Turn an old iPod touch or iPhone into a WiFi security camera
Summary: A free iOS app turns any iDevice into a free, wireless security camera that records and streams video via the cloud and allows you watch it remotely in real-time.
I have been looking into the array of spy cams and security security software available and also of remote monitoring and home automation.
I have previously used ArcherFish Solo cameras but have since replaced them with DropCams – and I can't wait for Canary to go into production. I also dig Twine, Nest, Hue and innovative trackers like Tile, Foboand Trackdot.
Back to cameras for a second though. The problem with them is twofold, 1) the hardware can be expensive, and 2) there's a recurring cost for the service. But you're in luck, I've got the answer to both problems and you can have a wireless, network-enabled camera for nothing, at least while it's in beta.
Manything is an innovative new service that turns your iOS 5+ device (including that old iPod touch or iPhone collecting dust in a drawer) into a free WiFi video camera. The Manything iOS app (free, App Store) records and streams video via the cloud to your manything.com account and allows you watch it remotely in real-time, view recorded sessions and make and share clips.
Compatible devices include:
- iPhone 3GS, 4, 4S, 5
- iPod Touch 4th and 5th generation
- iPad 2,3,4
- iPad mini
If you have an unused iOS 5 device around, that solves problem 1 above. The second problem (the recurring fee for the service) is also covered because the Manything service is free during the beta period. After that, pricing for the storage is reasonable: 1GB is free, 3GB is $3 per month, 10GB is $8 per month, and 50GB is $15 per month.
The service includes:
- Live monitoring
- Sound & movement detection
- Unlimited devices
- Clip sharing
A great use for an old iOS device that you might have laying around.



