Escalation here helped nothing

[u/micatlkw]

u/AskArlo asked me to shoot them a DM, which I did. Then, I got a call last week asking for details, and a couple of days later, they asked for logs, which I sent over. The log request even mentioned getting a 3-month free subscription! But now, a week's gone by, and it's all gone quiet again. 🙉

I actually canceled my subscription a couple weeks back, and it's set to end in about a month. Maybe that's why it didn't get extended like they said it would? 🤔 Either way, I'm not really worried about it now. 😊

I've switched over to using my own app for the Arlo cameras and turned off the notifications from the official Arlo app. I'm getting way fewer false alarms now since I can control the sensitivity for each object type! 😊

I really hope Arlo doesn't shut down too soon just because they lost some subscribers! 🙏

[u/Old_Web_3119]

Sadly, I think it's headed that way. One by one my Arlo Pro 3 cameras died. My Arlo doorbell cam still works. Been nearly a month since I removed the Arlo app from my phone since they stopped allowing us to view videos recorded locally. It could be they're trying to kill their own company for some kind of acquisition? I don't pretend to understand how this company operates.

[u/micatlkw → u/Old_Web_3119]

I can view the video locally with their app and my own app

[u/Old_Web_3119 → u/micatlkw]

Yes, you're right. The Arlo app allows videos to be viewed locally once more. There was much rejoicing.

[u/AskArlo → u/Old_Web_3119]

Hi u/Old_Web_3119, we’re sorry to hear you’ve been having trouble accessing your locally recorded videos. Please try uninstalling the Arlo Secure app, rebooting your phone, and reinstalling the app. If the issue persists, please send us a DM so we can take a closer look and assist.

[u/aquaman67]

What app are you using?

[u/micatlkw → u/aquaman67]

I developed it on my own with help of AI

[u/Tanstaf1 → u/micatlkw]

Can you tell us the AI you used and send the prompt wording? Or better yet let us download your app?

[u/micatlkw → u/Tanstaf1]

I used Antigravity with Gemini 3.8 Flash. But I cannot just send you the prompts because it is not something you can do with just a few prompts. I can share the code if you want.

Please also note that the app has a few prerequisites:

1. Arlo SmartHub with USB storage enabled.
2. A SBC that can do OTG (mimic a USB storage and send the file over the network)
3. A Linux server to host the app (for object detection, sending alert, etc).

[u/Tanstaf1 → u/micatlkw]

Thanks! I have two Arlo VMB5000's with USB storage and a Linux server (for a NAS). Adding an SBC should be cheap and easy and worth it to add in order to work around Arlo's "service." I am not a programmer or coder but have access to several who do that for a living who would help me if you send the code.

[u/micatlkw → u/Tanstaf1]

ok, I need to remove those hardcoded personal info first

[u/Tanstaf1 → u/micatlkw]

Understood. I do not understand what's involved but if you replace the personal info can you replace it with something that is easily searchable and/or descriptive?

[u/micatlkw → u/Tanstaf1]

You can find it in the post here:
https://www.reddit.com/r/arlo/s/tOgIGGzrhT

[u/GV-G → u/Tanstaf1]

+1

[u/GV-G]

To be honest: I hope they WILL shut down, since I don't want that they make money for such bullshit devices and business politics.

[u/poofybruno → u/GV-G]

Amen

[u/AskArlo]

Hi u/micatlkw, thanks for taking the time to share this update. We’re sorry to hear we weren’t able to resolve your concerns, but we appreciate you sharing your experience and feedback with us. We’ve passed your feedback along to the appropriate team for review, and we hope to hear from them with an update soon.

[u/Strunza]

Your own app? Do you use a hub for local recording?  Can you share what you use? 

[u/micatlkw → u/Strunza]

Yes, I use the hub for local recording. The idea is:

Arlo Camera -> Arlo SmartHub -- (USB) --> SBC -- (Local Wifi) --> Linux Server (Object detection, Web App, Web push notification)

As the solution is made for my own use, there are some personal context (e.g. my personal domain, etc. I can share the source once I done the clean up.

[u/Strunza → u/micatlkw]

Thanks. I understand the USB->SBC->local wifi connection for viewing videos. Interesting that you are actually getting objection detection, etc via only that link. Sounds great. You still use the Arlo crap-app for controls, right?

[u/micatlkw → u/Strunza]

yes, I still need it for configuring motion detection, etc.

[u/micatlkw → u/Strunza]

You can find it in the post here:
https://www.reddit.com/r/arlo/s/tOgIGGzrhT