BY VIEWCAST    UPDATED August 17, 2025

DS cam, designed for seamless integration with Synology NAS (Network Attached Storage), stands out as a sophisticated app for remote surveillance. It leverages the powerful features of Synology's Surveillance Station, offering users a robust solution for monitoring and security.
The app's main draw is its ability to transform inexpensive cameras into high-end security systems capable of motion detection. Users can enjoy the convenience of push notifications and anticipate adding more cameras to their setup. A recent update has significantly improved the app's performance, including faster loading times and the ability to preview multiple cameras simultaneously.
Improvements in usability and interface, such as the timeline view for reviewing recordings and motion detection triggers, have greatly enhanced the user experience. Users appreciate the white scheme update, noting the app's transformation from being fairly basic to excellent in functionality.
A common theme among users is the high quality of support provided by Synology. Issues reported with the app, such as audio malfunctions and the PTZ (Pan, Tilt, Zoom) feature breakdown, have been promptly addressed through updates. These swift resolutions highlight Synology’s commitment to maintaining and improving DS cam’s performance.
The app's continuous development and improvement, as evidenced by user experiences, indicate a commitment to excellence. The ability to integrate with Synology's latest DSM updates and NAS devices like the ds214play showcases the app's compatibility and enhanced speed, which is particularly noticeable in the most recent versions.
While DS cam delivers a powerful surveillance solution, users should note that it is not a plug-and-play app. Success with DS cam involves reading the documentation thoroughly to understand its setup and functionality. Furthermore, some users have encountered challenges such as scrolling through long lists to locate specific recordings, indicating areas where the app could improve its user interface for an even smoother experience.
DS cam, through its integration with Synology NAS devices, presents a comprehensive tool for surveillance and security. Its continuous updates, responsive support, and expanding features like motion detection and timeline review are testimonies to Synology’s dedication to user satisfaction and technological advancement.
Yes, DS cam leverages Synology's Surveillance Station to enable motion detection capabilities in connected cameras, enhancing their security functionality.
Synology frequently updates the DS cam app to address user-reported issues, improve its functionality, and ensure compatibility with the latest DSM updates and NAS devices.
DS cam requires some initial setup and familiarization with the documentation to fully utilize its features, indicating a moderate learning curve for new users.
Yes, DS cam provides access to the recorded footage directly from the camera's live view, including a timeline review feature to easily locate specific incidents.
DS cam is primarily a mobile app designed for smartphones. However, you can run DS cam on your computer using an Android emulator. An Android emulator allows you to run Android apps on your PC. Here's how to install DS cam on your PC using Android emuator:
Visit any Android emulator website. Download the latest version of Android emulator compatible with your operating system (Windows or macOS). Install Android emulator by following the on-screen instructions.
Launch Android emulator and complete the initial setup, including signing in with your Google account.
Inside Android emulator, open the Google Play Store (it's like the Android Play Store) and search for "DS cam."Click on the DS cam app, and then click the "Install" button to download and install DS cam.
You can also download the APK from this page and install DS cam without Google Play Store.
You can now use DS cam on your PC within the Anroid emulator. Keep in mind that it will look and feel like the mobile app, so you'll navigate using a mouse and keyboard.

