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HOME » The Best Pet Webcam Keeps You Connected – Petcube

The Best Pet Webcam Keeps You Connected – Petcube

18/02/2017 by Marjorie Dawson 32 Comments

The Petcube Play is the best pet webcam and the most stylish on the market today.

The original idea was followed by the treat dispensing Pet Cube Bites, much to the joy of every cat and dog. As soon as word got out I would be reviewing this stylish home pet monitor – Petcube Play, cat parents began asking us questions.

PLUS! Petcube Update July 2019

I am excited to bring you this review of the most stylish, modern and easy to use pet cam on the market as well as an update on the most recent launch of the Petcube Play 2 and the Petcube Bites 2.  

As it is packed with information I am also including our original Petcube review to give you an idea of its range of functions and how each new video camera gets better and better.

Petcube is a global leader for the Connected Pet

Dash Kitten received a complimentary Petcube Play for review.  Our blog only shares news and products we feel are relevant to our readers because you matter to us. The opinions here are 100% our own and we are responsible for the content of this post and the affiliate links included.

Petcube 2 Petcube Bites 2 UPDATE

Petcube have launched the Petcube Play 2 and the Petcube Bites 2. Both extend the capabilities and functions of this fantastic high-tech pet camera.

  • NEW – Built in Alexa
  • NEW – Voice Control
  • NEW – Intelligent movement detection
  • NEW Styling

The Petcube Play Report

I am reporting on one cool piece of cat technology. The Petcube Play is a fun and useful pet surveillance camera for every pet parent! It allows you to keep an eye on your cat or dog, and to communicate by voice if they need reassurance or interaction. This happens through your ‘phone while you are away. Even if you are somewhere else in your home, it’s fun to check the Petcube wifi pet camera.

meet the Petcube Play and Miranda

“Is the Petcube Play Bigger? Better?” The Play is lighter and more compact than the classic Petcube home camera, as you can see from the comparison picture. It continues the development of stylish design and product enhancement begun by its bigger sibling.

The camera stands a mere 7.5 cms square or 3x3x3 inches and comes with a generous 2.7 metres (9 feet) of cable, allowing you to position the Play at different heights.

It’s a compact powerhouse of pet monitor technology and you access it by using the Petcube App on your own smartphone. 

“What does the Petcube Play Do?”

This was the big question from our readers. Let’s me give you a rundown of the camera highlights:

PetCube Play Report image
  • The Play streams video at 1080p which is High Definition video. A bit too technical? Try this to get a better idea. The BBC, EBU and all major USA channels use HD at 1080, as does your Blu-ray player. It’s that good. It also looks great on your smartphone.
  • There is a fun laser for you to use when playing with your pet. The laser is certified safe for pets and human use. We have used the laser as a great toy when visiting other Play-mates around the world and feel happy using it on our own Petcube.
  • There is clear two-way audio between you and your pet. You can chat on the pet cam from anywhere, although Mum does shut up sometimes!
  • Sound and Motion Alerts This a big reason many people buy a pet monitor. The ‘Alert’ setting triggers a notification to you when there is movement or sound. This is useful if you have a pet you need to keep an eye on – a senior, or a nursing mom, foster kittens or a puppy in a crate. Settings for this are easy to adjust (even for my paws).
  • FUN TIP You can now add a bio for each of your fur family. The Dash Kitten Crew aim to squeeze as many of us on as we can! Let people know who your pets are, it gives them a reason to get in touch with a fellow cat lover.  
  • Petcube Play changes and adjustments are made in the easy to find ‘Camera Settings’ section of the Petcube easy to use app (see our picture).  There have been multiple upgrades to the smartphone interface and app for the Petcube. This home camera consistently on top of the pet monitor game which is impressive and reassuring. 

Petcube Play Report – The Special Features

Petcube Home Camera Pet Cam

There are some cool special pet cam features that you really need to know about. They take pet monitoring devices to a whole new level!

  • The Night Vision Camera. This is the major update for many cat camera fans, and it is the most fun ever! Not only does it allow you to see your pets during the day, but you can also keep an eye on them out when they are active during the night. How busy are your cats at night? You may be surprised.
  • Every user get 4 hours of free CARE video history time. The video is set to record by two simple triggers, movement or sound. For the free video it records for four hours, then starts again! You have the ability to download and save video segments to show friends. Your settings are simple to adjust for auto recording, and you can also stop your CARE recording by setting it to ‘sleep‘ at any time.
  • FUN TIP Night vision makes your house look really different! Check out our daytime curtains, and the night-time version! Mum wishes we really had white curtains!
PetCube Play Report Day and Night comparison for PetCube camera Coll eh?

