SecuritySpy

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Upgrading to Version 6

SecuritySpy 6 is a major leap forward for our macOS CCTV software. It brings a suite of enhancements and new features, making SecuritySpy more powerful, flexible and user-friendly than ever.

Contents of this document

• What's new in SecuritySpy 6
• Cost and support period
• How to upgrade or try the new software
• Full list of new features
• Recent purchasers of SecuritySpy 5
• Future support for SecuritySpy 5

What's new in SecuritySpy 6

Version 6 features a sleek redesigned web interface, rebuilt from the ground up to offer a greatly enhanced remote-access experience. All aspects of the web interface, such as viewing live streams, playing back recordings, and adjusting settings, have had their functionality and usability greatly enhanced. For example, here's the live-viewing section:
Web-based live camera viewing in previous versions of SecuritySpy was limited in terms of layout, number of simultaneous streams, and bandwidth. SecuritySpy 6 overcomes these limitations with an adaptive layout, unlimited streams and low-bandwidth H.264 live streaming. It's also now much easier to see recording status, set camera schedules, and control Pan/Tilt/Zoom.

One area where the new web interface excels is the Settings section. SecuritySpy 6 is now fully configurable via its web interface, allowing seamless management from anywhere.

The new web interface provides true cross-platform support, ensuring full compatibility with Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and Edge on both Mac and Windows.

Another major improvement is a completely revamped Settings window that includes new configuration options, enhances ease of use, and adds functionality. A particularly useful improvement is the ability to configure settings for multiple cameras simultaneously. Here's an example screen:


The AI-based object detection in SecuritySpy 6 is significantly more accurate than before, having been re-trained on a much larger and more varied dataset. Particular effort has been made to reduce false-positive detections, especially from flying insects, which was previously a signifiant source of false-positive triggers.

Under the hood, version 6 benefits from completely re-engineered RTSP/RTP engine that boost performance, reliability and compatibility when handling media streams from IP cameras. This, combined with a multitude of other performance improvements, means that everything runs smoother and faster.

Cost and support period

We are offering owners of any previous version of SecuritySpy the opportunity to purchase version 6 with a 25% discount off the full price of the new software (but if you purchased version 5 recently you may be entitled to a free upgrade - see the recent purchasers section below).

Starting with version 6, we're updating our approach to ongoing updates and support. For nearly two decades, we've followed a major release cycle every four years, requiring users to pay upgrade fees for each major version. This traditional model has drawbacks for both us as developers and you as customers. Developing each major release takes about a year, inevitably requiring us to hold back already-completed features during this time. Additionally, the uncertainty of update duration post-purchase has been an issue; while guaranteed for at least six months, we typically extended this throughout the product's life, up to four years. This meant the value received varied greatly depending on when a user made their purchase within the release cycle.

We have therefore decided to change the model for SecuritySpy 6. There will be no further major releases with associated costs. Instead, we will continuously create and deliver improvements on an ongoing basis. Users will enjoy access to updates and free technical assistance for a defined period of time after purchase: the Support Period.

During the support period, all software updates and technical help will be provided free of charge. Each purchase of SecuritySpy, or upgrade for more cameras, includes a two-year support period, which you can choose to extend before its expiry to continue to receive the benefits. The cost of extending the support period will be significantly lower than the initial purchase price of the software (specifically, a one-year extension is a quarter of the full purchase price, with additional discounts available for multi-year extensions).

In contrast to a full subscription-type model that many other software companies employ nowadays, SecuritySpy will remain fully functional even after the support period ends. Extensions are optional, simply offering continued access to the latest updates and technical help.

How to upgrade or try the new software

If you are currently using SecuritySpy version 5, simply use the Check For Update option in your current software to install version 6. Otherwise, you can download and install the new software from the SecuritySpy download page.

All settings will be imported from the previous version, and the new software will continue to record and function as before.

After installation, you can try out SecuritySpy 6 with a free 30-day trial. To proceed with purchasing the software, use the in-app option under Settings — Registration, or visit our upgrade store. Or, if you decide to revert to version 5, you will be able to do so easily via the option under Settings — Registration.

Full list of new features

• Sleek new web interface with major functionality improvements:
  • Responsive layout with optimal use of space
  • Enhanced capability to monitor numerous cameras simultaneously
  • High-efficiency video streaming with reduced latency and bandwidth
  • Universal desktop browser support on both Mac and Windows
  • All settings are fully configurable via web
• Redesigned Settings window with many improvements and new options:
  • Settings can be set for multiple cameras at the same time
  • Option for group-based web access control
  • Web streaming variable frame rate option to minimise bandwidth
  • Frame rate limit option for web accounts
• Improved accuracy of AI-based object detection; fewer false-positives
• Much improved resistance to false triggers from flying insects
• New RTSP/RTP parsing engine for improved speed and reliability
• Many other enhancements in performance and user experience

Recent purchasers of SecuritySpy 5

If you purchased version 5 on or after 5 September 2023, you are entitled to a free upgrade to version 6. Simply install and use the new software.

Future support for SecuritySpy 5

SecuritySpy version 5 is now officially discontinued. No further updates will be released, and no technical support will be provided for it.

The DDNS and Email Relay functions of version 5, which rely on our server infrastructure, will remain functional until at least March 2025, but may be withdrawn in the future.

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If you have any questions about the new software that aren't answered here, feel free to email us.