Synology extends BeeStation Plus into local video monitoring with BeeCamera app

Synology has expanded the scope of its BeeStation Plus with a new home and small-scale monitoring capability, delivered through the BeeCamera mobile app. The update positions the device beyond personal storage, adding local video surveillance without relying on cloud services or subscription fees.

The system combines BeeStation Plus with supported Synology cameras, enabling on-device AI detection and unified access to video feeds, alerts, and recorded events. The approach centres on keeping footage and processing local, rather than routing data through external platforms.

Local-first monitoring without recurring fees

BeeStation Plus retains its original role as a plug-and-play storage hub, while introducing monitoring features that operate within the same environment. Through the BeeCamera app, users can access live video, receive alerts, and review recorded events from a single interface.

Detection is handled on the camera, with support for identifying people, pets, vehicles, and intrusion events. This reduces dependence on cloud-based processing while allowing alerts to be triggered based on defined criteria.

Yi Ma, Senior Product Manager of BeeStation, said, “BeeStation Plus is built to be a digital hub for home and for small teams.” He added, “With video becoming a bigger part of everyday life, BeeStation offers a simple way to manage monitoring alongside files and photos, keeping everything private and under the user’s control.” The positioning reflects a broader attempt to consolidate storage and monitoring into a single system, rather than separating them across different services.

Flexible controls for home and small business use

Users can connect up to four cameras and configure monitoring settings through the app. This includes adjusting detection zones, setting recording schedules, and managing alert sensitivity to reduce unnecessary notifications.

Storage remains shared across files, photos, and video footage, with retention settings determined by available capacity. Detected events are grouped into a central timeline, allowing users to filter by event type and review activity across the day.

Clips can be saved into a dedicated collection to prevent them from being overwritten during routine storage cycles. This applies to both functional use cases, such as keeping footage for reference, and personal use, such as preserving specific moments.

Shared access and multi-user support

The system supports up to eight invited users, each able to view live feeds, receive alerts, and access recorded events. This enables shared visibility across households or small teams without requiring separate systems.

Synology positions the setup for both home environments and micro-businesses, where users may need basic monitoring without committing to ongoing subscription costs. The inclusion of local AI detection and shared access suggests a focus on practicality rather than scale.

The BeeCamera mobile app requires BeeStation Plus running BeeStation OS 1.5 or later and works with supported Synology camera models including CC400W, BC500, and TC500.