Choose to store video clips and photos in the cloud with an optional Blink Subscription Plan or locally with the included Blink Sync Module 2 and USB flash drive (sold separately). Motion detection also triggers the floodlight to automatically turn on if you so choose. In our Blink XT2 review, our reviewer felt there were two negatives that you have to unmount the camera to change batters and that it needed better app performance. The new Blink Outdoor camera also has this feature, but now includes customizable privacy zones, which you can set, so they don't trigger alerts or show up in video clips. The main component is the visual aspect which utilizes a 3rd generation outdoor Blink camera. Ive had Teslas newest software version on my 2019 Mid-Range Model 3 for enough time now to have a good grasp of what its like living with this vision of a car driving experience. Set up yourself in minutes connect Outdoor to wifi and follow in-app instructions. Michael L Hicks Thank you for signing up to Android Central. That means its protected from all directions from water (like rain) and is dust-tight, which is a good thing since we have a bad habit of forgetting to watch where we point the garden hose sometimes when watering the plants. With smart home planning, everything really depends on the location and type of usage the homeowner decides is best for that specific spot. So how does Polestar handle OTA updates? For comparison, the Blink XT2 ships with the Sync Module 1, which offers free video cloud storage but has no local storage option. The third part of this equation is a small square receiver called the Sync Module 2. The electric car specialists have been continuously tinkering with their app UI and Ive actually enjoyed many of their updates recently. None of these are deal breakers as I can absolutely live with the minor inconveniences, especially at the $90 bargain. (2019). Blink, an Amazon company, is focusing on the affordable end of the home security camera market. Think of this as three separate products that combine together to operate one function. You can store your video clips on the cloud for free a perk few companies offer anymore captured at 30 FPS while many security cameras are capped at 15. The Blink Camera Battery Expansion Pack (above, left) is a $30 expansion to the Blink Outdoor that allows you to attach four AA batteries to it instead of two, effectively doubling its battery life to a whopping four years under ideal circumstances. The broadcast delay also seems slightly more than the more expensive rivals. Now the camera is added and connected to your phone. globenewswire.com/news-release/2019/12/10/1958599/0/en/Tenable-Research-Finds-New-Vulnerabilities-in-Popular-Blink-Smart-Security-Cameras.html, support.blinkforhome.com/before-you-begin/blink-storage-options/, Do Not Sell Blink cameras are quite basic and that does attribute to their affordability. Its become a Blink way of life. So what came in the Blink outdoor camera kit? There was a problem. Android Central is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Decrease quantity for Blink Outdoor 3rd Gen + Floodlight 1 camera kit (White), Increase quantity for Blink Outdoor 3rd Gen + Floodlight 1 camera kit (White), Totality Secure Smart Home Security Packages. Theres also a toggle that says save and discard. Never one to follow trends like his millennial peers yet constantly desiring to get ahead of the curve, he sees technology like he does his other love: comic books. This second-generation Blink camera has identical FPS, FOV, and resolution to its successor and still-impressive two-year battery life. The second component is the wireless floodlight module. Earlier this month, Tesla pushed out an app update with a feature that I low-key wanted, but never really felt like I needed enough to pursue other means of obtaining that data. If theres a good tech deal out there, Alex is on the hunt! There are no wires, no required contracts, and even the batteries last for two years. So how exactly does the Blink floodlight work? While the feature set between all of these competitors vary depending on price, I found the overall offering from Blink to be substantial enough to not pay an extra $100 for a Ring or Nest. That isnt without its downsides though. Unsurprisingly, our delivery experience was anything but smooth as we had literal setbacks on our way to picking up the car. globenewswire.com/news-release/2019/12/10/1958599/0/en/Tenable-Research-Finds-New-Vulnerabilities-in-Popular-Blink-Smart-Security-Cameras.html, Blink. When we first got our hands on the Blink Outdoor camera, we noticed it was definitely sleeker and nicer to look at than the Blink XT2. Its morphed into a very intuitive and well designed user experience which ironically, many people cant say the same about the actual UI of the car nowadays. As for app improvements, consider that new features like privacy mode and local storage are explicitly not supported for the XT2. The temperature rating is negative four to 113 degrees Fahrenheit, so some areas with extremely high temperatures, like LA or Arizona may find the Blink Outdoor camera to be not well suited for them. AboutReviewsBrand PartnershipTerms & Conditions, Can save videos locally with Sync Module 2, Same exact app as all other Blink products, DYU D3F