Axon’s new body cameras add greater law enforcement connectivity to the security equation
If we were only to read the headlines, one might think that cybersecurity is the only form of protection one needs these days. I’ll grant you that as we venture deeper into our Digital Lifestyle and Digital Infrastructure themes, odds are cybersecurity will play an increasing role, but there will still be other forms of security and protection needed. Those along with cyber-security give rise to our Safety & Security investing theme, which is poised to benefit from increasing military spending as well as new products with new capabilities that will aid law enforcement and help improve personal security.
Axon, the preeminent manufacturer of body-worn cameras for law enforcement, has launched the latest version of its devices, known as the Axon Body 3.
The new version features gunshot detection, livestreaming, and wireless uploads.The current version of the cameras, which are typically worn in the mid-chest region, must be physically docked before investigators can access the footage. These also lack detection and livestreaming capabilities.
Since May 2018, when Axon acquired its next-largest rival, VieVu, it has had a near-monopoly in the United States on body-worn cameras. A tiny Silicon Valley startup rival, Visual Labs, has been selling its Android-based cameras, which have had livestreaming and similar wireless features for at least two years.
Axon made the announcement Saturday evening at a law enforcement conference held in Orlando, Florida. The company, formerly known as Taser, also said that it has improved the camera’s ability to capture low-light situations in the new version.
Beyond the camera, Axon promoted a new version of its previous flagship product, the Taser 7, at the event. That device is now integrated with the company’s Evidence.com cloud-based storage system.
Source: Next generation of body cams for cops can livestream, detect gunshots | Ars Technica
