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DoorBot lets you see who's at the door, wherever you are

December 10, 2012

DoorBot streams video and audio to your smartphone or tablet, wherever you are

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Everyone wants to feel safe in their home, and it's easier to do so when you know who’s standing outside. DoorBot aims to help with exactly this, by functioning as a Wi-Fi-connected doorbell that streams live video and audio directly to your smartphone of choice whether you’re sitting on your couch or backpacking abroad.

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DoorBot is constructed from high density polymer with a brushed aluminum faceplate, and features an infrared camera for video capture during the day and night. The unit is weatherproof and can be secured with an included mounting bracket and four screws. Power is provided by four AA batteries which are said to be good for up to a year’s use.

DoorBot is compatible with the Lockitron smartphone-based keyless entry system

Once a visitor approaches your door and presses the LED-lit push-to-talk button, video and audio is streamed over the local Wi-Fi connection to your iOS or Android device like a normal video intercom system. We hope this uses a robust security framework to prevent hackers gaining access to your DoorBot, though we're yet to receive confirmation on this point.

In addition, DoorBot is also compatible with the Lockitron smartphone-based keyless entry system and once combined with this device, will allow the user to unlock or lock the door at will, increasing its usefulness markedly.

DoorBot is still in the pre-production stage at the moment and in order to bring it to market, inventor Edison Junior has turned to new Kickstarter-like crowd sourcing platform ChristieStreet.

The basic unit is offered for US$169, while $319 will secure a Lockitron-bundled version, both of which are slated to ship on July 2013, should the campaign reach its $250,00 tipping point within the allotted 41 day timeframe.

The following video puts forward the pitch for DoorBot.

Source: ChristieStreet via Ubergizmo

About the Author

Adam is a tech and music writer based in North Wales. When not working, you’ll usually find Adam tinkering with old Macintosh computers, reading history books, or exploring the countryside with his dog Finley. All articles by Adam Williams

Tags

» Android
» Audio
» Infrared
» iOS
» Security
» Wifi

6 Comments

Doorbot isn't something new i've got a wireless camera at my door that hooks up to anything i want , using a free software on my Android.

Fronz
11th December, 2012 @ 01:17 am PST

i currently use Vuezone on my front door, works well, but no audio and i have to recharge batteries every 2 months

tampa florida
11th December, 2012 @ 08:33 am PST

Hi Adam,

Whilst a more substantial offering, take a look at the Helios Vario by 2N. This has been doing remote video door release by mobile for a long time and is available now. It doesn't use batteries, rather POE but sets up SIP based calls to a mobile (even an iPod Touch) that can be in your house or anywhere with internet connectivity. So you can let people in even from work and answer the door like you are at home. Take a look here http://www.noushouse.com.au/store/product-info.php?Helios_2N_Video_SIP_Door_Entry_Station-pid504.html

SamT
11th December, 2012 @ 03:00 pm PST

@SamT

$1,850 /= ! Really ???

pmshah
14th December, 2012 @ 06:51 pm PST

@pmshah Yep, but I did preface it with 'Whilst a more substantial offering'. This is IMHO the nicest looking one but Helios make other models that cost about 1/2 of this, but nothing in the low cost range suggested of this announced (but not delivered) product.

The Helios I listed is targeted for luxury homes or commercial premises and can run a house, or a unit block of 54 units with large button board, multiple units can be managed from a single IP console, has RFID tags/cards for access control & door release, has a Keypad for calling, code entry & unlocking, temporary 'contractor' code or making other automation happen eg lift come down, garage door open etc, can have a colour LCD screen with web derived information, has fully waterproof and tamper ruggedised housings available, Supports calls to SIP and land line phones, and is a SIP proxy. You can download the iPad, iPad Mini, Android or PC app today (or most other SIP clients you may already use work with it). So when I said 'more substantial', that is what I meant.

Whilst you might not like the price (I don't have one!!),.......I think the main point is that it has been doing it for a good while and is available to the person who wants it now, or wants a more 'upmarket' offering. Horses for Courses.

SamT
17th December, 2012 @ 08:37 pm PST

@Fronz - Would you mind sharing what wireless camera and Android software you are using? That would be very helpful to me. Thank you.

Matt Pierce
1st January, 2013 @ 05:35 pm PST