Amazon Blink Home Security

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Yes, another home security cam thread...but this one has a slightly different offering/flavor than the previous ones...

Amazon has introduced their brand of home security cam system called "Blink." Anyone else seen or used these yet?
https://www.amazon.com/Blink-Home-Security-Detection-Included/dp/B07324B77V/

https://support.blinkforhome.com/hc/en-us

From what I gather, it offers:
- multiple cams that connect to a base unit (up to 10 cams)
- controlled and monitored by a phone app
- wireless and powered by two AA batteries or micro USB
- 7,200 seconds (120 hours) of Amazon cloud storage per sync unit
- uses your home wireless network; assumed range of 100' +/-
- 720p video

Obviously has some limitations (namely, range and robustness of options--namely lack of ability to screen out areas, if that's important to you). But it otherwise looks like a viable option for those of us who don't have the expertise or money to install a Fort Knox system. I would love to be able ot read people's DNA as they come into the field of view, but I don't have the coin for such a system!

There's also the bit about your data going to Amazon's cloud. I guess if a tech at Amazon's HQ got bored, he could log into my files and watch my front porch for a few hours...maybe even catch me scratching my nuts as I drink my morning coffee. But other than that, I don't have any reservations about using their cloud. I'll make a mental note to do my nefarious deeds out of sight of the cameras.

Ultimately, I'm attracted to ease of plug and play, reliable access to my data, and the backing of a company that I have faith in (I say that cautiously).

Thoughts?
 
Obviously a paid review (or free device), but still shows the system in action:


A little better review:
 
Nest is backed by Google.
 
Nest is backed by Google.
I've not looked into Nest. I always associated them with the thermostat which I have no interest in. But I'll take a look at their security cam offerings.

Right off the bat, I see the major difference in price. THe units are more pricey and you pay for cloud storage. Might be a deal killer for me.
 
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I have a Ring stick up camera + the doorbell one. Doorbell is hard wired for power from the original doorbell but connects via wifi. Stick up cam is battery powered (wifi too) but plugged into a solar panel so I don't have to take it down and recharge it.
 
I don't want any of my data - especially photo footage - stored in anybody's so-called cloud. That's a disaster waiting to happen, and it will.

I pretty much agree, but I am pretty sure at some point unless you go extremely low-tech, or have a massive budget you will not have a choice. EVERYTHING is going to the cloud. Much easier to collect data, track and control that way. :(
 
I pretty much agree, but I am pretty sure at some point unless you go extremely low-tech, or have a massive budget you will not have a choice. EVERYTHING is going to the cloud. Much easier to collect data, track and control that way. :(
This is kind of where I am.

Iā€™m excited that Amazon bought Ring as I want a security system that I can control 100% and monitor from my phone, anywhere in the country. Iā€™m going to wait a little longer to see how Amazon improves their product offering.
 
Also, let's not confuse a video monitoring system with a security system. Not really the same thing at all.
 
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Also, let's not confuse a video monitoring system with a security system. Not really the same thing at all.
Good point. I'm admittedly a goober when it comes to this arena, so I'll likely violate the terms of definitions several more times. Bear with me!
 
Good point. I'm admittedly a goober when it comes to this arena, so I'll likely violate the terms of definitions several more times. Bear with me!

Goober might be a little strong. Video monitoring can be pretty useful in certain situations, but mostly for later prosecution. If the cameras are decent. You may also want to find out how they look at night with whatever lighting you have available. The doorbell stuff is cool so nobody goes to the door and gets surprised. A little warning is always nice.
 
Blink was bought by Amazon just like ring was.

That said I do have the indoor and outdoor cameras.

Pros

Ease of use and set up.
Good video quality and audio.
Can control sensitivity of motion detection
Good night vision
Price, price, price

Cons

Cant watch live video and record at the same time
No 2 way audio
Does not record 24hrs
Will burn a battery if it is going off all the time/long recordings
Uses lithium batteries (expensive)

If you just want to be alerted if someone is on your property or breaking into your stuff these are great. So easy to use, good quality and the price cannot be beat.

In my case I have an out of control teenager that steals, sneaks out, mentally ill, etc.. I wish I had 24hrs surveillance, 2 way audio (so I can say stop) and much longer recordings (max 60 seconds at a time with 10 seconds in between recording). I really need a wired system with hard drive but cant do wired being I rent.

If the teen wasn't around this would be perfect for me. Due to financial reasons this is what I am sticking with since I am already invested.
 
