Hey Google, Who’s at the Door?
The Arlo Video Doorbell now joins Arlo’s security cameras in supporting Google Assistant (it has been Alexa-friendly since day one). Now, in addition to the usual notifications and commands, consumers with the doorbell and one of Google’s smart displays will be able to access live video on the display by saying “Hey Google, show me the front door.”
The NPD Take:
- Google Assistant compatibility obviously broadens the appeal of the Arlo Video Doorbell among the more Google-friendly households. Priced at $150, the doorbell is also much less expensive than the $229 Nest Hello doorbell, and includes package detection along with its wide 180-degree viewing angle and 1:1 aspect ratio.
Home HVAC Systems Get Smarter
SmartAC.com has launched a smart HVAC monitoring system (and monthly membership option). The $99 system consists of three magnetic sensors that attach to your home’s air conditioning and heating system, and a central hub to which the sensors broadcast, to provide data on the air, the health of air filters, and protection from leaks and clogs in the AC drain. The company says that while the sensors do not totally eliminate the need for professional inspections, they can help catch problems in real time and result in more efficiency. In addition to the sensor system, there is a $5 per month professional monitoring plan, which lets their technicians monitor the data and alert you to potential issues.
The NPD Take:
- $99 for the sensors plus $5 per month for monitoring seems a bit steep, especially when regular professional inspections are still needed. SmartAC.com definitely solves a consumer need, but the uptake could be limited at this price point. Much also depends on the go-to-market strategy and whether they will pursue retail, direct to consumer, and/or partnering with HVAC contractors.
Logitech Launches Camera for HomeKit
Logitech has launched a new version of its Circle security camera, the Circle View – designed for HomeKit exclusively. Spec-wise, it is similar to the older Circle 2, with 1080p video, a 180-degree field of view, and infrared nighttime recording up to 15 feet away. On the outside, the camera has been designed with a permanent housing and IP64 weatherproof rating for optional outdoor use (though there is no battery option so it must be plugged in). For privacy, there is a hardware button on the back to shut off the camera and microphone to monitoring. The camera can also be tilted straight down to physically block its view to capturing video. With HomeKit Secure Video, footage is stored in iCloud. The camera is available for $160 from Logitech and Apple.
The NPD Take:
- Logitech’s Circle 2 camera was also HomeKit compatible, as well as Alexa and Google Assistant compatible – and the brand was never able to gain solid retail sales footing, having less than 1% unit share of decentralized IP camera sales in 2019. However, reviews for new Circle View claim the software design is simple to set up and very tightly integrated with HomeKit – and this is currently the only HomeKit Secure Video-specific camera on the market.