E-Bike Review: Assisting Your Ride, Zencar Tesla to J1772 Adapter Review: Charging EVs With Tesla's Charger, This Is How The Polestar 2 Does OTA Software Updates, Tesla V11 Software Review: Complicated Simplification, Our Bizarre 2022 Polestar 2 Delivery Experience. While it makes sense for saving battery, it was particularly annoying when we were trying to converse with a friend who was in our backyard when we werent home. Open Blink App, and click on the + option. With an optional Blink Subscription Plan, you may save video clips and photographs in the cloud, or locally with the accompanying Blink Sync Module 2 and USB flash drive. support.blinkforhome.com/before-you-begin/blink-storage-options/, Copyright 1995 - 2022 Security.org a Centerfield Heres why you can trust us. Toggling it to save will tell the system to save the current video onto your Sync Module 2 and it will appear on the app for you to view. With the provided kit, you may mount it wherever you wish. Another minor detractor is how long the app takes to load the video feed. The new Blink Outdoor camera delays the first problem by doubling your battery life. You can buy a standalone outdoor Blink camera and itll be exactly the same as the one I have in this package. With its internal specs largely remaining unchanged, you're upgrading for the option to double your battery life and store your video clips locally, as well as take advantage of several new accessories. Legacy car manufacturers are only beginning to play catch up with this industry change. In this review, we dug into the Blink Outdoor camera. Thats important because youll be needing to do this once in a while to replace the batteries. See, hear, and speak to visitors in real time with 1080p HD live view and two-way audio from the app. Its also beneficial to have the option to manually make my driveway even brighter than it currently is from anywhere in the world with the floodlight. The Blink XT2 is now officially discontinued, meaning you can't buy one new from retail stores. Check out more of our favorite security cameras. Electric bikes come in all shapes and forms. The added feature on this outdoor camera is the ability to toggle the floodlight on and off. On the other hand, our favorite feature was managing and sharing recorded clips, which was really easy and fun. But the daytime video is so crisp that were considering just adding some nighttime lighting in the yard to get that quality day and night. The new Blink Outdoor has the same field of view (FOV), frames per second (FPS), video resolution, and two-year battery life as the XT2. It was really simple to pop the case backing off. Where the XT2 has a demarcated center where the lenses sit, the Blink Outdoor has its lenses, and speaker output housed more naturally in a uniform black finish that extends to the edge. Finally, we snapped the camera onto its mount and adjusted the angle for optimal viewing. Blink actively encourages people to upgrade to the new Blink Outdoor cam by not keeping the XT2 in the loop for new upgrades and accessories. Ive found Ring and Nest products to be quite faster in bringing up a live feed. Take a look at our spec comparison table, and you'll see that Amazon didn't rock the boat with its third-generation lineup. You can also mute the audio youre receiving from the camera if you just want to view the image. Plugging this into an outlet will allow your smart devices to communicate with the outdoor Blink camera through your Wi-Fi connection. As someone who works professionally with IR sensors, my judgment of quality may be skewed. Arming the camera will enable motion detection which can be tweaked for sensitivity based on the users liking. It came with everything we needed to get started except for a screwdriver and a flash drive, which included: Lets get right into it. Last week, I drove my Tesla Model 3 Mid-Range from Los Angeles, California to Phoenix, Arizona in order to attend my sisters wedding. If youre looking for a low-cost, easy to setup floodlight camera, I dont think you can go wrong with Blink. Almost three years later, we once again had a delivery for an electric car from a company just shipping out cars in their second full calendar year. The video button takes you to a live view of the camera. The Nest setup from Google has an MSRP of $280 with Ring slotting into the field slightly cheaper at $200 with their model. Home blink Blink Outdoor 3rd Gen + Floodlight wireless, 2-year battery life, HD floodlight mount and smart security camera-Complete Features/Owners Manual. This has two individual squared lights flanking to the left and the right of the camera. last updated 28 June 22. With certain Alexa devices, you can use your voice to monitor your home with live video, motion alerts, and light activation. From the free Blink Home Monitor app on your smartphone, you can customize motion detection zones, enable alerts, and select lights to trigger. If you can still find one, it's a fantastic deal. Seeing as most Blink cameras are battery powered, this methodology was probably instilled to prolong battery life as long as possible. Otherwise, despite the minor differences between the two Blink generations, we think the option for local storage, four years of battery life, and future app improvements make the new Blink Outdoor