Wondering Where Your Tend Package Detection Feature Went?
If you own a Tend Secure camera, you might have purchased it specifically for its intelligent features, such as package detection. It's a handy tool that provides specific alerts when a courier leaves a parcel at your door. So, it can be confusing and frustrating when this feature suddenly seems to be missing from your app.
This guide explains the common reasons why the package detection feature might be unavailable and what you can do about it.
## Understanding the Shift in Service
Tend Secure cameras, like many smart home devices, rely heavily on a cloud-based service to power their advanced features. The package detection algorithm doesn't run on the camera itself; instead, the camera sends data to a server, which analyses it and identifies the package.
Over time, companies can change their cloud infrastructure, update their apps, or even discontinue certain features. In the case of Tend Secure, there has been a transition for many users from the original 'Tend Secure' app to a newer app called 'CamHome'.
This transition is often the primary reason for changes in functionality.
## Common Reasons for Missing Package Detection
Let's explore why this specific feature might have disappeared.
### 1. App Transition and Feature Deprecation
When moving to a new app platform like CamHome, the developers may decide not to carry over every single feature from the old app. This can happen for several reasons:
- The cost of maintaining the AI service for that specific feature.
- Low usage rates among the majority of users.
- A shift in business focus to different features.
It is highly likely that the package detection feature was not included in the newer CamHome app and has been deprecated for cameras that were updated to work with it.
### 2. Firmware Updates
A firmware update pushed to your camera could also disable the feature. This is often done in conjunction with an app update to ensure the hardware and software remain compatible. If the cloud service that processes package detection is being shut down, the firmware will be updated to remove the option from the camera's settings.
### 3. You're Looking in the Wrong Place
While less likely, it's worth double-checking. After an app update, the user interface can change significantly.
- Thoroughly explore the camera's settings within the app. Look under sections like 'Notifications', 'Detection Settings', or 'Smart Alerts'. The toggle for package detection might have been moved to a different menu.
## What Can You Do About It?
If the feature has been removed by the manufacturer, your options are unfortunately limited.
- Confirm the Removal: The first step is to get official confirmation. Try to contact the customer support for your camera (via the CamHome or Tend Secure website) and ask directly if the package detection feature has been discontinued for your specific model.
- Utilise Motion Detection Zones: As a workaround, you can still get useful alerts. Go into your camera's motion settings and create a very specific 'Activity Zone' that covers only the area where a package would be left (e.g., a small square on your doormat).
- Adjust Sensitivity: Set the motion sensitivity for this zone appropriately. This way, while you won't get a "Package Detected" alert, any motion alert you receive from that specific zone is highly likely to be a delivery.
While it's disappointing to lose a feature you found useful, by using activity zones, you can still create a reliable system for monitoring your deliveries.