What is the CR63-TE and do we need one?

It's a new telephoto camera with a built-in LTE modem, built for long-range 4K coverage in spots where running new cable isn't practical. It's an optional hardware upgrade — your account team can quote it for any area on your site that's been hard to cover.

Will the new real-time detection categories create more false alerts?

The new flags target specific events — concealed or grabbed items, obstructed exits, wrong-way vehicle movement — rather than broad motion detection, which keeps the alert volume focused on events worth acting on.

When will these updates reach our cameras?

Verkada rolls included software updates out on a staggered schedule, so timing can vary by account. If a feature hasn't appeared yet, your Fortified account manager can confirm where your account sits in the rollout.

Security

What's New in Verkada Cameras: October 2026 Release

October 1, 2026

Fortified Technologies

Verkada security camera installed on a commercial building

"Verkada's October 2026 release adds a cellular-connected telephoto camera, real-time theft and safety flagging, and a sharper AI search model. Here's what changed and what it means for your site."

Verkada's October 2026 platform release brings three changes to the camera lineup: a new long-range camera that solves a cabling problem, smarter real-time detection for theft and safety events, and a noticeably better search experience across existing footage. Two of the three are already live on the account at no extra cost.

Understanding the Release Badges

Included features ship free to the existing Command license. There is nothing to schedule or buy.

New Hardware is an optional upgrade your Fortified account team can quote whenever you are ready.

Long-Range 4K Coverage Without Trenching New Cable

The CR63-TE Telephoto Remote Camera is new hardware built for the cabling problem that comes up on almost every large site: the spot needing 4K coverage is exactly the spot furthest from existing network drops. That could be a parking lot perimeter, a back gate, a laydown yard, or a rooftop sightline.

The CR63-TE runs on a built-in LTE modem instead of requiring a hardwired connection, so long-distance 4K coverage no longer means trenching, conduit, or an electrical contractor before installation. For sites with large lots or multiple buildings, this can turn a multi-week cabling project into a single-visit install.

Release badge: New Hardware. The CR63-TE is an optional upgrade.

Theft, Safety, and Blocked-Exit Events Flagged in Real Time

Command now flags a wider set of events automatically as they happen: concealed or grabbed items, obstructed doors or exits, and vehicles moving the wrong way through a lane. On sites with drone response configured, a critical alert can trigger an automatic drone launch.

This is a software update to Command's existing analytics engine. There is nothing to install or schedule, and it is available at no additional cost.

Release badge: Included.

A Sharper Way to Search Your Footage

Command's AI search has a new underlying model that returns sharper results, including combined "and / not" queries. For example, an investigator can find every clip showing a person carrying a bag while excluding anyone in a hi-vis vest.

More precise filtering cuts down near-miss results during an investigation, helping teams get from a broad description to the relevant footage faster.

Release badge: Included.

Rollout Timing

Included software updates roll out to Verkada accounts on a staggered schedule, so one site may see a feature before another. If a feature has not appeared yet, your Fortified account manager can confirm rollout timing.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Both are software updates to Command's existing analytics and search engine, so they're included free on cameras already covered by your Fortified Technologies license.