camera the clear choice even if it costs extra. Find him on Twitter at @Michael_L_Hicks. Thats also another selling point that made the Blink setup attractive to me. Rude! Your email address will not be published. Light up the night get 700 lumens of motion-triggered, high-quality LED lights. Let me add that this is all free after purchase of the product. Take a look at our video review below. A few years ago we took the Swagtron Swagcycle out for a spin and were very impressed with how much fun that little e-bike was. This time around we took delivery of a 2022 Polestar 2 straight into our driveway. Each camera feed is split into 25 rectangular zones in-app, so you can be exact in which regions are protected. With Module 2, you can either view your video clips on the Blink Home Monitor app or plug your drive into your computer and upload any clips you wish to save. It included intuitive controls that didnt require us to go digging for an instruction manual, thankfully, laying out privacy zones, motion sensitivity, clip length, notifications, motion recording, audio, and night vision controls. GlobeNewswire. Plus, the new Sync Module 2 and its support of up to 10 cameras paired with the powerful control app made setting up an entire home security camera network easy. Blink Floodlight works with Outdoor to deliver a wire-free, battery-powered HD smart security LED floodlight camera. Blink has split its XT2 Outdoor/Indoor Camera, launching a new Blink Outdoor Camera and Blink Indoor Camera. Package Dimensions: 11.0 x 8.3 x 5.7 inches. Mine covers more than enough ground for my mini-driveway. As the name suggests, this is the refreshed model of what can be considered the brains of the operation. If, however, you take advantage of the Sync Module 2, you'll get free local storage that, because it isn't on the cloud, is more secure from potential company data breaches or hacking. The only other difference we could find was a minor change with the LED indicator lights. In my view, I see the IR as acceptable for a lower-end consumer product. You must have made so many stops!. With Googles Android Automotive powering their infotainment system, one might expect an experience similar to that on the Pixel phones. The XT2 records footage by default. But, it wasnt perfect, so well cover the cons, as well. The third-generation Blink Outdoor camera is fairly similar to the XT2 out of the box, but Blink sells a battery accessory that doubles its already impressive battery life, along with a new sync module that enables local video storage something the XT2 didn't support. See how much you can save by buying cameras in bulk on our Blink pricing page. Caught in between the conundrum of his fascination with retro and the future, Alex has a very unique taste in technology. The new Blink Outdoor has the same optional blue LED, and an automatic red LED that shines whenever a camera is filming in night mode. On the other hand, Blink Outdoor buyers will have to pay for cloud storage through the Blink Subscription Plan. Keep in mind that toggling the light from this main menu does not update the thumbnail image as it isnt a live view. , Always looking for the best value or a hidden gem, his collector mindset reflects on some of his favorite gadgets: the Moto X (2015), HTC U11 and the Google Pixelbook. Now that its actually on the car, I sure think it was worth the wait. It's officially discontinued now, though, so you'll likely need to find it used from a second-hand shop like eBay if you really want one. Our Blink camera here has a MSRP of $140, but because Amazon is Amazon, it does seem to go on sale often. Android Central is supported by its audience. Set up with the Blink Outdoor camera was pretty easy, but we still had to take our time and not skip any steps. I pulled up into my garage last weekend and noticed a software update available on our Polestar 2. And once again as if history were repeating itself, getting the car was anything but a smooth ride. Media Company. That subscription plan costs $3 per month per camera or $10 per month for unlimited cameras. Mount where you want with the included kit (hook included for no drill installation on vinyl siding). Our biggest issue was the need to keep tapping the screen every 30 seconds while live streaming. It seemed to have it all: sleek styling that didnt immediately scream security camera with its rounded square look, an easy installation process, a strong app, and a solid performance overall. You will receive a verification email shortly. (2020). The Blink Outdoor cameras IP rating (how protected it is against liquids or solids) is 65. I have a Ring subscription for the Ring Doorbell and adding additional cameras to view the timeline is pretty pricey depending on how big your home is and how much coverage you require. However, Blink has removed its free cloud storage for this generation, hoping to compel you into a subscription. Next, we used the camera tool that came in the package to take the back off of the Blink Outdoor camera. After comparing the specs, we've found that the Blink Outdoor is nearly identical to the XT2, but it has a few key improvements in battery life and video storage, making it worth buying for new customers. Now that youve seen the Blink cameras in action, shop for the one you like best on