This contactless video doorbell at CES 2021 rings by itself to keep your hands clean

This story is part of THESE, where our editors will bring you the latest news and the hottest gadgets from fully virtual CES 2021.

We knew we expected a lot of pandemic-inspired presentations this year’s fully virtual CES technology showcase, with all kinds of new products designed to help keep your hands (and your germs) to yourself. Among them is a new Alarm.com video doorbell that uses video analytics to ring whenever it sees someone standing on your carpet.

This design eliminates the need for anyone to physically press a button, and the built-in camera and microphone let you talk to them through your phone without opening the door. It’s a pretty smart idea, and a good solution for anyone who has spent the past ten months disinfecting their door every time a package or pizza is dropped off.

“Our contactless video doorbell helps homeowners and visitors maintain their social distance and avoid encountering germs, bacteria and viruses that may exist on surfaces around the front door,” says Anne Ferguson, vice -President of Marketing for Alarm.com. “Adding this contactless solution to a smart home security system powered by Alarm.com is another way to stay vigilant and protect each other.

The unconventional doorbell includes labeling that instructs your visitor not to touch it – and if you wish, you can add an accompanying doormat to make the use case even more apparent. This is only a doormat, however (and sold separately) – person detection is via the doorbell camera.

In addition to sounding the chime, standing in front of the doorbell can also trigger other Alarm.com devices, like smart lights. Alarm.com adds that the doorbell is also smart enough to differentiate between people, animals, and packages to prevent false rings.

As for the specs, the doorbell features 150 degree field of view, infrared night vision, Full HD resolution with HDR and on-board heater to prevent the doorbell from getting too cold during Winter. Recorded clips are uploaded to the Alarm.com Network Operations Center and you can view them through the Alarm.com app for up to 60 days. An option for local storage of these clips would have been a good addition, concerned about privacy, but given that this is a home security system accessory, most will want surveillance professionals who monitor their homes have access to these images in the event of a problem. emergency.

Alarm.com did not share pricing or availability details here at launch, but a company spokesperson told me it will be available for under $ 200. For now, expect to see the trusted doorbell and mat from authorized Alarm.com providers in your area.

Correction, 11:30 am: The doormat is sold separately and does not help the doorbell’s person detection capabilities, which uses video analysis through the built-in camera.