Manufacturer of rather affordable surveillance cameras, Blink adds a first connected doorbell to its catalog. Soberly called Video Doorbell, it can run on battery power and films in 1080p HD.
[update time=”1654785755″]The Blink Video Doorbell is now available for sale. As expected, it is found at a price of € 59.99.[/update]
Connected doorbells have so far been Ring’s specialty at Amazon, but Blink finally intends to enter the segment with the Blink Video Doorbell. True to its position, the firm offers with this first model an affordable solution, but not devoid of interest for all that. There are elements often reserved for more expensive models, starting with a battery or more precisely AA batteries.
100% wireless installation and 1080p video
With wifi as a bonus, the Blink Video Doorbell can be set up easily, whatever the starting configuration. However, it is also possible to connect it to the current, which will not only avoid having to recharge it, but will also make it possible to use an existing chime. In wireless use, Blink announces up to 2 years of autonomy and the possibility of using Echo devices to announce visitors. Integration with Amazon’s ecosystem obviously also makes it possible to use Alexa for voice commands.
Of course, the Blink Video Doorbell also sends alerts to the user’s smartphone each time it is activated and it is also possible to watch who is on the doorstep from the Blink Home Monitor app thanks to the on-board 1080p camera. . Accompanied by infrared LEDs for night vision, the latter offers a field of vision of 135° diagonally and can also be used to detect movements.
No local storage without subscription or accessory
Two-way audio is obviously also provided, as well as recordings. To store these, however, it will be necessary to subscribe to the offer clouds from Blink or have a Sync Module 2 sold separately in order to be able to add a USB storage medium. This Sync Module is also necessary to be able to consult live on demand when the camera is not wired. Still binding limitations. We can also add that Blink does not mention human detection and even less packages as found at Google and Arlo.
With a suggested retail price of just €59.99, the Blink Video Doorbell can nevertheless be an interesting solution, especially for those who already have their feet in the Blink/Amazon ecosystem. It will be offered in white and black, but no launch date has yet been communicated. Note in passing that Blink also announces two accessories to complete its surveillance cameras: a support with projectors and another with solar panel. They are both advertised at €39.99.