Do Blink Cameras Work With Google Assistant
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Since their acquisition by e-commerce behemoth Amazon in 2017, Blink has experienced skyrocketing success equally a brand of meaty Hard disk drive cameras that make cocky-monitoring and installation a breeze for about anyone.
With their latest releases1 – Blink Outdoor, Glimmer Indoor, and Blink Mini – the brand proves they're here to stay, remaining a popular option for depression-maintenance abode security and energy efficiency.
From left: Glimmer Indoor, Blink Mini, Blink Outdoor
Information technology's nice to run across that in 2022, Blink is withal putting out solid battery-operated cameras that provide up to two years of continuous use and affordable video storage, keeping both upwardly-front and monthly costs low. They've also added a few neat upgrades over their previously released XT2 indoor/outdoor photographic camera to round out the organisation, which I'll dig into presently.
I took Blink's three cameras for a spin recently, noting how they worked in the nooks and crannies of a modest unmarried-family dwelling. You lot'll learn whether this organisation is as dependable as other leading camera brands in capturing potential danger in the nick of time – arguably the most vital office of any home security device. And, as always, I'll share whatsoever drawbacks worth noting in a total suite of Blink cams. And for more than money-saving tips, check out our full guide to choosing home security cameras.
That said, permit'south take a deeper look at all that a Blink system has to offer.
Glimmer Camera Pros & Cons
PROS
- Fully Wireless Cameras
- Easy DIY Installation
- Lightweight, Minimalist Pattern
- 1080p Hard disk drive Video Resolution
- 2-Way Talk
- Infrared Night Vision
- Low-Cost Deject Storage
- Local Video Storage
- Smart Home Integration
CONS
- Lacks Avant-garde Motion Features
- App Setup Can Be Glitchy
- Relies on Wi-Fi Connection
- No Continuous Recording
- Requires Separate Hub to Connect
Unboxing and Setup
Blink Packaging
With equipment that'southward set to use practically right out of the box, it was axiomatic that Blink wasn't going to exist a difficult installation. I opened the 3 Blink boxes that circular out the system to notice a very simple configuration: 1 camera, one sync module (this is required in every Blink camera except the Blink Mini), two screws for mounting, ane plastic mount, and a handy battery replacement tool to open and close the back of the camera.
Glimmer Indoor Equipment
Not handy around the firm? No trouble. Similar a multitude of DIY cameras in this market, the Blink cameras follow an intuitive setup that mostly consists of scanning a QR lawmaking, naming the cameras, and following in-app instructions to sync the photographic camera to your smartphone via the Blink Home Monitoring app.
The only cameras I can think that had an easier setup were from Wyze Cams. If you're into uncomplicated wireless tech, you lot'll appreciate Blink and Wyze. Non just do they resemble each other somewhat in appearance, the cameras also toll less than much of the contest. You can observe much more than on Wyze in my hands-on Wyze Cam review.
But as far as setting up a Blink camera, it's pretty hard to mess this part up, since y'all're talking about a relatively elementary slice of tech and an equally simple, intuitive app (see more than Blink app images below). But I practise recollect it's worth emphasizing not to rush through this process. The setup process is a really good time to go to know your camera and make information technology work for your space, and so take your time and accept patience here.
Blink App – Video History
It'southward not simply near inbound Wi-Fi passwords and assuasive your phone (or Alexa device) to pair with the cameras; I'thou talking nearly things similar move sensitivity, which is a key tool in making sure you don't get false or unwanted alerts; or adjusting the infrared LEDs to make sure the camera'south night vision is clear and glare-free.
Those are adjustments you generally won't know you need to make until you've prepare the whole system and have made your way through the app. But one time you lot do, you lot'll see a much better performing camera system, and more insightful alerts.
Blink Mini – No Stand
As for installing Blink, the cameras all echoed pretty much the same installation and setup procedure. The only exception is the Blink Mini, which is essentially a miniature of the Blink Indoor only with wired installation instead of a bombardment. You'll learn more about each camera's nuances and quirks in just a moment, but for now, let'south just say this: It's not every day you can say you installed a whole arrangement of security cameras in under 30 minutes.
Pro Tip: If yous're looking for home security with a lot of customization, Blink might non be the best fit. Instead, Vivint, a professionally monitored system, might suit you better. Bank check out our hands-on Vivint organization review.
Adjacent, nosotros'll dive into the Blink organization a bit more than, photographic camera by camera.
But kickoff, here'southward a cursory look at Glimmer'due south stats, including how we review them:
Blink Camera Features
| Days Tested | l+ |
| No. of Cameras | 3 |
| Best Asset | Piece of cake Installation |
| Video Resolution | 1080p Hard disk drive |
| Price | $34.99+ |
With that, we'll begin our hands-on experience with the smallest in the bunch: Blink Mini.
Blink Mini Camera: The Full Experience
Glimmer Mini on Table
It might not look like much, but Blink Mini is a powerful tool in whatsoever abode security toolbox. It did a great job taking intendance of the nuts, and all in all, you can't actually expect more than the basics out of a photographic camera that's only $35.
My tests of Glimmer Mini centered around dwelling house entryways. Like all Glimmer cams, Blink Mini runs on fluid video, significant information technology regularly fluctuates from college (1080p) to lower video resolutions to let information technology to run more smoothly and without gaps in your timeline. And so the showtime matter to note: You lot won't find much to gripe well-nigh in terms of video quality. This camera won't let you lot down there.