CARE video expansion packs

You also have the option to buy more Cloud time, if you need it. Again, for specific purposes, this can be very useful e.g. a sick pet, noting how often a pet moves, monitoring a sick kitten or nursing mom. We have the three-day option which allows us to track cat movement at the camera location.

PetCube Play Preview at Dash Kitten 

The Petcube Community

We need to mention one thing we really like that the publicity doesn’t spotlight – the growing community of Petcube members. You can see pictures other users have posted, and comment on them via the Petcube app on your smartphone. This is one of the real treats of the Petcube community, as cat cafes, ordinary people, rescues, and vet hospitals all have Petcubes, allowing you a glimpse into another pet world to your own.

Original Review of the 2016 Petcube

You can compare the older (2016) version with its modern counterpart,

I first met the Petcube Camera and their Senior Marketing Manager, Rachel Youens, at BlogPaws® in June 2016, and we were impressed.

I welcomed the chance to review this fun piece of pet tech equipment. Sure, there are plenty of pet cameras on the market, but they are of variable quality and none, I believe, matches the Petcube‘s functionality, ease of use, and stylish design. 

Dash Kitten received a complimentary Petcube classic webcam for review. We only share news and products we feel are relevant to our readers. The opinions here are 100% our own and we are responsible for the content of this post and any affiliate links.

Ever wonder what your pets do when you’re not at home? Find out with Petcube.

Petcube Connecting Pets & Parents

Here at Dash Kitten I have been testing the 720p Video model, which has 2-Way Audio, a built-in laser toy and is available in three colours; matt silver, rose-pink or black. We can tell you that we love it, and it’s a lot of fun! 

Location, Location, Location!

It took me a little time to find the best spot for our interactive cat camera.

On our visits to the Petcube community, we have seen a variety of ‘locations’. Living rooms, workrooms, rescues, cat cafes, and rooms specifically set up as a family pet room. 

How to site a cat camera right and wrong
How to site a cat camera – right and wrong. See the difference?

We have set up our Petcube where it gets plenty of natural light, and the location balances privacy for the humans with a view of the cat flap for monitoring family activity. We tried the hall but, aside from the good length, we found the lighting was poor.  In its current location, the camera is popular. The Petcube is busy with lots of visits coming to DashKitten’s camera in New Zealand during ‘opening hours’.

How Effective the Petcube can be from The Dash Kitten Crew

Let us give you a quick rundown of the best pet video camera on the market from the point of view of a constantly fussing Mum and her fur family.

  • The camera is good quality and has a spacious wide-angle lens of 138 degrees. So, no wishing you could move the camera, just – a – bit…
  • The camera has two-way audio so you can chat with your pet.
  • It has non slip feet and a chew proof cord!
  • The Petcube has a controllable 5mW laser beam. The laser is safe, but, respect the product and what lasers can do OK?
  • Your smartphone can take photographs or video footage of your pet in action for you to show off.

Petcube Magic and the Pet Camera App

The plus points are mounting in the Petcube‘s favour – right?  To the list we can add the pet monitor app. This is simple to use and works on our iPhone (iOS 8.0 or higher), as well as Dad’s Android (4.0 or higher). The app actually works on Mum’s older iPhone 4S, so we think it will function most recent ‘phones.

The camera is clear and picks up plenty of detail. It is easy to set up and you remain in total control at all times. 

As pet monitor apps go this one is clean, simple and easy to navigate. The app works best with a good signal on your phone – which is fair enough as you are using a mobile telephone, an app and a wifi network.

A lighter signal might cause a bit of frustration if, like us, you live near a hill, but, once we situated our PetCube where it picked up a clear signal things began to really rock, and we mean rock. The Petcube stood firmly on its perch during our recent 7.8 earthquakes the Dash Kitten crew felt in late November 2016. Those non-slip feet work very well. 

PetCube Magic PetCam on a stand
The Petcube did not move during an earthquake!

What does the Petcube App do?

  • The App allows you to set up sound and motion notifications, so you can monitor pet movement. 
  • Let’s you schedule some playtime so your cat or pup doesn’t get too bored.
  • The app is easy to use and set up on your smartphone. If we can do it you can too.
  • You keep full control of who has access to the Petcube at all times, and when they can view your cats or pups.
  • There are three sharing options for your Pecube. Family – always available exclusively to your family members, Friends – for whom you set opening times, they can play with your pet and talk to them (if you wish) and Public which is available to all – you set the times and settings for the camera’s time online – for public these can be more restricted.

