Upfront/TECH
New Uses for Video Doorbells
These cameras offer a keen eye on the world
YOU’VE PROBABLY seen funny videos of people getting into small scrapes on a front porch or yard. In the past, those embarrassing moments might have gone unnoticed, but now doorbell cameras are always watching. “I’m a big believer in putting them in for security,” says Kirk MacDowell, president and CEO of MacGuard Security Advisors. “But the amount of use that you get out of it is really cool—and it can be fun.” While the security benefits of these cameras—by companies such as Ring, Wyze and Arlo—may be most important for older residents, especially those living alone or with mobility challenges, here are a few other practical or fun uses for doorbell cams.
Neighborhood Watch
Jordan Gill, 48, of Berkeley, California, found hacked-off tree branches at his doorstep. “Like some sort of Mafia move,” he says. Gill checked his doorbell camera footage and alerted police about a woman who lopped off the limbs overnight. Since then, Gill has used his video feed to help people who had tires stolen off their car or were involved in a traffic accident.
Watching Wildlife
Barb Allhoff, 69, of suburban St. Louis bought a second doorbell camera for the back of the house to keep an eye on her dog. But other animals were making appearances too. “Rabbits, squirrels, raccoons, possums and skunks. One year, we had a fawn,” she says. Now, when her dog barks, she can check for an animal and download a cute video clip to share with family.
Capturing Comedy
Videos of silly doorbell camera encounters can be found across the internet. They include footage of Halloween decorations startling delivery people or dogs ringing the bell to let their owners know they’d like to go back inside. “I have video of my daughter-in-law walking out, slipping on the ice and sliding down the driveway,” MacDowell says. (She wasn’t hurt.)
Communicating
You can use the two-way audio feature to talk with friends when they stop by and you’re not home. Or do like Alison Roberts, a 62-year-old in Petaluma, California. “I was having a bunch of really big work done in my backyard while I was at work,” she says. “I was able to take a look at the camera, see the guys in the backyard and talk to them about it.” —Lexi Pandell