Blacksumac Piper

Versatile feature set includes security, home-automation, and data-visualization tools. Simple setup and operation. Excellent video-watching options without a monthly storage/service charge. Logical, easy-to-use programming and customization options

Streaming video quality is murky. Only interacts with Z-Wave devices, unlike multiprotocol standalone home-automation hubs

Setup entirely by smartphone. Incredibly wide-angled lens sees whole room. HD video stream. Fast, decent 10x digital zoom/pan. Z-Wave support for multiple sensors. Multiple cameras supported on single Piper account. Stores up to 1,000 video clips in cloud

No night vision. Android app not available at launch. No Web-based view. No full buffer of recorded video in the cloud. Can't download video clips. No local video storage option

Not that long ago, Piper was one of many projects looking for crowdfunding, hoping to get off the ground with help from the general public rather than professional investors. The project, from Ottawa, Ontario-based Blacksumac, ended up making three...