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rotation and 160 vertical tilt, which is controlled from the display unit, the camera can really be placed anywhere in your baby’s room. Two “ears” on the camera will help it visually settle into your nursery’s decor, and maybe even get a smile out of your newborn. For added assurance, a speaker is built into the back of the camera, which can be used for communicating or for playing one of the included lullabies as your baby drifts off to sleep. The video sensor transmits HD video day and night—with automatic detection to activate the camera’s night vision mode—alongside audio from the camera’s location. The night vision is necessarily black and white, but very clearly captures your baby and his or her surroundings. If you’ve only ever seen smartphone video for the last several years, you will definitely be surprised by what night vision video capabilities have been developed. Gone are the grainy days of the past, it’s like watching an HD black and white movie. In addition to the video sensor, the camera includes a temperature sensor to make sure the baby doesn’t get too hot or cold, and a microphone that will alert you of any loud noises (like when the baby starts crying). On the other end of the experience is, of course, the display unit. This dedicated display and controller measures about 5” across and 3.7” tall, and includes the 5” diagonal HD screen and an array of buttons to control the display and the camera. A kickstand pops out the back for resting the display on your countertop or coffee table, and an antenna flips up to increase the wireless range if you need it—up to 900 feet from the camera unit. There are quite a few buttons, but after you get your BM1 Video Baby Monitor setup, you probably will not have to use most of them very often. Other than the power button on the top of the unit, your other go-to button is the one-click zoom. This allows you to really zoom in on your child at any point for a close-up view. A 4-way button around this zoom button will control the view of the camera, and other buttons can be used to adjust brightness, enter the menu, or to talk to your baby through the 2-way voice communication. The display unit has an active battery life of 10 hours to get you through the night. It charges via an included USB-C cord (different from the micro-USB used for the camera), which is generously long to ensure that you can set it up on your nightstand regardless of where your outlets are. That 5” screen does hog the battery life, and the BM1 will need to be charged every day, so it’s nice to have the fast charging afforded by a USB-C connection here for those inevitable times when you forget to leave it plugged in. If you happen to have multiple youngins that you are responsible for, you’ll love the multi-camera functions on the BM1. Up to 4 cameras can be connected to the monitor unit, giving you the ability to cycle through cameras or see them all on the screen at the same time. Never lose track of your little ones again or get caught juggling multiple monitors. While smart, connected cameras have entered our lives in a big way over the last decade, there is something to be said about a dedicated device for such a crucial function. As much as I rely on technology, I don’t want to have to trust my smartphone notifications, or keep it in my hand at all times, to keep an eye on my child. The Papalook BM1 Video Baby Monitor leverages modern technology to make a highly effective, affordable baby monitor that eliminates doubt and gives you ultimate control of your viewing in the palm of your hand. For more information, visit: www.papalook.com