Much rumored doorbell comes with some innovate ideas
Video doorbells are ten a penny nowadays (quite literally, if you shop on Temu) so brands really need to do something pretty left-field in order to make their option appeal.
And that’s what Ecobee has done, with the its new Ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera, a wired video doorbell, which effectively turns a thermostat into a smart display.
In a move that I can’t quite believe Nest never did with its doorbell and thermostats, the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium can be used to view live footage when the new Smart Doorbell Camera‘s button is pressed.
With the Smart Thermostat Premium also being a touchscreen, users are also able to answer calls and speak to door visitors directly, without needing to open an app on their smartphones or Apple Watches (although both of those options are also on offer).
It’s a similar setup to what a lot of video doorbell manufacturers offer users through smart displays such as the Nest Hub or and Echo Show, but I’m pretty confident it’s never been offered through a thermostat before.
Back to the Doorbell itself and it’s no slouch spec sheet either. It offers a unique 3:4 aspect ratio, providing a vertical field of view at 175 degrees and an impressive 187 degrees on the diagonal.
It boasts 1080p HD video from its 5MP sensor, with 8x digital zoom, with both color and infrared night vision, ensuring you have a clear view regardless of the lighting conditions.
There’s also radar sensing tech on board and you’re able to tweak the activity zones in the app, in order to get better motion or person alerts.
Rated IP65, it’s built to withstand a temperature range from -13 to 113 degrees Fahrenheit.
It works with Alexa and HomeKit (not HomeKit Secure Video though) and we’re told that Google Home compatibility is coming soon.
If you subscribe to Ecobee’s Smart Security plan, and team the Ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera up with the likes of the Ecobee SmartCamera or the company’s range of sensors in the Smart Security Starter Kit, you can also use the Smart Thermostat Premium as a touchscreen keypad for arming and disarming the system.
if you buy a Smart Doorbell Camera, you will automatically receive a free two-month trial. After that, the Standard plan is available for $5 per month / $50 a year.
For even more comprehensive features, such as professional monitoring and rapid response, you can opt for the Complete plan, for $10 monthly / $90 annually.
On its own the Ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera is available for $159.99 or you can buy the Total Security and Savings bundle, which includes the Smart Doorbell Camera, Smart Thermostat Premium with SmartSensor, and SmartSensor for doors and windows 2-pack, for $399.
You can buy direct with Ecboee now.
