No fingers are needed – Alarm.com’s non-ringing video bell rings through a special doormat.
Alarm.com
This story is part of CES, where our editors will present the latest news and the hottest gadgets from CES 2021 entirely virtual.
We knew how to expect many selling points inspired by the pandemic in this year’s CES virtual virtual technology showcase, with all kinds of new products designed to help you keep your hands (and your germs) for you. Among them is a new video bell from Alarm.com that uses video analysis to ring alone whenever it sees someone standing on its carpet.
This design eliminates the need for anyone to physically press a button, and the built-in camera and microphone let you talk to that person over the phone without opening the door. This is a very sensible idea and a good option for anyone who has spent the last ten months disinfecting your door whenever a package or pizza is delivered.
The doormat that comes with the doorbell has an adequate and straightforward user interface.
Alarm.com
“Our non-touch video doorbell helps owners and visitors to maintain social distance and prevent germs, bacteria and viruses that may be on the surfaces around the front door,” said Anne Ferguson, vice president of marketing at Alarm. with. “Adding this touchless solution to an intelligent home security system powered by Alarm.com is another way to stay vigilant and protect each other.”
The unconventional bell includes a tag that instructs the visitor not to ring it – and, if desired, you can add a doormat to make the use case even more apparent. However, it is only a doormat (sold separately) – the person’s detection takes place through the doorbell camera.
In addition to triggering the ring, standing in front of the doorbell can also trigger other Alarm.com devices, such as smart lights. Alarm.com adds that the doorbell is also smart enough to differentiate between people, pets and packages to help prevent false rings.
As for the specifications, the doorbell has a 150 degree field of view, infrared night vision, full HD resolution with HDR and an integrated heater to prevent the doorbell from getting too cold during the winter. The saved clips are uploaded to the Alarm.com Network Operations Center and you can view them through the Alarm.com application for up to 60 days. A local storage option for these clips would have been a good, privacy-oriented addition, but since this is a home security system accessory, most will want the monitoring professionals watching their home to have access to this shooting in case of an emergency.
Alarm.com did not share pricing or availability details here at launch, but a company spokesman told me it will be available for less than $ 200. For now, expect to see the bell and your trusted carpet at licensed Alarm suppliers .com in your area.
Correction, 11:30 am: The doormat is sold separately and does not aid in the people detection features of the doorbell, which use video analysis through the built-in camera.