I got this notice too. I thought you would include some of the FAQ’s too, especially since they clarify some of the previous debate about whether it includes other devices or not. The FAQ pretty clearly agrees with you (clear to me anyway) that it only includes the V2’s and Pan Cams, not the WCO. No other devices are included in this option. I guess most of the other FAQ’s in that notice are similar to the FAQ’s added onto in the Original Post anyway.
It’s also only supposed to be an option available to people who had an account prior to Nov 26, 2019, which is apparently why some people aren’t able to do it like you said earlier. I was thinking anybody would be allowed to do this pay what you want program up until Oct 6th, but that if it failed and they had to undo it, they’d only guarantee free to anyone from before Nov 26th, but not to everyone else. I guess even the pay what you want is only available to those people.
FAQs
What is the difference between this and Cam Plus?
This program only enables person detection for your 12-second alert videos. It enables it on all Wyze Cam v2s and Wyze Cam Pans. It adds a ton of value, but not what you would get with Cam Plus. Cam Plus not only includes person detection but also removes the 12-second recording limitation and the 5-minute cooldown period between recordings. It captures all motion and detects people while doing it. There are also more advanced features in the works that will be added over the next year. If that sounds like a better fit for what you need, you can sign up for Cam Plus here.
Who is qualified to sign up for 12-second person detection?
This opportunity is only available to Wyze users that created an account before November 26, 2019. Wyze users who created accounts after November 26, will not be able to see the 12-second person detection option in the list of available services. Users from before Nov. 26, 2019, qualify because we told them in an email on that day that when we launched our in-house person detection, it would be free. That was before we were hit with tariffs and COVID, and while this isn’t exactly what we had in mind back then, this program allows you to pay $0.
Why do I have to sign up before October 9?
We want to keep it simple. Having a defined time period that users can join helps us limit risk and accurately measure the results so that we can determine our next steps. We’re not going to be crazy strict on this, contact our support if you miss it by a few days or something.
What if volunteer contributions don’t cover the cost? What will happen to Person Detection for 12-second Event videos?
We don’t know yet. We are going to evaluate the results of this experiment after a few months and see if we have enough contributions to at least subsidize the cost. If it doesn’t work, we will come up with a new plan, but it is possible that free 12-second person detection will be discontinued.
But wait, why do I already have Person Detection?
If you already have Person Detection on your camera, you signed up to be a beta (pilot) tester. Beta testing for person detection is ending on October 9, after that date you will no longer have access to it without going through the official sign-up process.
Can I change the amount of my donation?
Yes, you can adjust it whenever you want|
Apparently, if this works out okay they may expand it or do something similar with other features instead of requiring set subscriptions for everything. In theory this is to allow those who can afford it to pay fairly, while those not as financially fortunate could still access features otherwise only available to those with more money. An interesting idea, though again, it means one group is subsidizing another, to someone is paying more than their “fair share” but on the other hand, they are probably still paying less than most other companies would typically charge for the same access.
It is an interesting idea…Wyze has an optimistic view of human nature…that enough people will be willing to subsidize others out of loyalty to the company and charity to those who are either needy or too selfish to pay. It will be interesting to see if they are right.