Petcube Magic and What Might Go Wrong

Faults and errors are unlikely but Petcube says they are ready and waiting to help.  Email them, or you can ring them up. They have worldwide contact points.

From our experience for this review, things like moving, resetting the Petcube, or plugging it into different outlets. Many issues may come down to one thing signal strength, as well as setting up your pet monitor properly. This is not hard but everyone makes a mistake sometimes, so just retrace your steps and try again if the Petcube isn’t working. 

Petcube Magic Keeps Pets Connected Worldwide
PetCube 720p and the compact PetCube Play

Can They Make The Best Pet Camera Even Better?

Yes they can.

Petcube Care was recently introduced.  Petcube owners get 4 free hours of recording time, with an optional paid subscription service that allows you to store 10 or 30 days of video history in the cloud. Comprehensive details of Petcube Care can be found here.

Research and development is progressing as such a speed that while we were assessing the Petcube 720p for review, the night-vision enabled Petcube Play 1080p appeared (see above), and the new Petcube Bites – a pet camera with an integral treat dispenser.

How popular is the concept of an elegant design focused treat dispenser? Well, it exceeded its Kickstarter goal by 159% For the pet parent who worries about what is happening at home or wants to engage their pet in some online play. This is the perfect gift! 

Where do I find a Petcube

The Petcube Play is easy to use, and reassuring to have in our home. We think you should check them out and get free shipping (USA friends) or check the worldwide store to start exploring Petcube now.

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Filed Under: Gift Guides & Reviews Tagged With: cat cam, dog camera, home camera, IoT, pet monitoring, smarthome

Meet Marjorie, Writer and Photographer

Portrait by a window with teddy bears Taken with a smartphone.Marjorie is a cat lover, photographer and smartphone moviemaker who loves sharing her knowledge with learners.

Marjorie is a Cat Writers’ Association Professional member, CWA Muse® Medallion and Certificate Winner, and winner of the CWA Kuykendall Image Award for her photography.

 

Comments

  1. Seville at Nerissa's Life says

    24/02/2017 at 4:03 am

    Oh my mouses! WHAT FUN!!! purrs

    Reply
  2. Sonja says

    24/02/2017 at 3:46 am

    Do you have to plug it in or is it charged up? We are really looking for a wireless option and something we could travel with for those rare times we need to leave the wee one in our apartment rental alone.

    Reply
    • Dash Kitten says

      24/02/2017 at 2:31 pm

      It is attached to a 9 foot cable Sonya. We check up on the fur family from our smartphones.

      Reply
  3. Tenacious Little Terrier says

    23/02/2017 at 8:12 pm

    I like the night vision feature. I wonder if Mr. N would react to the laser. I don’t think he has ever seen one before.

    Reply
  4. Talent Hounds says

    23/02/2017 at 6:51 pm

    The Pet Cube is so cool- great design and features. It is very good to be able to keep up with your pet/s while out of the house, or even upstairs.

    Reply
  5. Ruth Epstein says

    23/02/2017 at 3:46 pm

    Sounds like a great camera but living in such a tiny apartment I would have no where to put it LOL maybe one day when I move to a larger place

    Reply
  6. Beth says

    23/02/2017 at 2:37 pm

    I think this would give pet parents peace of mind! You have some busy kitties! On a side note, I loved seeing your spinning wheel. One of my sisters is in a spinning guild, and while I don’t spin, I think it is wonderful that people do.

    Reply
  7. Rebecca at MattieDog says

    23/02/2017 at 2:22 pm

    Love Pet Cube – their design and products are awesome! Their addition of ‘Play’ is fabulous – we will check into it. In the meantime, keep the videos coming – I love them!

    Reply
  8. Sweet Purrfections says

    23/02/2017 at 2:05 pm

    The Petcube Play looks wonderful. We have one and are hoping Mom Paula can set it up this weekend.

    Reply
  9. Allison says

    23/02/2017 at 1:56 pm

    Sigh. Maybe one day we’ll have to get a Smartphone so that we can use all the cool apps coming out for pets. In the meantime, I wish something similar to Pet Cube was available on a computer.

    Reply
  10. Cathy Armato says

    23/02/2017 at 1:12 pm

    This is such a cool product, it’s like our pets have their own private social media channel! It helps keep them safe too.
    Love & biscuits,
    Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them

    Reply
  11. Karen says

    23/02/2017 at 1:11 pm

    Already had some discussion with you about PetCube. Read the post again, really like many of the features and want to incorporate into my pet care business. Might be a couple of logistics issues to work out, but still pondering giving it a shot.

