I have to add an update (already) on the FI8908W that I presented earlier, and this time, there's good news for Linux, Mac and Firefox users! (corresponding firmware for fi8909w-NA and fi8903/04w here)
Since people at Foscam already proved very responsive, I sent them another question about the chances to see some support for non-ActiveX browsers in a future firmware.
While I expected something like "sorry, this is not planned for this product", the actual answer was:
"Here is an updated firmware with server push mode (for Firefox, chrome an such) and also the method to directly intercept the video stream into VLC"...!!!
To the reply was attached a newer firmware 11.14.1.42 and Web UI 2.4.8.11 to replace the original 11.14.1.34 and Web UI 2.4.8.9
After that update, the login page presented an additional login section for the non-ActiveX browsers (Server Push Mode).
The control interface is similar to the operator interface of the ActiveX version presented earlier (no visitor section, so, no sound control and no multi-device support), but this time, it's platform independent!
I only started to play with the new interface today, but here are some possibilities already:
Loading the live view directly:
http://ipcam_url/live.htm
Taking a snapshot from the camera (convenient when accessing from a mobile phone):
http://
Loading the stream into a media player such as VLC:
http://
Below is the updated verdict:
Pros:
+ Good set of features
+ Good image quality day and night
+ Responsive technical support
+ Platform Independent, Linux friendly, Apple friendly, Mobile Phone...
+ Video stream can be intercepted into VLC
Cons:
- UPnP still not usable
- Poor embedded speaker quality
A word of caution about non-Foscam clones and firmware update:
I became aware that some ip cameras exactly similar in look to the fi8908w are using a totally different firmware. Their fw cannot be flashed on Foscam and Foscam fw cannot be flashed on them. This would instantly turn your device into a paperweight.
With recent feedback, it appears that the cameras sold by DealExtreme are not specifically from Foscam. On eBay, it's also a mix and if you are lucky, the seller will show some screenshots of the interface on his page.
If the interface of your camera looks like any of these:
...chances are that you have a camera that is not compatible with Foscam firmware.
Pay also attention to the box appearance when showed by the seller (Foscam box look like this).
So beware, don't try to mix and match, it takes just 10 seconds to brick your toy forever!