Download the zip file here, then after extracting it, copy the “demo.bin” file to the root directory of your microSD card. It is recommended to use a microSD card of 32 GB.
2. Installing new firmware
John Velasco / Digital trends
After the file has been copied to the microSD card, turn off the camera before inserting the card into the slot on the bottom of the Wyze Cam V2. Press and hold Set button while connecting the power source back to the camera. You will need to hold down the setup button for another three to six seconds until the LED light turns solid blue, then you can release it.
3. Connecting to a computer
John Velasco / Digital trends
The firmware takes approximately three to four minutes to complete the installation. You’ll know it’s done when the status light flashes yellow and blue at the same time. Once you see this, you can unplug the camera, connect one end of the USB-A cable to the back of the Wyze Cam V2, and the other end to an available USB port on your computer.
Wyze mentions that it’s also possible to use a USB-C to USB-A cable, but it didn’t work in our testing. Your computer will recognize the Wyze Cam V2 as “HD USB Camera”, so you’ll be able to select it as an option in your conferencing apps.
Going back to the security camera is a pain
Yes, it’s useful that the Wyze Cam V2 can be turned into a webcam, but if your purpose is to go back to using it as a security camera, you need to go through the stock firmware process. It’s quite frustrating because the method is basically identical.
Regardless, it remains a more affordable option than some of the controversial webcams currently available online — even if you add in the cost of a microSD card and a USB-A to USB-A cable. Even so, you’re still paying under $50, a fraction of the $100 that most independent retailers charge on Amazon.
Recognizing that this is best suited to desktop structures, as most people use handy, integrated webcams on laptops, it’s a sensible plan to make it a long-term user in your home office. The video quality is not so bad either, if there is enough light around you. However, the sound quality is not the best. This is probably why even Wyze suggests using an alternative sound source for the microphone.
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Source: newstars.edu.vn