{
  "id": 19558156,
  "title": "I turned my old Pixel into a remote security camera, and it beat buying another camera",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/11/i-turned-my-old-pixel-into-a-remote-security-camera-and-it-beat",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-11T22:00:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "XDA Developers",
    "slug": "xda-developers",
    "url": "https://www.xda-developers.com/turned-old-pixel-into-remote-security-camera-beat-buying-another-camera/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "I recently found a clever way to add a security camera to my home without spending extra money on a new device. Instead of setting up a temporary cable, I repurposed an old Pixel smartphone using Alfred Camera, a reliable app that offers remote streaming, motion detection, notifications, and two-way audio. The app paired easily with my current smartphone, and I could view the camera feed from anywhere in the world. I placed the Pixel on a table with a clear view of my study, connected it to a charger, and logged in from my phone and laptop to start monitoring activity. Alfred Camera offers additional features like two-way audio and low-light filter, making it a practical solution for occasional use. For regular monitoring, the premium tier provides high-resolution streams, longer recordings, and smart detections. While the free version stores footage on the phone, the premium plan saves it to the cloud for easier access. Although phones aren't designed for continuous monitoring, Alfred Camera provides a cost-effective alternative for securing specific areas of a home or office.",
  "summary": "My old Pixel is now a security camera that watches my study while I'm away.",
  "key_points": [
    "Old Pixel smartphone repurposed as remote security camera",
    "Alfred Camera app offers remote streaming and motion detection",
    "Free version stores footage on phone, premium saves to cloud"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}