Petcube Bites 2

I’ve had this for a few days now and I have to say it is a great addition to our “smart home”. With the kids going back to school, we wanted to get something that allowed us to stay in touch and interact with the latest addition to our family -- our rescue dog named Oreo. The Petcube exceeded my expectations in every way. From the initial unboxing, I was impressed with the quality of the materials and fit-and-finish of the Petcube. I downloaded the Petcube app using the QR code and walked through the setup to attach it to my home network. The configuration went smoothly and within 10 minutes the Petcube was online, connected to my home network and integrated to my Amazon account for Alexa use. I loaded the included treats into the dispenser and set the Petcube on the floor so that Oreo could walk around it. I grabbed one of the treats and placed it in front of the Petcube and she snapped that right up and began sniffing for more, immediately around the sides of Petcube. I opened the app to try and figure out how to dispense a treat. Pulling up the camera view, I was really impressed with the quality and detail of the picture from the Petcube. I do have several RIng cameras so I thought I knew what to expect but the picture output from the Petcube is really crystal clear. I dispensed a treat and Oreo didn’t quite get it at first but after the second dispensed treat, she got the idea. I dispensed a couple more times to see if she really liked the treats and she chased them down so it seems she does. Next, I wanted to try the two-way audio. I moved to another room and called Oreo from the Petcube. She was definitely confused with my voice coming from the Petcube but ultimately responded to my command to “go home”. So far so good! I’m interested in seeing how the bark alert works but she generally doesn’t bark much unless the pool guy comes into the backyard so I’ll have to see next week. I moved back into the room to test the Alexa integration. I have an Amazon Echo in the same room as I was testing so I wasn’t sure if it would work at all. To my surprise, the Petcube responded to the “Alexa” wake word rather than my Echo and the integrated speaker in the unit is quite good -- Alexa responses are clear and very easy to understand. I’m going to test a bit more and possibly find a new home for the Echo! Overall, I’m very happy with my purchase of the Petcube and will be installing the app on my kid’s devices as well. I’ll post an update a few weeks from now.

This has been disappointing. Starting with unboxing: there was only one treat adapter included (already installed). There was a small, empty box that looked as if it would hold the other supposedly included adapters. No sample treats were included. Not a big deal but the item description stated that a sample would be included. Seeing an example of recommended treat size/consistency (according to the nonexistent samples) would have been nice. Connectivity was, initially, a disaster and an exercise in frustration. After finally establishing a connection, the camera would periodically go off line for no apparent reason. Camera quality: good until it switches to “night vision.” In low light mode one can barely discern objects. Tossing treats: Does a decent job of tossing treats. Every fourth or fifth time, though, there’s a horrible grinding noise & no treat. Maybe that has something to do with the treat adapters that didn’t come with my order. The treat container will be 2/3 to 3/4 full and the app will display a “low treat level” message. Can’t figure that one out. The Alexa skill: that is a joke & I won’t waste time or space on how it RARELY works. I gave 2 stars because, when it works as it has been marketed, it’s great. I gave only 2 stars because it rarely works as marketed. I am still using this camera despite my frustration & disappointment with it. I did add another treat camera that is a different brand. The great experience with the other brand probably exemplifies how disapponting this one performs. *** Customer service contacted me & replaced the Bites 2 camera. From connecting to Wifi to functionality, the unit has operated exactly as it should. Connection was instant and the connection has been consistant. The treat tossing funtion has operated as desired every time. I have to assume that I just received a “lemon” the first time. This camera is fantastic. I am also assumming that my initial emails to customer service were either lost or misdirected because they have been in constant contact, apprising me of every concern & action that they were taking. I recommend this camera 100 percent!!

Been using Petcube Bites 2 for a week now and so far satisfied with the purchase: PROS: - Easy to set up, works out of the box. - Compact size compared to the previous model. - Nice video and audio quality, dog can actually recognize my voice. - Although Alexa is built in, you don't have to enable/use it. - When your pet is out of camera's sight, you can lure it using treats. Very handy! CONS: - No user manual included. Couldn't figure out the purpose of orange inserts (they're packed with cables) until opened product tech specs. To save your time -- "3 orange inserts help control how many treats you fling at once". - Couldn't find 5GHz WiFi network, had to use 2.4GHz. - Night vision range is limited, especially if there are any bright/reflecting objects in sight. - Video history "smart filters" don't always correctly recognize human/pet on a video (yet?) HINT: If you go through the steps of buying Petcube Care service but don't finalize it, you'll later get an follow up email with a discount code.

So easy to set up - less that 10 minutes. Camera really good. Lots of room for treats. I’m in Singapore and Alexa works fine! So happy with this product- 5* recommended!

Garbage

Worked for a few months then the cord to plug it in stopped connecting properly and now it won’t stay on. Treat dispenser stopped working within a few months too.

I already have a normal video cam installed to check in on my dogs. Thought Petcube Bites would be a great addition as I can feed them treats. However the video resolution was a disappointment. Had assumed that for this price point, resolution should be on par compared to other video cams in the market costing less than half the price. The app is also not ideal, always requiring some time to reconnect to watch the live feed, and this also means there will be times i cannot connect to feed them treats.

The Petcube 2 came straight from the US, with a US connector, so I had to buy a SN connector to be able to use it. Also Alexa is not available in Singapore. I paid a premium price for extra’s that I cannot use here. I had better bought the Petcube 1, that had saved me a lot of money with the same options. Amazon SG should have provided better information.