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Even though you can’t physically be in two places at the same time, technology allows us to keep an eye on the people and things we care about most when we’re away from home. Motion activated home security cameras help us keep an eye on our homes from afar while push notifications sent by smart monitoring tools provide immediate alerts to what’s happening in our house when we’re away but have you ever considered installing a smart doorbell that can live stream audio and video to your smartphone? In today’s connected world, a smart doorbell like just makes sense.
Last summer we spent two and a half weeks traveling Turkey and Rome during our family vacation. We held our mail, stopped our paper, had a neighbor keep an eye on our front porch for packages, put lights on timers, and turned off our thermostat to save energy while away. We secured important documents and precious belongings, backed up our home computers just in case, and tested the live feed of various cameras placed around our home. We took the usual precautions to secure our home prior to our trip but didn’t really think about how helpful our video doorbell would be until UPS came to our door one afternoon when we were halfway around the world.
The neighbor who was watching our home messaged us to let us know that UPS was trying to deliver a package that needed a signature. He tried signing the door tag and leaving it for UPS but alas, the sender had required an in-person signature and course, UPS always seemed to come when our neighbor stepped out. As the failed delivery attempt notices began stacking up, our neighbor became nervous.
We weren’t expecting any packages, let alone ones that required a signature. We plugged in the tracking number into our UPS account but the cryptic sender name wasn’t providing any helpful hints about who the delivery was from. With a “final attempt” notice left on our door that day notifying us that the next day would be the last time UPS would be by with our delivery, we were nervous that our package would be returned to sender before we made it home.
After a full day of walking the streets of Rome, seeing the sights and sampling gelato, we returned to our flat to put our feet up before heading out for dinner when we got a text alert that someone was at our door. My husband’s phone happened to be closest so he grabbed it to activate the live audio and video stream.
Through my husband’s phone, we could see and talk to our UPS guy at our front door in real time thanks to our WiFi connected Ring Video Doorbell. Even though the driver couldn’t leave the package without someone to sign for it in person, he let us know that, despite this final attempt at delivery, our package would be held at the nearby shipping facility for us to pick up when we returned home. Breathing a sigh of relief, we thanked him, told him we’d see him soon, and reassured our neighbor that we could pick up our package when we returned home in a few days.
Even though we never thought of our video doorbell as part of our home security system, having the technology that serves as a second set of eyes and ears when we’re not around proved to be useful while away from home.
is perfect for when you are traveling and away from home and can serve as your second set of eyes and ears while you’re not around. Ring alerts you of any and all activity that takes place thanks to the device’s advanced motion detection, crystal clear HD video, and two way audio feature. Ring Doorbell gives me the peace of mind of knowing exactly what’s happening at home, remotely via my cell phone, tablet, or computer.
How Ring Video Doorbell Works
is a unique DIY home security solution that allows homeowners to see and speak with visitors from anywhere in the world via the free iOS, Android or Windows 10 desktop app. The dual power, WiFi enabled HD video doorbell streams live audio and video of a home’s front doorstep directly to a smartphone or tablet when the doorbell is depressed. It prevents break-ins by giving burglars the impression you’re always home, whether halfway around the world, at a neighbor’s house, or running errands in your community. It also serves as a way to communicate with those dropping off packages to your home to ensure their safety!
Ring Video Doorbell footage has helped police identify and arrest burglars across the country, including in California, Georgia, Missouri, North Carolina, Texas, Utah and Washington.
Ring Video Doorbell Features
- Built-in motion sensors trigger instant mobile alerts when they detect movement, giving users the ability to know what’s happening on their property at all times.
- Cover a 180 degree field of view and up to 30 feet in range.
- 720p HD wide-angle lens captures every activity detected by the motion sensors.
- Ability for users to set up motion detection zones to make sure they only receive important notifications.
- Free cloud storage for 30 days, after which it’s just $3 per month ($30 per year) for 6 months of video and audio recordings.
- Powered by either its 5,200mAh internal rechargeable battery or through existing doorbell wiring.
Need extra security? Add the Ring Stick Up Cam!
When used together with , the Stick Up Cam provides a full ring of security around your home day or night. Unlike traditional home security cameras that only offer video monitoring, the battery operated Stick Up Cam also enables users to engage in two-way conversations with whoever is on their property in real-time via their mobile devices. This self-install security system features infrared LEDs that capture motion and activity around the clock thanks to video that is saved to the cloud. It’s a weather-resistant and wire-free device that you can mount anywhere on your home to see, hear, and speak to visitors using the Ring App. It also provides homeowners with the ability to customize motion zones and sensitivity to activate Stick Up Cam and trigger Ring App alerts.
Additional Bonuses of Using Ring Devices
- If you’re a American Family Insurance customer, not only can you get a $30 discount on your Ring Video Doorbell but Ring will pay your deductible if your Ring-equipped home is burglarized thanks to the American Family Insurance Partnership. Click here to learn more!
- Ring is also compatible with many smart objects. View a complete list here: Ring.com/plus
The Ring Video Doorbell and Ring Stick Up Cam are both available at ring.com for $199 each.
I was compensated for writing this post but all opinions are my own and based on personal experience. Images courtesy of Ring.