    Thanks for sharing, been curious to see this in action. Your post gave a great overview!

    Reply
  12. Bryn Nowell says

    23/02/2017 at 12:13 pm

    First, and not PetCube related, YAY for spinning!

    Second, and this time it’s PetCube related…too cool! I have heard about other cameras (we actually have a different brand’s) but there are some unique features with what you’ve just shared that a lot of cameras don’t include.

    Lastly, fun fact…did you know that you might be able to be eligible for a discount on home owners insurance with the camera? If it detects movement, it can detect an intruder. We let our homeowners insurance know we had a camera and we got a 15% discount per month on our plan.

    Reply
    • Dash Kitten says

      23/02/2017 at 12:33 pm

      Oh wow I need to tell Mum! Oh yeah the spinning, she loves it (but she hides the fibre so we can’t play…..)

      Reply
  13. Ava Roberts says

    23/02/2017 at 12:09 pm

    The features of the new PetCube sound great. I’d love to have one but I’m afraid all I’d see is my cats sleeping!

    Reply
  14. Kitty Cat Chronicles says

    23/02/2017 at 10:50 am

    I want one of these so badly! We have a little camera that came with our home security system, but it doesn’t have nearly as many cool features as the PetCube. It does have night vision and stores recorded video and has the movement trigger, but it doesn’t have audio or a laser. I would love to get one of these for a second room in our house. Thanks for the great review, we are SOLD!

    Reply
  15. Golden Daily Scoop says

    23/02/2017 at 8:03 am

    This looks fantastic! I love how you can download the video. Enjoy!!

    Reply
    • Dash Kitten says

      23/02/2017 at 11:36 am

      It was all very easy to do. We are very impressed!

      Reply
  16. Hindy Pearson says

    23/02/2017 at 6:49 am

    It’s such a great idea!! I know I miss my furbabies when I’m away and worry about Red most of all. How great to be able to see them and even interact. Love it.

    Reply
  17. Three Chatty Cats says

    23/02/2017 at 5:32 am

    I love the community idea of the PetCube. It’s a great way for rescues to share what they are doing! Great review, Silver!

    Reply
  18. Tonya Wilhelm says

    23/02/2017 at 4:52 am

    My favorite thing about this is the camera. How cool to be able to watch the video. Thanks for the review.

    Reply
  19. Dear Mishu says

    23/02/2017 at 4:23 am

    That looks like so much fun! Great video too!

    Reply
  20. kelly says

    23/02/2017 at 2:44 am

    I bet the cats have a great time playing with the laser, and I’m sure you will have lots of fun watching them and seeing what they get up to!

    Reply
  21. Amy Shojai, CABC says

    23/02/2017 at 2:09 am

    This really looks terrific. I wondered about a “community” of folks who could watch/share videos. Kitties could have virtual playdates! I received a phone-monitoring interactive product from a company (just sent as a “thank you”) and haven’t had a chance to set it up/test but now think I might need to give that a go.

    Reply
  22. Robin says

    22/02/2017 at 6:07 pm

    I love the PetCube Play too! It is so much for Manna and Dexter. It looks like all of you are having a lot of fun with yours! Pawsome video. 🙂 Maybe we’ll have to have a halfway around the world play session via PetCube one of these days!

    Reply
    • Dash Kitten says

      22/02/2017 at 7:56 pm

      Dexter, Manna and Robin, we would love to arrange something like that!

      Reply
  23. Summer says

    20/02/2017 at 4:25 pm

    That looks very cool!

    Reply
  24. The Swiss Cats says

    20/02/2017 at 8:42 am

    That Pet Cube looks like a lot of fun ! The video has a good quality, it was fun to watch you ! Purrs

    Reply
  25. Brian Frum says

    20/02/2017 at 7:55 am

    Y’all sure are having fun with that Pet Cube and it does look pretty cool!

    Reply
  26. Deziz World says

    20/02/2017 at 7:16 am

    Dat’s really cool. We were asked to review one, but they wanted us to send it back and not pay us anything either. Mommy said no way jose’. MOL Glad ya’ll got one. Big hugs

    Luv ya’

    Dezi and Raena

    Reply
  27. meowmeowmans says

    20/02/2017 at 2:19 am

    Wow, that Pet Play is great. We love the high def video, and we enjoyed watching you all give that cat flap door a workout, too! 🙂

    Reply
  28. Erin the Cat says

    20/02/2017 at 1:40 am

    I have to say I’m really impressed with the imagery of this camera in the video and stills on your blog. I do think we’ll be getting one for the Palace as a result of seeing this in action!
    Purrs Erin

    Reply

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