Amazon has unveiled its latest Blink Video Doorbell, offering enhanced features including 1440p HD resolution and a broader 150-degree field of view at a competitive price point of £60. The new device represents a significant upgrade in video quality whilst maintaining an accessible price point for consumers seeking basic smart home security.
The standout improvement comes in the form of a “head-to-toe” live view feature, utilising a 1:1 aspect ratio that provides users with a comprehensive view of visitors. This enhancement addresses a significant limitation of the previous model, providing enhanced surveillance capabilities for homeowners to monitor their entrances.
Technical specifications showcase meaningful advancements, with the resolution jumping from 1080p to 1440p and the horizontal field of view expanding from 135 to 150 degrees. These improvements deliver sharper image quality and broader coverage area, essential features for modern home security systems.
The device maintains several practical features from its predecessor, including a robust battery life of up to two years powered by three AA lithium batteries. Weather resistance rated at IP65 ensures durability in various outdoor conditions, whilst two-way audio communication and Alexa integration provide essential smart home functionality.
However, the device’s limitations become apparent when examining its detection capabilities. The absence of person, package, or vehicle detection features—increasingly standard in contemporary smart doorbells—may disappoint users seeking more sophisticated monitoring options. Furthermore, the lack of compatibility with Google Home and Apple HomeKit ecosystems restricts its appeal to users invested in these platforms.
Storage solutions present additional considerations for potential buyers. While Blink offers cloud storage starting at £3 monthly per device or £10 monthly for unlimited devices, users seeking local storage must purchase the separate Blink Sync Module 2 with USB capability. A complimentary 30-day trial of the Blink Subscription Plus Plan provides an opportunity to test these features.
Amazon’s strategic positioning of the new Blink Video Doorbell suggests a focus on the entry-level market segment, prioritising essential features and affordability over advanced functionality. While this approach may appeal to budget-conscious consumers, the absence of sophisticated detection features and limited smart home integration may direct more technically demanding users toward premium alternatives.
The launch reflects the growing competition in the smart home security market, where manufacturers must balance feature sets with price points to capture different consumer segments. As the market continues to evolve, the success of this latest offering will likely depend on consumers’ willingness to compromise on advanced features for cost savings.
News Source: CNET
