Dash cams have become indispensable given the increasing challenges of Manila traffic and, unfortunately, the erratic behavior of some drivers on the road. While you can find decent dash cams for recording your daily commutes, imagine the added benefits of integrating artificial intelligence into such a gadget and other features that can make the drive a bit more fun.
Introducing the 70mai Omni 360 Dash Cam, the first dash cam with a 360-degree rotating camera. The question is: Does that make it worth buying?
The Most Unique Dash Cam Design We’ve Encountered
In the realm of dash cams, the 70mai Omni 360 truly stands out. Unlike conventional devices or dash cams that are integrated into rear-view mirrors, its cylindrical shape is a result of its standout feature – a rotating lens.
Adding to its appeal is a 1.2” display featuring a charming startup face. Beyond its cuteness, this display showcases real-time visuals captured by the camera. The device is equipped with three buttons for turning it on, activating the hotspot, and assisting with the setup.
Installation of the 70mai Omni is straightforward. Apply the provided anti-static film to your desired location, affix the dash cam with the adhesive, and you’re good to go. However, due to its unique design, determining the optimal placement on your vehicle may require some consideration.
To access all features and set up the device, you’ll have to download the 70mai app. While it’s not entirely plug-and-play, the process is swift and user-friendly. The built-in 64GB storage, in our case, proved more than sufficient, since we still mostly from home these days.
How’s the Video Quality?
The video quality of the 70mai Omni Dash Cam pleasantly exceeded expectations, even in challenging low-light conditions. With a capacity to record at 1080p at 30p or 60p and a 140-degree field of vision, it provides clear footage, sufficient for monitoring your surroundings and capturing license plate details within a car’s length.
In addition to timestamps and dates, the Omni tracks your estimated speed during clips and provides GPS coordinates for precise reporting of unfortunate events. Default recording in 1-minute increments allows easy retrieval of specific instances, though this length can be adjusted in the app to a maximum of 5 minutes.
What Sets the 70mai Omni 360 Apart?
Beyond its video capabilities, the 70mai Omni features an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) offering lane departure warnings and proximity alerts to other vehicles and pedestrians. While useful, I opted to disable these features given the chaotic traffic in Manila.
The device also organizes emergency footage into an album upon detection of an event, although minor bumps may trigger this function.
A noteworthy feature that we first saw in a video by our friends at DiscoverMNL is the voice control functionality. Commands such as taking a selfie or shooting a vlog add convenience, especially in the age of content creation. However, we chose to disable voice commands due to our work-related conversations inadvertently triggering the camera.
There are other features that use AI to keep your vehicle even more secure while you’re parked but you will need to purchase an additional hardware kit.
70mai Omni 360 Review Verdict
The 70mai Omni 360 Dash Cam has a ton of novel features that can be perceived as gimmicky, but at its core, you do have a very capable dash cam. The additional features are optional, providing flexibility for users. However, the higher price point may be a deterrent, making it essential to weigh the importance of these extras.
70mai Omni Dash Cam Price in the Philippines
Priced at Php 7,299 on their Flagship Store on Lazada. You can check out their store for more options since 70mai does offer a range of options to suit your specific needs and budget.
