On Prince Edward Island, Canada Laura Kelly’s doorbell cam caught the exact moment a meteorite fell. In a big first, the cam also caught the sound it made on impact. It happened last July, but scientists just dropped their findings. Huh, sounds different than I expected.
7 clever uses for your smart doorbell camera
Smart doorbell cameras add a ton of value to your life. Not only do they make you feel more secure in your home, but they can deter criminals, too. If you let a burglar know you’re watching them, they may be too spooked to try anything.
Plus, you can watch over your loved ones and make sure there’s nothing dangerous at home. Whether you’re looking after an elderly family member, a child or even a pet, a doorbell camera takes the guesswork out of caregiving.
Smart doorbell cameras come with many uses you might not even know about. We found seven valuable ways to make the most of this essential security tech presented by our sponsor, SimpliSafe. Read to the end for a great deal on a home security system you can install in under an hour.
1. Stop porch pirates
We’re all getting more delivered right to our homes than ever before. Sadly, that means package theft is a more compelling option for thieves. With so much to choose from, they can have a field day quickly popping by to take what’s yours.
2. See who comes and goes
Potential burglars love to cruise by houses to get an idea of your schedule. That way, they know when you’re gone, which is the perfect time for them to strike. A smart doorbell camera keeps track of suspicious characters walking near your home and peeking through the window.
Other burglars will be less obvious. They’ll stay in their car, lingering outside your home. You’ll notice familiar faces on your live feed thanks to your video doorbell.
3. Answer the door from anywhere
Video doorbells have live video and two-way audio. This means you don’t have to go to your door to answer it, which lets you keep track of anyone who swings by. Plus, it minimizes contact.
4. Keep an eye on your pets
Does your pet like to spend time on the porch? Keep an eye on Fido through your video doorbell’s connected app.
Ding, dong: 6 funniest moments caught by video doorbells
YouTube.com/Ring and Illustration 127390369 / Background © Ikonstudio | Dreamstime.com
Sure, you probably know all about the ways doorbell cameras like SimpliSafe can boost your home security system. Connect them to your phone, and you get a 24/7 live stream of everything going on in your home. With these nifty tools, you can catch burglars, find missing children and even tell your neighbors about a fire.
Smile for the camera: The sweet spot to mount your video doorbell is 48 inches from the ground. Most doorbell cams have a wide scope, so you don’t need to mount them any higher. If you do, you might get notifications every time the sun crosses your porch.
Is your video doorbell at the right height?
Porch pirates stole over $12 billion worth of packages last year. Make sure your doorbell cam is in the right spot to catch them.
Now, more than ever, it's time to protect your home
SimpliSafe
Like millions of Americans, the coronavirus pandemic most likely has you practicing social distancing. With all the uncertainty in the world, feeling safe at home has never been more important.
That’s why we want to talk to you about home security. SimpliSafe has made it easy to get protection for your entire home, without a technician or salesperson coming to your house.
Video doorbell solves murder, TikTok cancer scam, best apps for seniors
Plus, watch out for this dangerous app, three quick computer tricks, why vintage video games are making a comeback, the richest dog in the world and a weird new way to make money.
💲 If you put a Ring on it: Ring’s raised its Basic video doorbell subscription costs from $3.99 to $4.99 a month. Always something, huh? More than ever, getting SimpliSafe to protect your whole home is a smarter and cheaper choice.
Protect your video doorbell
Are you doing everything to keep it safe from hackers? Here’s how to secure it.
Video doorbell solves murder, TikTok cancer scam, best apps for seniors
Plus, watch out for this dangerous app, three quick computer tricks, why vintage video games are making a comeback, the richest dog in the world and a weird new way to make money.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What if your Ring records your neighbor — and he objects?
Do you have a Ring video doorbell? Your neighbors might say you’re invading their privacy. Here’s what you should do, in 60 seconds.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Does a Ring doorbell violate someone's right to privacy?
A British judge ruled that a Ring video doorbell violates the privacy of others. Here’s my take on whether that would hold up here in the U.S., in 60 seconds.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Digital Life Hack: Amazon's hush hush about using your bandwidth to create a network
Do you own an Amazon Echo speaker or a Ring video doorbell? Listen now to learn how Amazon is using your bandwidth to create a network with your neighbors.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices