There's no denying the pandemic has been hard on everyone, including those who are grieving from the loss of a loved one. In an effort to limit large gatherings, many have had to resort to attending funerals and wakes via livestream.
But to help keep the memory alive, and to make the loss slightly easier to cope with, is AFTR — a company that offers a line of cemetery cameras that allow you and your family members to visit loved ones' gravesites right through your phone and tablet, no matter where you are.
The lineup includes two different camera options: the GroundCam and the MountCam. Both devices are available at a starting price of $500.
The GroundCam works best if you have space around the area where the headstone sits, and it also works all shapes and sizes. It's meant to be installed into the ground so that it can sit in front of the memorial.
The GroundCam.Credit: AftrTo secure it, you have the option between two types of mounts. There's the GroundCam Base that's best suited for flat ground (which comes with additional pegs) or an all-terrain base for bracket for areas with steep terrain or slopes.
If the area doesn't have all that much space, then you can instead opt for the MountCam which is designed to be installed on top of the headstone via mounting clamps. It has an extendable arm and lens that's adjustable so the headstone is fully in the frame.
Regardless of the type, both cameras come equipped with the same specs. There's a 1080p camera, infrared light to stream at night, a microphone to listen in on sounds from around the headstone, and a speaker that allows you to speak to your loved one.
The MountCam.Credit: Aftr.With solar panels built in, you also won't have to worry about the battery life. As long as the sun is out, the cameras will stay charged, allowing you to check in with the camera as often as you'd like. Without a solar recharge, however, each camera can last up to 23 days if you're using it for an hour each day.
With an IP67 rating, the cameras are weatherproof so you won't have to worry about whether they'll be damaged in the rain or snow.
Once the camera is set up, you'll use AFTR's companion app (available for iOS and Android) to check in on the memorial and to control the camera — whether it's to connect with your loved one or make sure the area is being well-cared for.
You can use the camera to take photos and videos fo the memorial.Credit: aftr.
You can also check in whenever you miss them.Credit: aftrIt also comes with a few additional features like the ability to stream music from Spotify and write your personal thoughts in its built-in diary.
You'll have to pay an additional subscription fee for the app, though. AFTR has two plans available: Peace of Mind and Stay Connected.
Peace of Mind will cost you $4.99 per month and allows you to capture photos of the gravesite once a day while Stay Connected is $12.99 per month and allows you to access the stream 24/7.
Additionally, the company is offering its messaging feature for free due to the pandemic (otherwise it's an additional $5 per month or $99 for a lifetime membership). That way, family and friends can also use the app to leave messages that will be delivered on special dates like anniversaries or birthdays.
AFTR's cameras are officially available and can be purchased through AFTR's site.
