Keeping your baby safe and comfortable during car rides is a top priority, but glancing into the backseat can be tricky – and dangerous. The AKEEYO Smile, now on Kickstarter, offers a smart solution by combining cutting-edge technology with ease of use.
This high-definition, night-vision-equipped baby monitor is designed specifically for vehicles, allowing parents to check on their little one without taking their eyes off the road. With a sleek design and simple setup, the AKEEYO Smile aims to make driving safer and more stress-free for families.
I’ve spent the last few weeks testing the AKEEYO Smile Baby Car Camera, and I’m sharing my unfiltered thoughts about this up and coming vehicle monitoring system.
Today, we’ll explore how the AKEEYO Smile delivers on its promise to keep you connected and confident behind the wheel. Let’s get right into it.
What I Liked
Excellent Display Quality
The exceptional display quality stands out as one of the AKEEYO Smile‘s strongest features. I was immediately impressed by the 5.5-inch 1080p HD Full Color IPS screen, which delivers crystal-clear images that make monitoring my baby effortless. The clarity isn’t just marketing hype – I can see every detail with remarkable precision, whether I’m checking on my little one’s breathing or watching them play.
What I mostly appreciate is the IPS display’s superior 178-degree viewing angle. Unlike cheaper TN displays I’ve encountered in other baby monitors, there’s no white screen effect when viewing from the side. This means I can glance at the monitor from various positions while driving, and the image remains clear and vivid.
The screen performs exceptionally well in all lighting conditions – I don’t have to strain my eyes in bright sunlight, and the display remains perfectly visible. When night falls, the screen adapts seamlessly to show clear footage from the IR night vision illuminated camera. It effortlessly captures the same fine details in the dark as it does in standard daytime lighting.
Camera Quality
Consistently impressive, AKEEYO’s camera quality matches its stellar display capabilities. I found the camera’s 120° wide-angle view very useful, as it captured both rear seats in my vehicle without any blind spots. The image quality remains crisp and clear, showing vivid details without any noticeable graininess or distortion that often plagues lesser car monitors.
What really stands out is the camera’s night vision capability. The 940nm non-flash infrared lights provide excellent visibility in dark conditions without disturbing my sleeping baby. I can see every movement and expression clearly, even during nighttime drives. This gives me peace of mind knowing I can monitor my child effectively at any time of day.
The 4x zoom function is another nice feature I regularly use. Unlike some cameras that become pixelated when zooming, this one maintains impressive image quality even at maximum zoom. This allows me to get a closer look at my baby’s face or check if they’re sleeping comfortably without losing any visual clarity. Pretty nice!
Capture Images and Video (with Voice)
Among my favorite features is the well-rounded image and video capture system. I’m particularly impressed by how the AKEEYO Smile camera lets you record full 1080p HD video and take high-quality still photos whenever you want to preserve those precious moments with your little one.
The flexibility in capturing content really stands out – you can either use straightforward voice commands or simply tap the monitor’s screen.
What makes this system especially practical is how intuitive it’s while driving. When I want to capture a sweet moment, I don’t have to fumble with buttons or menus. I can just say “take a picture” or “record a video,” and the camera responds immediately.
This hands-free operation is vital for maintaining safety on the road. If I prefer, I can also quickly tap the monitor to snap photos or start recording.
The 1080p resolution guarantees every captured moment is crystal clear, whether it’s a spontaneous smile, a peaceful nap, or an adorable interaction with siblings.
Honestly, it’s like having a professional photographer constantly ready in your car, but one that operates on your simple commands.
Not Just for Babies
While baby monitoring remains its primary function, I’ve discovered the AKEEYO Smile camera‘s remarkable versatility extends far beyond just watching infants. During my testing, I found it quite useful for also monitoring my pets in the back seat, giving me peace of mind knowing they’re safe and comfortable throughout the journey. The wide-angle view guarantees I don’t miss any of their movements or signs of distress.
For truck drivers and delivery professionals, it also serves as an excellent security solution. You can keep a constant eye on your cargo in real-time, deterring theft and guaranteeing your shipment stays secure. The night vision feature proves especially valuable during evening deliveries or early morning routes.
RV enthusiasts will appreciate how the AKEEYO Smile can help them as well. I briefly tested it in larger vehicles such as my camper van, where it effectively monitors the vehicle’s status and provides clear visibility of the living space.
App Connectivity
The app connectivity of the AKEEYO Smile camera stands out as one of its strongest features. I’m quite impressed by how seamlessly it integrates with both iOS and Android devices, making it accessible regardless of your smartphone preference.
The app’s stability is significant – I haven’t experienced any crashes during my testing, which is essential when you’re trying to capture those precious moments with your little one.
What I find most valuable is the app’s straightforward interface for managing and sharing content. Whether I want to browse through recorded videos or scroll through captured images, everything is organized intuitively.
The social media integration is a wonderful feature as well. I can share adorable moments directly to my preferred platforms with just a few taps. There’s no need to download files to my phone first or navigate through complicated sharing menus.
The app’s performance matches its practicality. It runs smoothly, loads quickly, and delivers on its promises without any technical hiccups.
Compact Design
Inside my test vehicle, I’m genuinely impressed by how seamlessly the AKEEYO Smile camera‘s compact design fits into the interior space. The camera’s dimensions of just 1.5″ x 1.5″ x 2.5″ make it practically unobtrusive when mounted to the headrest, while still providing thorough coverage of the back seat area.
What I also appreciate is the monitor’s sleek profile, measuring 6″ wide, 3″ tall, and 2″ deep, which doesn’t overwhelm my dashboard or create any visual distractions while driving. The all-black finish of both components blends naturally with virtually any car interior, maintaining a factory-installed look rather than appearing as an aftermarket add-on.
The mounting options is another great aspect. You can choose between the included dashboard mount or car vent mount, allowing for ideal placement based on your specific vehicle layout and viewing preferences.
What I Didn’t Like
Lots of Cables to Run
Despite the straightforward setup process, I found the cable management to be the most frustrating aspect of the AKEEYO baby car camera. While connecting the camera to the monitor and plugging it into the 12V outlet is simple enough, the real challenge lies in dealing with the lengthy cables that need to run from your car’s front to the back.
The main issue I encountered was finding a clean way to route these cables through my vehicle. Depending on your car’s make and model, you might struggle to conceal the wiring effectively.
While the basic installation only takes about five minutes, I spent considerably more time trying to hide the cables and achieve a professional-looking setup. In some vehicles, you might end up with visible wires running along the interior, which can detract from your car’s aesthetics.
If you’re particular about maintaining a clean, organized look in your vehicle’s interior, you’ll need to plan for additional time and possibly get creative with cable management solutions. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s definitely something you should consider before purchasing.
Final Thoughts
All in all, I’m definitely impressed with the AKEEYO Smile Baby Car Camera‘s performance. While I encountered some cable management challenges during installation, the camera’s 1080p HD quality, voice commands, and Wi-Fi connectivity make it worth the effort.
I mostly appreciate that it’s not limited to baby monitoring – it’s equally effective for pets and cargo. If you’re willing to spend time on proper installation, you’ll find it’s a valuable addition to your vehicle.
Meet Ry, “TechGuru,” a 36-year-old technology enthusiast with a deep passion for tech innovations. With extensive experience, he specializes in gaming hardware and software, and has expertise in gadgets, custom PCs, and audio.
Besides writing about tech and reviewing new products, he enjoys traveling, hiking, and photography. Committed to keeping up with the latest industry trends, he aims to guide readers in making informed tech decisions.