SimpliSafe launches new $ 169 video doorbell

SimpliSafe popular install-it-yourself security system today receives a new key component: the SimpliSafe video doorbell. Available online and at the best price for $ 169, the new doorbell operates as part of a larger SimpliSafe configuration, or alone, as a stand-alone device, no Simplisafe system is needed.

Here is a quick summary of the key specifications:

• 1080p camera with HDR imaging
• 162 degree field of view
• Infrared night vision
• Dual sensor motion detection (thermal signature and image classification)
• Two-way audio connection via the SimpliSafe app
• Replaces wired doorbells from 8V to 24V
• Interchangeable plates (obsidian, cloud and jade)
• Cloud storage of records available for a minimum charge of $ 5 per month

All that compares favorably enough to the property of Amazon Ring Video Doorbell Pro ($ 249) and the property of Google Hello nest video doorbell ($ 229). These two alternatives offer 1080p video with a 160-degree field of view, as well as a similar set of features and integrations.

A significant benefit for Nest: the ability to recognize faces, a feature we enjoyed when we tested Hello for ourselves. The SimpliSafe doorbell camera will not do it, but the company tells us that it will use dual sensor motion detection combining thermal signature detection with an "image classification" capable of detecting the shape human. This second bit should be deployed via a software update in the coming weeks – SimpliSafe tells us that this will help reduce false positives with regards to alerts.

Regarding other features, SimpliSafe's HDR format, "high dynamic range" imaging, uses the language of television to allow the camera to adapt to extreme light conditions such as direct light of the sun. The feature also seems to be aimed at Nest Hello, which offers the same thing. Anyway, it's a nice claim for a camera that you will install in front of your house, and that we will try to test as soon as we have connected one to the CNET smart home.

Speaking of cabling, this is another point to note: the Video Doorbell Pro does not come with a battery, so it will replace only wired doorbell ranging from 8 to 24 volts.

As mentioned before, you can use Video Doorbell Pro from SimpliSafe alone without a larger SimpliSafe configuration, but if you already have the SimpliSafe system at home, the new door sound camera will behave as follows: other SimpliSafe cameras and automatically save the video each time one of your sensors detects an unexpected activity. If you are a subscriber to interactive monitoring, you can use these video clips for video alarm verification with your local first responders.

The arrival of the bell is the last update of the past year for SimpliSafe. The company launched things in January by giving the system a much needed metamorphosis at CES 2018. In April, the company announced Compatibility with the popular August Smart Lock, followed by Alexa compatibility in May and Compatibility with Google Assistant in September. Oh, and in June, the company stopped $ 1 billion in external funding to fuel its planned expansion in Canada and the United Kingdom.

We'll know a lot more about the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro software once we've tested the solution – keep an eye on a comprehensive review in the coming weeks.