Smart security cameras continue to evolve rapidly—and the new Ulticam IQ V2 from Xthings represents one of the most advanced, open-ecosystem options to hit the market. Launching at the end of December 2025 for $199, the IQ V2 blends 4K UHD imaging, edge-based AI detection, Gemini-powered cloud intelligence, industry-wide compatibility, and lifetime free cloud storage. Whether you’re building your first smart home or upgrading a full property surveillance system, the IQ V2 is designed for homeowners, security enthusiasts, prosumers, and professional installers who want maximum capability without subscription lock-in.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know before you buy—including key features, compatibility, installation requirements, storage options, and what sets this Matter 1.5-ready AI camera apart from traditional security cameras.

What Is the Ulticam IQ V2?

The Ulticam IQ V2 is the newest AI-powered wired and wireless security camera from Xthings. It’s built on three major pillars:

1. Professional-grade video & hardware

• 4K UHD (3840×2160) resolution with HDR
• 160° diagonal field of view
• Infrared night vision up to 10 meters
• Two-way audio with built-in mic and speaker
• Integrated spotlight & siren for active deterrence
• Rugged weather resistance from –4 °F to 122 °F
• PoE, Wi-Fi, BLE, and optional LTE fallback for flexible installs
• Local SD card support up to 512 GB

2. Advanced AI with edge computing + Google Gemini Cloud Intelligence

Ulticam uses on-device processing for instant detection while combining it with cloud-based scene intelligence for deep analysis, event summarization, and natural-language search.

3. Universal smart home compatibility

The camera is Matter 1.5-ready and supports ONVIF Profile T, making it compatible with nearly any smart home, security hub, or NVR system.

Visit Ulticam Amazon Store for Pricing.

Key Features Buyers Should Know Before Purchasing

1. Edge AI + Gemini Cloud Intelligence: Powerful Detection & Smart Insights

The Ulticam IQ V2 stands out by combining real-time edge AI detection with Google Gemini-powered cloud scene intelligence. This dual approach provides speed, context, and accuracy that most cameras lack.

On-Device Edge AI Detection

The camera processes important events locally for instant alerts:

• Person detection
• Vehicle detection + vehicle type/classification
• Pet detection (cats & dogs)
• Package detection
• Fire & smoke alerts
• Crying-sound detection

Edge AI reduces false alerts and prevents delays when your internet drops or slows.

Gemini Cloud Intelligence

Google’s Gemini on Google Cloud powers advanced scene understanding and search features:

• Natural-language search
  (“Show me when the delivery driver came yesterday.”
  “Find clips of a red car in the driveway.”)
• Cross-camera search across your entire property
• Automated incident playback
  Related clips are stitched together into a clean narrative timeline.
• Daily summaries & behavioral analytics
  Activity by zone, time of day, and risk level.
• Risk ratings & prioritization
  Helps reduce false alerts by up to 99%.
• Future updates will include behavioral analysis and more advanced vehicle attributes.

These features make the IQ V2 feel more like a smart assistant for your home security rather than a standard motion camera.

Visit Ulticam Amazon Store for Pricing.

2. Full Smart Home Freedom: Matter 1.5 + ONVIF + Multi-Network Support

Most cameras lock you into one ecosystem. Ulticam takes the opposite approach.

Matter 1.5-Ready

When Matter 1.5 introduces universal camera support across platforms, the IQ V2 is already prepared. You’ll be able to view live feeds and integrate automations across supported platforms.

ONVIF Profile T

For more advanced users (or professionals), ONVIF allows:

• NVR integration
• Custom security systems
• Multi-camera dashboards
• Third-party VMS compatibility

Flexible Connectivity

Unlike most PoE cameras, the IQ V2 supports:

• RJ45 PoE
• Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz
• Bluetooth LE 5.0
• Optional LTE fallback

It can be deployed in homes, offices, garages, remote structures, and other locations where PoE may not be available.

3. Professional Video Quality and Night Performance

With 4K UHD resolution and improved low-light imaging, this camera captures more precise details compared to many 1080p or older 4K sensors.

Video advantages include:

• Better facial and license-plate clarity
• Wider surveillance coverage with 160° FOV
• Improved HDR for contrast-heavy scenes
• Up to 10 m of IR night vision
• Controlled light exposure in tricky environments (e.g., glare, backlighting)

The built-in spotlight also enhances nighttime detail and can activate automatically when motion is detected.

4. Storage: Free Cloud + Local Backup Without a Subscription

The Ulticam IQ V2 includes one of the best storage packages in the smart camera market:

Lifetime free rolling 7-day cloud storage

No subscriptions required.
No paywalls.
No “AI-only with premium tiers.”

Local SD card storage (up to 512 GB)

For redundancy and immediate access on your home network.

End-to-end encrypted streams & recordings

Note: Unlike older models, the IQ V2 does not include internal eMMC storage; all users rely on cloud storage and an SD card.

5. Installation and Setup: PoE or Wi-Fi for Any Skill Level

The Ulticam IQ V2 is designed for both DIY homeowners and professional installers.

PoE Install Advantages

• Single cable for power + data
• More stable connection
• Ideal for large homes or multi-camera systems

Wi-Fi Install Advantages

• No wiring required
• Fast setup
• Ideal for apartments, small homes, or renters

The camera is rated for indoor or outdoor use with a wide temperature tolerance.

6. Pricing and Availability

The Ulticam IQ V2 launches in December 2025 for $199 and will be available at:

• ulticam.com
• Amazon

Given its feature set—4K video, Matter, ONVIF, Gemini AI, free cloud, PoE, and local storage—the price positions it as one of the most affordable “pro-grade” AI cameras on the market.

Visit Ulticam Amazon Store for Pricing.

Who Should Buy the Ulticam IQ V2?

The IQ V2 is ideal for buyers who want:

• Future-proof smart home compatibility (Matter 1.5-ready)
• Advanced AI detection without subscription costs
• High video quality for identification
• Cloud intelligence powered by Google Gemini
• Professional-grade PoE installation options

It’s a standout option for:

• Homeowners building multi-camera systems
• Smart-home enthusiasts who want long-term compatibility
• Businesses needing reliable PoE cameras
• Users who want advanced AI without recurring fees
• Anyone tired of ecosystem lock-in

Summary

The Ulticam IQ V2 sets a new standard for open, AI-powered home security. Its combination of 4K video, Gemini scene intelligence, edge-based detection, Matter support, ONVIF compatibility, and free cloud storage makes it one of the most future-ready security cameras available. For buyers who want smart features without sacrificing privacy, flexibility, or ongoing costs, this camera is one of the best options entering the 2025–2026 market.

GearBrain Compatibility Tip

Before buying, check compatibility on GearBrain’s Smart Device Compatibility Finder to ensure your chosen lights, sensors, and hubs work together across Alexa, Google Assistant, and Matter ecosystems.