Whether it’s for personal use or a business application, the ability to safely record video from anywhere is something that’s highly appealing to Americans. But most don’t realize that it can be as easy and effortless as pulling out an old smartphone and arming it with the right software.
The Utility of a Mobile Recording Device
Video is more important than ever before. The ability to record video footage – whether inside your home or when you’re out and about – yields many benefits. And while there are plenty of security solutions for sale in stores and online, most of them either require you to permanently fix the device in a specific location and/or they’re really expensive. That’s why we recommend using an old smartphone instead.
When you use one of your old smartphones, you get a recording device that’s inexpensive (free) and truly mobile. This mobile recording device can be used in a variety of applications and settings, including:
- Home security. Whether you need a camera in the kitchen to monitor what’s going on in your home while you’re away at work, or you need a camera pointing outside to catch any suspicious behavior on your property, a mobile recording device is a versatile home security solution.
- Baby monitoring. There are plenty of dedicated baby monitors for sale, but they can be expensive and limited in their features. By using a smartphone, you can cost-effectively monitor your baby on your terms. (Some parents even set one up in a playroom to keep an eye on toddlers and kids at play.)
- Traffic recording. Want to make your own traffic camera that can be placed in your vehicle to protect yourself in an accident, collision, or other incident? Use your smartphone. It’s cheaper and probably records better footage than most of the entry-level traffic cams.
- Observation. Whether you’re a teacher, business owner, therapist, or coach, a mobile recording device is perfect for visually observing tasks. It effectively allows you to be in two places at once.
Perhaps you can think of some other ways to use a mobile recording device. Regardless, you’ll find it to be a useful piece of technology to have on hand.
How to Securely Transform a Smartphone
If you’re interested in creating your own secure video recording device, then please read on. It’s as simple as 1-2-3.
- Clear the Phone
The first step is to take your old smartphone and clear it of everything you don’t need (which should be just about everything). You’ll be required to keep certain native applications on the phone, but anything you personally added to the phone – like photos, videos, third-party apps, wallpapers, etc. – can be removed.
Clearing the phone does a couple of things for you. First off, it frees up space and allows the device to operate faster and more efficiently. Secondly, it limits the number of access points app developers and hackers (potentially) have access to. This strengthens the security of the device.
- Choose the Right Software/App
The next step is to choose the appropriate software or app to turn your smartphone into a video recording device. If you’re using the device for your own personal use – like monitoring a baby in the other room or keeping an eye on your backyard – there are plenty of consumer-based apps available for download. If you’re wanting to use your device for business purposes – such as observing clients in a clinical setting – something like Beam Software from Intelligent Video Solutions is a better fit.
- Figure Out Storage
Depending on the software or app you use, you may have storage built into your account. However, it’s also possible that your storage will be severely limited. If this is the case, you’ll need to find a secure cloud storage solution to archive important video content.
Prioritize Security Above All Else
You can never be too careful these days. When transforming your smartphone into a video recording device, security must be a priority. In fact, it should be the priority.
Few forms of content are as sensitive as video – particularly if you’re using your phone to monitor your baby or record footage inside of your home. Only use video recording apps and software that have dedicated security features baked into the platform. Furthermore, store your video in a place with multiple layers of security (encryption and two-factor authentication are recommended). This will significantly reduce your chances of falling victim to a hack.
Image credit: Video Recording via Pixabay