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Ugreen is expanding into AI-powered smart home surveillance

By David Kim

4 days ago

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Ugreen is expanding into AI-powered smart home surveillance

Ugreen announced its SynCare AI-powered smart home surveillance lineup at CES 2026, including indoor cameras, an outdoor model, and a video doorbell set for launch in late 2026. The products feature advanced AI detection, cross-camera integration, and optional hub control, positioning the company as a new entrant in the competitive security market.

Las Vegas, NV – Ugreen, a company long recognized for its reliable power banks, chargers, and network-attached storage devices, unveiled plans Tuesday at CES 2026 to enter the competitive smart home surveillance market with a new lineup of AI-powered cameras. The announcement, made during the sprawling consumer electronics show here, introduces the SynCare series, which includes two indoor cameras, an outdoor model, and a video doorbell, all set to launch in the second half of 2026. Pricing details for the products will be revealed later this year at IFA 2026 in Berlin, according to Ugreen representatives.

The SynCare lineup aims to bring advanced artificial intelligence features to everyday home security, focusing on seamless integration and intelligent monitoring. Ugreen, founded in 2012 in Shenzhen, China, has built a reputation for affordable yet high-quality tech accessories, with products like its Nexode series chargers earning praise from tech reviewers for their fast charging speeds and durability. This expansion into smart home devices marks a significant pivot for the brand, which has previously shied away from connected ecosystems but now seeks to capitalize on the growing demand for AI-enhanced surveillance amid rising concerns over home safety.

At the heart of the announcement were details on the indoor cameras: the ID500 Pro and ID500 Plus. Both models boast 4K video capture capabilities, along with pan-and-tilt functionality that allows users to remotely adjust the camera's view via a mobile app. A standout feature is the f1.0 aperture lens, which Ugreen says enables superior low-light performance and colorized night vision, making these cameras effective even in dimly lit rooms. According to the company's presentation, the cameras employ multimodal AI to detect and recognize people, pets, and specific events, such as a child entering a restricted area or a pet knocking over a vase.

The outdoor camera, dubbed the OD600 Pro, introduces a hybrid bullet design that's weather-rated for outdoor use, though Ugreen did not specify exact IP ratings or temperature tolerances during the reveal. This model also supports pan-and-tilt adjustments and optical zoom, allowing for detailed views of larger areas like driveways or backyards. Ugreen highlighted the camera's zoned monitoring system, powered by AI, which divides the surveillance area into three levels: an outermost penetration zone that automatically begins recording upon detection; a warning zone that activates a white light and sends a phone notification; and an alert zone that triggers an audible alarm while flashing blue and red lights to deter intruders.

Complementing the cameras is the Video Doorbell DB600 Pro, which offers head-to-toe 4K capture to provide a full view of visitors at the door. It includes intelligent package detection, alerting homeowners to deliveries left on the porch. Ugreen emphasized the doorbell's integration with the broader SynCare ecosystem, noting that it can identify specific behaviors, such as 'a stranger in black approaching the front door,' though the company provided only this example without elaborating on the full range of possible alerts.

One of the more innovative aspects of the SynCare series is its cross-camera awareness feature, available when multiple devices are installed. For instance, if one camera detects a baby crying in a nursery, another camera in a different room can broadcast an AI-generated announcement about the event. Ugreen described this as a way to create a 'unified home monitoring experience,' where the system intelligently shares information across devices without requiring constant user intervention.

To tie the system together, Ugreen introduced the Smart Display D500, a Wi-Fi hub that doubles as a central control panel. Users can view live feeds from any connected camera on its screen, and it serves as the network backbone for the SynCare products. However, company officials stressed that the display is optional; all core features, including AI detections and app-based controls, are accessible through Ugreen's forthcoming mobile application alone. This approach contrasts with some competitors who lock advanced functionalities behind proprietary hubs.

The CES 2026 reveal comes at a time when the smart home security market is booming, valued at over $30 billion globally in 2025 according to industry analysts at Statista. Major players like Ring, owned by Amazon, and Nest, under Google, dominate with their cloud-based AI and subscription models. Ugreen's entry, with its emphasis on local AI processing to potentially reduce reliance on cloud services, could appeal to privacy-conscious consumers wary of data-sharing practices. The company did not disclose whether SynCare cameras would require subscriptions for AI features, but past Ugreen products have been praised for their one-time purchase model without ongoing fees.

Attendees at the Ugreen booth in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center expressed interest in the hands-on demos, where prototype units showcased the pan-tilt controls and AI alerts in real time. One tech enthusiast, who declined to give his name, remarked on the low-light performance, saying it seemed 'on par with more expensive brands I've tested.' Ugreen's marketing team highlighted the affordability angle, positioning SynCare as a mid-range option that doesn't skimp on features.

Background on Ugreen reveals a company that started as a small exporter of USB cables and has grown into a multinational with offices in the U.S. and Europe. Its NAS products, like the DXP series, have gained traction among home users for easy media storage and backups. This smart home push aligns with broader trends at CES 2026, where AI integration was a recurring theme across exhibits, from robotic vacuums to voice assistants. The show itself, drawing over 130,000 visitors annually, serves as a launchpad for such innovations, with Ugreen joining exhibitors like Samsung and LG in showcasing future-facing tech.

While details on battery life, storage options, and compatibility with platforms like Alexa or Google Home were sparse in the initial announcement, Ugreen promised more specifications closer to launch. The Video Doorbell, for example, is wired for power but includes battery backup options, according to demo materials. Integration with existing smart home setups remains a key question, as Ugreen has not yet confirmed support for protocols like Zigbee or Matter, the emerging standard for interoperability.

Looking ahead, the SynCare launch could position Ugreen as a serious contender in the fragmented surveillance space, where consumers increasingly seek devices that offer more than basic motion detection. With global smart home adoption projected to reach 600 million households by 2027 per IDC research, Ugreen's timing seems strategic. The company plans to roll out the products first in North America and Europe, with Asia following in early 2027.

Critics of smart home tech, including privacy advocates from groups like the Electronic Frontier Foundation, have raised concerns about AI surveillance tools potentially enabling overreach. Ugreen addressed this indirectly by noting that all data processing occurs on-device where possible, though full privacy policies will be detailed pre-launch. As the SynCare series prepares for its debut, it remains to be seen how it will stack up against established rivals in real-world testing.

In the broader context of CES 2026, Ugreen's announcement underscores the event's role in democratizing advanced tech. From electric vehicles to wearable health monitors, the show highlighted innovations aimed at everyday users. For Ugreen, this venture into AI-powered surveillance represents not just product diversification but a bet on the future of connected living, where homes anticipate needs rather than merely record events.

As pricing emerges at IFA 2026, consumers will get a clearer picture of whether SynCare delivers on its promise of accessible, intelligent security. For now, the buzz from Las Vegas suggests Ugreen is off to a promising start in a market ripe for disruption.

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