The next generation of Netgear’s popular Arlo Pro “wire-free” security camera, the new Arlo Pro2, has been released.

It features higher quality, 1080p HD video, a plug-in back-up solar power option, and support for applications such as Amazon Alexa which facilitates remote, live monitoring from a smartphone.

Key features of the Arlo Pro2 include a 130-degree field of view, night vision and advanced motion-detection technology. The camera also includes a built-in speaker and microphone for two-way communication, and the base station comes equipped with a siren which can be triggered remotely, by motion or audio detection.

The audio features allow users to listen to (as well as view) feeds from the camera and react to them using remote controls via the Arlo app on a smartphone.

One of the innovations of the Arlo Pro2 is its Look Back function, a pre-recording feature that captures images of a pre-selected “motion activity zone” three seconds before the camera is motion-triggered.

The Arlo Pro2 is complemented by Arlo-branded solar photovoltaic panels – sold separately – which help keep deep-cycle batteries charged as backup in the event of a utility power failure.

In a bid to make “smart home” security more intuitive and effective, the Arlo Pro2 can be connected to a range of smart home devices through platforms such as IFTTT and Samsung SmartThings.

The Netgear Arlo Pro2 is available as a single-camera-plus-base-station solution, or in bundles that include two, three and four cameras from R6 299.00 excluding VAT.