Amazon. He's a semi-reformed Apple-to-Android user who loves running, D&D, and Star Wars. Overall, like all of the other Blink products I own, Im quite satisfied with what I received in light of what I paid to acquire the entire setup. Get the best of Android Central in in your inbox, every day! With Blink likely to improve features for the Blink Outdoor while leaving the XT2 behind, your only reason to choose the older model is money particularly if you plan on buying multiple cams to cover your entire home. In the live view mode, you have the ability to talk with your phones microphone which will push through to the camera. As a result, we consider it one of the best wireless security cameras available. Connect Outdoor to WIFI and your Blink camera will be connected. The XT2 is no longer offered new from retailers but can be pre-owned on Amazon or eBay sites. As a longtime Blink camera owner, Im quite well versed with their smartphone app. Since many buyers would prefer that option anyway, you may not consider the alternative a loss. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, As is customary in any wedding event, when you start small talk with family and friends, the conversation always trends to how you got there and how long you were staying. For one thing, the Blink XT2 features customized activity zones to determine which regions should or shouldn't trigger alerts. The XT2 has a blue LED that lets you know if a camera is filming, but it can be turned off in your app settings. We scanned the QR code on the camera using the Blink app, which connected the camera, app and Sync Module 2. Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates. When you migrate over to a fully electric vehicle household, you have to figure out some logistical things to make things flow harmoniously. Ive had various Blink cameras stationed around my house for years now as the brand represents affordability and reliability to me. Once the back was off, we installed the two AA batteries and put the back, well, back on. Includes one Blink Outdoor camera, one floodlight mount, one Sync Module 2, one mounting bracket, two 1.5V AA lithium metal batteries, four D-Cell batteries, one silicone camera skin for Outdoor camera, one mounting kit, one USB cable, one power adapter, and one right angle adapter. Its quite easy to pull the floodlight on and off from its location thanks to this wall mount design. Or, if youre looking for a camera with excellent night vision or a wider field of view than 110 degrees, we recommend reading about the best wireless security cameras. Overall, the Blink Outdoor camera is a solid outdoor security camera and priced pretty affordably at $99.99. Plus, the powerful Blink Home app really let us easily customize what alerts the system sent and how the camera functioned. Here are 5 ways Tesla has forever spoiled the way I interact and live with cars. Whatever motion the subjects in the frame are enacting will be captured at up to 30 FPS. If you dont hit the button, the live feed will cease. How did you make it here? Curiously, even Blink cameras that are plugged into a wall outlet cannot sustain continuous live view without the prompt. On that battery compartment is a ball mount which the outdoor Blink camera latches onto. Please refresh the page and try again. Whenever I would mention that I drove an electric car from California into Arizona, the other persons eyes would widen with curiosity and the response would always be You drove your Tesla? The cheapest floodlight from a mainstream brand name is from Wyze which undercuts everyone with an MSRP of $85. Note: For more video reviews and informative videos, subscribe to our Youtube channel so you can stay up to date on the latest in home security. However, dont make the same mistake I did and install it next to a constant source of light. We may earn compensation from some providers below. Comment document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute("id","a843c70ea9d4a50d24194502bacd234b");document.getElementById("afe6277d1c").setAttribute("id","comment"); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Get 700 lumens of motion-activated, high-quality LED lights to light up the night. Compared to other Blink offerings, like the Blink XT2, the Blink Outdoor camera kit starts in the same price range. My wife has been asking me to install a camera facing our driveway for quite some time now and I finally pulled the trigger on a packaged deal from Amazon that includes the (as of purchase) new Floodlight, 3rd Gen Outdoor Cam and Sync Module 2 for $90. Save up to $200 on Samsung's upcoming Galaxy devices, Samsung Galaxy phones get a new feature to protect your data during repair, Google's game dashboard could soon expand to select Android 13 phones, Samsung boasts record quarter amid weaker smartphone sales, Best Chromebook deals for students our favorite back to school discounts, Instagram hurries to roll back new changes amid backlash, Up to 2 years on 2 AA batteries (included); upcoming option for separate Battery Extender that runs on 4 AA batteries for up to 4 years, Up to 2 years on 2 AA batteries (included), $3/month per camera or $10/month for unlimited cameras, Optional blue LED to indicate it is recording, red LED when recording in night vision, Optional blue LED to