If you’ve noticed the recent proliferation of viral videos showing potential porchfront thieves getting pinched while attempting to steal packages, don’t chalk it up to a passing trend.
That’s because smart doorbell makers have capitalized on a side perk of having a smart doorbell with video – namely, the added security – and put additional focus on keeping you, and your Amazon deliveries, safe and sound. In fact, as smart doorbells edge further into home security territory, their multi-purpose use makes smart doorbell installation seem like an increasingly good idea.
If you’re not yet hip to this seemingly banal smart home component, it’s understandable. In this post, we’ll explain more about the array of features touted by products like the Ring Doorbell or Nest Hello Doorbell, and why you should seriously consider installing one today.
Nest Video Doorbell
Photo Credit: Nest
Case in point – the Nest Hello Doorbell can actually learn to recognize faces in just a few days, and if you opt for the subscription, can notify you whenever someone you recognize – or don’t recognize – steps up to your door or gives you a buzz.
In terms of specs, this Nest video doorbell offers super-clear HDR video with a 4:3 aspect ratio and 160-degree field of vision, so you can get a head-to-toe look at whoever is at the door. In low light it automatically switches to a crystal clear night vision mode, and you can opt for 24/7 recording, which is saved to the Nest cloud.
You don’t have to be at home to stay on top of things, of course. With the Nest app, you can catch all the action on your smartphone – but if you do happen to be at home, you can also use Chromecast to scope things out on your television.
And if you happen to be out and about, use the two-way microphone to communicate right from your device. This means you can tell a package delivery person where and how to leave a package – and if you know you’ll be busy, you can even play a pre-recorded message with instructions.
The Nest video doorbell is definitely a premium option, and needs to be hardwired into your home, which is perfect for those who don’t want to worry about WiFi connection or replacing the battery. But if you’re looking for something more modular that can be installed somewhat quicker, the Ring Doorbell is also a great option.
Ring Video Doorbell
The Ring Video Doorbell, in comparison, offers 1080p HD video, and many of the same features as the Nest video doorbell. You can speak and listen to visitors remotely via the smartphone app, and see who’s at the door from anywhere in the world in real-time. It also offers an impressive night vision feature, as well as 24/7 cloud recording for a nominal fee.
Where it departs from the Nest Doorbell is that the Ring Doorbell has a lighter footprint – Ring Doorbell installation doesn’t require hardwiring, so it is definitely a quicker process, though this does mean that you’ll be replacing the rechargeable battery pack from time to time. To lengthen battery life between charges, the Ring Video Doorbell features a motion sensor that kicks in when someone approaches, as opposed to the Nest Doorbell, which runs constantly.
August Smart Lock
Both these smart doorbells couple spectacularly with the August Smart Lock, which allows you to lock or unlock your door from anywhere in the world via the August app. August Smart Lock installation is also simple, as it attaches to your current deadbolt lock.
Through the app, you can send guests temporary keys as easily as you’d send them a text, and the system is also compatible with your other smart home assistants, like Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri.
The August Smart Lock Second Generation also locks automatically behind you, and can let you know if your door is open or shut, answering once and for all the question we always have 15 minutes into a road trip: “Wait, did we lock the front door?” It can also save you a late-night trip downstairs to double-check if all is secure before you head off to bed.
Let Puls handle your install
If you’re looking for professional smart doorbell installation, you can turn to Puls for all your smart doorbell (and other smart home setup) needs. Simply book a time online, and a certified Puls technician will arrive at your door within the same day to make sure that it’s all set up and ready to go in no time.
