Arlo is rolling out Arlo Secure 6, the latest version of its home security subscription service, bringing with it a new wave of AI-driven features aimed at making smart home monitoring more responsive and intuitive. This update, arriving this month, enhances both video and audio intelligence to give users faster, more meaningful alerts from their security and doorbell cameras.
Among the most significant improvements are advanced audio detection capabilities. Arlo cameras can now recognize and send alerts when they detect specific sounds such as screams, gunshots, barking, breaking glass, or smoke and CO alarms. Additionally, the cameras are now capable of flame detection, allowing users to be alerted to potential fires in real time. These features aim to improve emergency awareness and empower users to act swiftly, with instant access to a live camera feed and the ability to contact authorities directly.
Arlo Secure 6 also introduces AI-generated event captions, making it easier for users to understand what’s happening in a video clip without needing to watch it in full. Coupled with a new smart video search tool, subscribers can now look up events by keywords, time frames, or descriptions — a feature similar to Ring’s Smart Video Search and Google’s Nest ecosystem.
However, these advanced features come with a steeper price tag. Users must subscribe to Arlo Secure Plus ($9.99/month) or Premium ($29.99/month) to access the full suite of AI tools and 60-day video history. This marks a sharp increase from the company’s earlier model, where cloud storage for a single camera cost just $2.99/month. For some users who may not need AI-driven alerts, the new pricing may feel like more of a burden than a benefit.
While Arlo Secure 6 represents a major step forward in smart home security capabilities, it also reflects the growing trend of premium pricing tied to AI features — raising questions about accessibility and value for long-term users.
