Ring the Doorbox Please
Is it a lock box for keys, an intercom, or possibly just an April Fool’s stunt? According to Zatz Not Funny, this is no funny April Fool’s joke but an actual new product from Ring on its way soon to a consumer near you…though exactly what the product is remains a bit unclear. The Ring Doorbox does not appear to have a camera or motion sensors, eliminating video doorbell or security system potential. Zatz instead speculates the device is for storing keys – an alternative to smart locks as a way to allow remote in & out access for guests. Others speculate the box could be a doorbell chime for 2-way talk with whomever is at the front door/gate.
The NPD Take:
- Some consumers may not want to take on the hassle of installing a smart door lock. Then again, some consumers many not want to put this somewhat unsightly box on their front porch. Perhaps this device, if it is truly a lock box, is intended more business use – say for real estate agents or for Airbnb property owners. The doorbell chime theory seems less plausible…why introduce a product that minimizes the value of having a Ring video doorbell?
Blink, Blink…A $35 Security Camera
The $34.99 Blink Mini camera has been announced, is now available for pre-order on Amazon, and will start shipping on April 15. This indoor-only camera is of the plug-in variety, has 1080p resolution, motion detection (with customized zones), and two-way audio. It also comes with free cloud storage through the end of 2020. All of the customary activities can be done through the app – notifications, two-way audio, live views, plus customers can pair the Blink Mini with a supported Alexa-enabled device to view recorded videos, turn on live view, or arm and disarm the camera using voice commands.
The NPD Take:
- For the budget-minded consumer, a $35 price point cannot be beat, particularly given price points of other indoor cameras: Ring is for nearly twice as much on list price, and Nest Indoor Cam for a whopping $199, for example...unless you factor in the $19.99 Wyze Cam. That said, the Blink Mini does have the essentials that any indoor security camera would need.
Wyze Solves WFH Webcam Needs
Wyze has released a firmware update that turns its Wyze Cam v2 security camera into a webcam. The update involves manually installing firmware onto your Wyze camera via a microSD card. This update then temporarily turns the Wyze camera into a webcam, allowing you to plug it in the computer and access apps like Skype, Zoom, and Google Hangouts.
The NPD Take:
- Demand for webcams has suddenly spiked, all thanks to the COVID-19 shelter in place orders mandating that we work from home, party from home, play from home…essentially do everything from home. While this solution seems to be a bit clunky, it could be a good budget solution for consumers who don’t want to invest in a webcam (or can’t expense it to their company) and are willing to tinker around with the installation process.