HOUSEHOLDS kitted out with a major Ring doorbell rival have been warned their devices will stop working entirely in a matter of days.
And all video recordings will be deleted unless you take action immediately.
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Three gadgets, including a video security camera and a siren, have been discontinued by Hive.
The company’s home security alarm system, Homeshield, will also cease to function from August 1.
Hive – which is owned by British Gas parent company Centrica – started out in 2012.
It’s mainly known for smart heating as well as smart lighting, both of which are not affected by the upcoming changes.
Hive eventually broadened out into smart security.
But three years ago bosses decided to step away from security products to focus on “energy-efficient smart-tech” instead.
The devices have continued to work since then but the final nail will go into the coffin next week.
See the four products being killed off below.
- Hive View Camera
- Hive Siren and Keypad
- Hive Homeshield
- Hive Video Playback
Despite being security-relate products, the Hive Window/Door contact sensors and Hive motion sensors will continue to operate.
In an email warning sent out to customers recently, Hive said to “download any footage you’d like to keep now”.
After 11am on August 1 it will be deleted.
“It is crucial that you save any required recordings before the cut-off period on the 1st of August 2025,” Hive says.
“Your data security is important to us, and we take disposal of data seriously.
“Therefore, our system will be unable to recover any video footage if you fail to save your recordings before the 1st of August 2025.”
It also recommends customers “recycle your devices at your local Household Waste Recycling Centre”.
WHY DOES TECH STOP WORKING?
By Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Editor at The Sun
It’s annoying when tech and gadgets are discontinued, rendering some – or all – features useless.
Fortunately, companies have got better at lengthening how long they support kit.
It tends to only happen after quite a few years have passed and the user numbers have dropped quite low.
The truth of the matter is, firms have to keep updating and servicing this older tech which costs them money.
When there’s only a small number of people left using them older gadgets, it’s harder to justify the cost.
Moreover, new features on things like apps may not work on dated kit.
So ultimately, in the end support is dropped for these gadgets so all their energy, money and time can be put into the newer ones.