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Also, let's not confuse a video monitoring system with a security system. Not really the same thing at all.
I have owned two houses in San Diego, CA for the last 8 years. I lived in one and rented out the other. I had ADT monitored security systems on both houses for about the first three years. When the contracts ended, I shut off the service.

After disconnecting, I still had working alarm systems with all doors and windows connected and a camera system watching the front door to catch anyone entering or leaving... I just felt like after 3 years of paying the monthly fee and no attempted break-ins that the "monitored" service was not needed.

So, I can still set the alarms. If someone opens a door or window, they screech bloody louder than hell (so loud you can't think, much less stand around searching for stuff to steal. The cameras still work. It's just not monitored by some 13 year old in India.

I feel like these new Amazon and Google systems could be just as good for me. If I'm home, they alert me if a door or window is opened and I grab an AR pistol. If I'm not at home, they send a message to my cell phone and I can immediately see what's happening on the cameras and call cops if necessary.

It's the same thing... Except, NOW I AM the 13 year old in India.... That's fine with me to not have to pay a monthly monitoring fee.
 
I have owned two houses in San Diego, CA for the last 8 years. I lived in one and rented out the other. I had ADT monitored security systems on both houses for about the first three years. When the contracts ended, I shut off the service.

After disconnecting, I still had working alarm systems with all doors and windows connected and a camera system watching the front door to catch anyone entering or leaving... I just felt like after 3 years of paying the monthly fee and no attempted break-ins that the "monitored" service was not needed.

So, I can still set the alarms. If someone opens a door or window, they screech bloody louder than hell (so loud you can't think, much less stand around searching for stuff to steal. The cameras still work. It's just not monitored by some 13 year old in India.

I feel like these new Amazon and Google systems could be just as good for me. If I'm home, they alert me if a door or window is opened and I grab an AR pistol. If I'm not at home, they send a message to my cell phone and I can immediately see what's happening on the cameras and call cops if necessary.

It's the same thing... Except, NOW I AM the 13 year old in India.... That's fine with me to not have to pay a monthly monitoring fee.

Pretty sure most UL approved monitoring stations are not in India, but I get your point. There is a difference between an alarm with sensors and sirens and stand alone cameras. People just shouldn't get a false sense of security because they have access to a few cameras via cellphone.
 
Pretty sure most UL approved monitoring stations are not in India, but I get your point. There is a difference between an alarm with sensors and sirens and stand alone cameras. People just shouldn't get a false sense of security because they have access to a few cameras via cellphone.
True... I did have to speak to the ADT people a few times and they were very professional with US accents. I was joking about India... I work in Pharma Research and I deal with lots of vendor companies and have to manage them to get the job done. All of the vendor companies outsource their support services to India help-desks. They are all so worthless. They know how to read canned answers off of a script but they don't have the knowledge or training to actually help you troubleshoot anything. I hope that one day companies realize that they are saving money but moving support to India is next to worthless, and they need to bring it back to the USA to give their customers a better experience.
 
Maybe I'm just a troglodyte. I use Simplisafe for alerts and alarms to the police. Added a Simplisafe camera NOT monitored by the company. When an alarm goes off I can watch the camera feed (night or day) and record if I wish.

Works fine for me and my data is local, not in the cloud.
 
Maybe I'm just a troglodyte. I use Simplisafe for alerts and alarms to the police. Added a Simplisafe camera NOT monitored by the company. When an alarm goes off I can watch the camera feed (night or day) and record if I wish.

Works fine for me and my data is local, not in the cloud.

Sounds like a good plan. Add a dog, shotgun and moat, and you are all set. :p
 
Cons

Cant watch live video and record at the same time
No 2 way audio
Does not record 24hrs
Will burn a battery if it is going off all the time/long recordings
Uses lithium batteries (expensive)
That's a deal breaker for me, or darn close to it. I did find that Blink's new doorbell has 2 way audio, is only $99, and does 720p video.

Blink is really close to what I want, now that they have what seems to be a nice doorbell, but the above will be tough to overcome.
 
I understand the concerns about the cloud, but if you store it locally and the thief steals the machine where you're storing it, you've lost the video.
 
What's the point in any system other than to alert you while you are at home? The thief will be gone before the cops get there anyway. And if they do catch them they will be released soon. Get a dog to alert while you are home so you have time to get your weapon. The cameras are only going to give you a picture of the guy who broke into your house that is still out doing what he does.
 
Just came across this video on YouTube comparing Arlo Pro 2 vs Blink XT. The night vision seems terrible on the Blink, the colors are poor, FOV is noticeably narrower, and motion pickup is a little delayed. These trade offs seem fair for the price difference IMO.

 
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