Notifi doorbell and the smart home
The Notifi video doorbell system is a good product for monitoring your doorstep. The camera, mic and light bulb work together to form a good system. The one thing missing is integration with other home automation products.
This was a big bummer for me, while I was testing the Notifi video doorbell system. It works well and is easy to install. I could see this being a great product for those that are in an apartment or renting. You often can’t drill holes and replace fixtures like a doorbell. With easy to isntall stick on options the Notifi system is a great choice. If you are looking to integrate it with other parts of your home, its going to take some finesse.
The only way I found to use the Notifi system to interact with my home automation system was through IFTTT. I was able to trigger events off of the emails that were sent when the Notifi system was triggered. This allowed some interaction. Even if it was one way.
If your scanning the review, looking for the section on home automation, you have found it. Actually just passed it. The Notifi video doorbell is a standalone system. The app will work with multiple Notifi systems, but that is where it ends.
Notifi Accounts
The team at HeathZenith has setup the Notifi video doorbell to have 2 levels of operation. There is the basic level which is free. Then there is the premium service for $5 dollars a month or $50 dollars a year.
Services are important for companies. They are a stream of revenue that is consistent and helps them build on their software offerings.
When looking at products for your home these are important to evaluate. You may not want to pay for a feature that is free on a competing product.
Out of the box, the Notifi system delivers the basic service for free. This allows you to interact with those who ring the doorbell. You will also get an email that contains a picture of the would be guests.
You will not get any motion events that are detected by the camera. So if someone comes to the door and does not push the button. You will not be notified when you are using the basic service.
Look at this in another light. If the UPS delivery man drops a package off. They usually ring the bell before they walk away. This will notify you. Then when someone decides to run up and snatch that package off your porch. You will get silence. No email, no picture, no video. This is important to take into consideration. That is one of the biggest reasons people want a smart doorbell to secure their porch.
When looking for a video type of device the other important thing to check is storage space and time. The Notifi system gives you 24hrs of saved events in the basic mode. Which only includes pictures. The premium service will extend that up to 30days. The premium service also includes videos as well.
Its important to take into account the features that are important to you. Then check and make sure how they are implemented. Are they free or extra?
The Summary
Its that part of the review, where I will summarize the Notifi video doorbell system and provide you with key information you should take into account when looking for a new piece of tech for your home.
Installation – The Notifi system was so simple to install. The included double sided sticky tape makes it easy and simple. No drilling or tools required.
Mobile App – The mobile app gets the job done. The setup process could be automated for the users. So many apps hide a lot of the network switching and device detection, it would be nice if the Notifi app did the same. The app is quick and responsive when you are speaking with someone at the door.
Features – The Notifi system has a lot of features. Having a light bulb included in the system adds some differentiation to the mix. Allowing it to give visual ques to visitors. As with a lot of video based products, its important to review the feature level given for free versus the pay to play levels. I think there may be a lot of disappointment with whats lacking from the basic account of the Notifi system.
Compatibility – The Notifi video doorbell system is only compatible with other Notifi video doorbell systems. You can control multiple systems with the mobile app. There is no interaction via the cloud or otherwise with any other 3rd party devices. This is a very purpose built product. Hopefully the team will open up some cloud based compatibility.
The Notifi Video doorbell system is a unique product. It may not be the only video doorbell on the market, but it delivers a unique feature set.
Having the camera tethered to an LED bulb allows it interact with the motion sensing of the camera and the push button.
The installation is simple and perfect for those living in a rented space.
Taking all of these things into account, I am happy to present that Smarter Home Automation Pretty Darn Cool Award to the Notifi video doorbell system. I am looking forward to more innovative products from the think tank over at HeathZenith.