indicate it is recording, Yes, up to 64GB using the Blink Sync Module 2, Not compatible with newer Blink app features. Next, we mounted the Blink Outdoor camera base, remembering to stay within our 100-foot Wi-Fi range. Everything is designed to simply work without a hassle. Blink Storage Options. Even then, it's a bit tough to find them if you want them new since retailers no longer stock the discontinued XT2. The Blink Outdoor camera is more of what we expected from Blink. NY 10036. The Blink Sync Module 2 (above, right) is an included hub that locally stores video clips from up to 10 Blink cameras, but it requires plugging in a 64GB USB flash drive (sold separately). With the apps 1080p HD live view and two-way audio, you can see, hear, and chat to guests in real time. I really dont see much more additional essential tech required for my needs from a floodlight camera that Blink hasnt already covered here. From its phenomenal battery life to its live-streaming limits, weve got all the details on the good and the bad of the new Blink outdoor camera. Its been so long since we learned that CarPlay was coming to the Polestar 2 that with each update that came without it, the less likely it seemed that it would actually come. The new Sync Module 2 supports up to 10 cameras and offers local storage for our Blink Outdoor to store its footage on directly. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). The same applies for Nest and their cameras which Ive opted to skip subscribing for monitoring on my Nest Secure system. Straggling the line between a legacy car maker and a new wave tech company, Polestar is in a unique position. Michael spent years freelancing on every tech topic under the sun before settling down on the real exciting stuff: virtual reality, fitness wearables, gaming, and how tech intersects with our world. In the March of 2019, Lida and I took the dive into the electric vehicle world with our purchase of a 2019 Tesla Model 3. The field of view is also not as wide as some competitors, but once again, I do find it acceptable enough based on strategic placements of the camera. At four years with the battery extender, the new Blink Outdoor leaps past the competition, while $120/year for unlimited cloud storage is more of an industry standard. Overall, the Blink Outdoor camera is a solid performer with the IR night vision being its biggest weakness. Still, it maintained really strong weatherproofing for safe outdoor use. We found the Blink Home app to be pretty powerful and easy to use. Regardless, I do at least have a backup light now in case my lamp ever suddenly burns out. So with that out of the way, I think its pretty self explanatory why I pulled the trigger on the Blink setup when it was down to only $90. Blink Floodlight is a wire-free, HD smart security LED floodlight camera with a battery life of up to two years. The new Blink Outdoor camera has the same dimensions as the XT2, but a somewhat revamped design. The Blink Outdoor also has the option to send motion-only notifications without recording video, letting you check on an alert with the live feed without wasting storage space. I installed it and was pleasantly surprised to see the Apple CarPlay icon on the home screen. Totality Solutions Inc. is a Certified Ring Professional Installation Company. When assembled together, the entire setup will slide into a wall mount with an insert layout that matches up with the back of the battery compartment. Now scan the Barcode of the camera with your application. Confusing right? Then there are the mini-folding bikes that exist for urban commuters. Every Blink camera will flash a prompt after 30 seconds of live viewing. Seeing as both the outdoor Blink camera and the floodlight are truly wireless, youll need to periodically replace the D-Cell batteries for the floodlight and the two AA batteries for the Blink camera. This isn't just a rebranding of the same camera. The next two improvements come from Blink Outdoor-compatible accessories. Heres my full review of this 14 inch folding e-bike! I havent had them long enough to need to do that yet, but ideally it should happen after about a year or more. Customize motion detection zones, enable alerts, and set lights to trigger from the free Blink Home Monitor app on your smartphone. You can change the position of the lights and the camera by adjusting it. After nightfall, the sensor will automatically change the feed into infrared mode. Theyre connected together by a center compartment that houses slots for four D-Cell batteries which will need to be replaced over time. Not much has changed in functionality over the years and that isnt necessarily a bad thing. Some of them imitate the body of a motorcycle, while others look like speed bicycles. The environment must be as dark as possible for the floodlight to activate. IMMEDIA Semiconductor Blink Home Security Camera Getting started with Blink is easy Existing users skip to step 3., Swann Spotlight Outdoor Security Camera SWIFI-SPOTCAM User Manual - Optimized PDF Swann Spotlight Outdoor Security Camera SWIFI-SPOTCAM User. On paper, theres a lot of similarities in form factor, but on closer inspection, these new bikes are on a whole new level. Theres also a USB A port that accepts thumb drives to store video captures based on your settings.