Anker claims its new video doorbell is the ‘first in the world’ with this feature
Video doorbells have become a staple of modern home security. Designed for the set-it-and-forget-it enthusiast, video doorbells are easy to install and simple to control. Many of the best-selling models include features like color night vision and AI-based motion detection. Some units even offer local storage, if you don’t want to subscribe to a home security platform. While there isn’t much that differentiates one video doorbell brand from another, Anker’s most recent version claims to be the “world’s first” with one feature: VR integration.
According to Anker, the $300 Eufy Video Doorbell S4 – available for pre-order – is the world’s first video doorbell to incorporate VR viewing, and you don’t even need a VR headset! The S4 captures up to a 180-degree field of view, but instead of a traditional X- and Y-axis live feed, the S4 uses a VR mode that emulates the experience of wearing a VR headset. For those who don’t know, Anker is a larger technology group that operates several sub-brands, including Eufy, a prolific maker of smart home devices. You can move your phone or tablet to look in different directions; you can also connect a real VR headset if you wish. Conveniently, two-way audio also works in VR mode; this means you’ll be able to chat with guests at your front door while inspecting the rest of your front yard.
You can look all around in VR mode and use OmniTrack to lock on to distant subjects
The Eufy Video Doorbell S4’s main selling point is its VR mode, but you don’t have to use this immersive feature; A regular fisheye live view/event recording option is also available. We should also mention that VR viewing is only accessible through the Eufy app, rather than the smart home apps you may rely on. The same goes for Eufy’s OmniTrack feature, which offers AI-based motion detection and tracking. The S4 is compatible with smart ecosystems like Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit, but live streaming and recordings are locked to a fixed view. One thing to keep in mind is that it’s best to think of the S4 as a wired doorbell only. There is a 2,600 mAh battery backup, but this battery is not removable, so to recharge it you will have to take the bell apart to bring it into the house.
Other notable features include local storage on a microSD or Eufy HomeBase S380 (sold separately), built-in battery backup, and up to 8x zoom. Now that a smart home company is starting to work with virtual reality, we can’t wait to see this technology develop. Having the ability to view your driveway or stoop from just about any angle seems useful, especially if you’re trying to track a subject hidden at the edges of the S4’s field of view. It will also be interesting to see how well the S4 interfaces with the many VR headsets released over the past few years.