Motion Sensitivity
Equally you'll learn in my in-depth Blink Mini camera review, the sensitivity slider in the Blink app will exist your friend. Here, you can choose a lower setting to reduce the barrage of alerts you might exist getting in the initial experience. This is a skilful fourth dimension to decide if you'd rather avoid getting alerts when, say, a auto shines its headlights through your front end door window. Those are generally a nuisance, y'all'll observe, and tend to detract from the real reason you added cameras in the starting time place: to keep your habitation safe.
Blink Mini and Stand
That'due south one thing to remember almost Blink cameras: They're quite sensitive compared to their peers. In a recent review of Canary cameras, for instance, I really had to plow the sensitivity up in the Canary app to kickoff getting any alerts at all. Clearly, a little tweaking goes a long fashion in these cameras.
Self-Monitoring With Mini
Self-monitoring is a cakewalk with Glimmer Mini thanks to the app, and so you tin easily jump between checking live view and looking back at footage history. And, you don't even need the Glimmer sync module to command the Glimmer Mini via your telephone; this i works just fine directly over the internet.
FYI: Glimmer Mini is a great pick for those who but need add-on equipment for an existing Glimmer organisation. Just keep in mind, this also means y'all'll have to re-enter your Wi-Fi credentials if you want to motility the Blink Mini to a different location.
Wired Installation
The simply gripe I had about Blink Mini, for the about role, is that it'southward wired. But that'south also why information technology'south a cheaper camera than its siblings. To avoid a hassle, just plan on displaying it close to a wall outlet. Yous know, instead of standing on a ladder yelling, "Anyone got an extension cord?" for 10 minutes until someone answers. (Nosotros've all been there, correct?)
Blink Mini with Stand
Hither'south the bottom line on Glimmer Mini: While it might exist small and limited in features, it all the same packs the power and convenience of Blink's other ii devices thanks to a strong and intuitive app. That makes it a pretty worthwhile addition to the system.
That said, if you lot're looking for slick features like action zones, person detection, and motion tracking, my Google Nest Cam review is another great place to wait. Certain, those are considerably pricier cameras, but y'all're getting much more in features and tech. You'll even get AI-powered facial recognition if you upgrade to the Nest Cam IQ devices. Just something to consider.
Blink Indoor Camera
At less than 3 inches tall, Blink Indoor is every bit modest as it is discreet. But with the convenience of wire-complimentary setup, you're also getting more flexibility than you'd get from Band Indoor, another Amazon-branded camera. Read my total Ring Indoor camera review for more.
Video Settings and Motion Detection
This security camera as well made a great hallway monitor when I tested the Blink Indoor camera. The Hd video quality and motility detection were top-notch; night vision, even so, isn't every bit strong in Blink cameras as those in an Arlo photographic camera arrangement with total color night vision. Arlo cameras are some of the best in the biz, merely I've establish that this feature isn't quite as of import in indoor cameras as outdoor ones.
Field of View
At that place is i thing defective in Blink cameras, and that'due south field of view. At 110 degrees, Blink Indoor'southward viewing angle is somewhat narrower than other cameras. Past now, it'southward more than mutual to see cameras that stretch out up to 160 degrees, as noted in my total unpacking of the Arlo Pro 3 cameras.
Glimmer Indoor Camera
Now, as helpful as such an upgrade might be, we do want to Now, as helpful as such an upgrade might be, I do want to indicate out that a wider field of view isn't always better. You're more likely to discover pros and cons for each configuration. Since Blink uses narrow-bending lenses in their cameras, they're best suited for monitoring specific targets, such as doorways and entrances, considering objects will appear larger and more detailed within the image. In cameras with wide-angle lenses,3 objects appear smaller, and you might see some occasional distortions along the edges of the frame during recording.
That said, if a broad-bending lens photographic camera sounds appealing to y'all, take a peek at my Amcrest camera review, where you'll acquire about a pair of solid devices with wider viewing angles, and meliorate night vision, too.
Managing Recordings With Glimmer Indoor
Moving over to the camera'southward video history, you lot'll similar how Glimmer automatically produces a highlight reel of each day'due south activity; this is really helpful in a compression. You tin sit down down at the terminate of the day and, rather than poring through hours of footage you missed when yous were out of the firm, you lot can pull up one of these highlight reels to get a frame-by-frame overview of the twenty-four hour period.
This clip above is an example of Blink's highlight reel. I run across this is another effort on Blink's office to make their cameras as user-friendly every bit possible – and an impressive addition, because the depression price.
And in another nod to Blink's energy efficiency, the Glimmer Indoor has a depression-power mode to conserve battery life. The only departure in using this mode, in my tests, was well-nigh three-v seconds of delay from the fourth dimension motion began to the time the camera began recording. Generally, that's a negligible filibuster.
At $79, Glimmer Indoor is priced competitively, especially when you lot consider all that's included in a kit: One Blink Indoor camera, one Blink Sync Module 2, durable mounting hardware, and four long-lasting AA batteries.
Blink Indoor Equipment
Information technology's a generous package, and with everything Blink has to offering, the camera still handles exceptionally well.
Glimmer Outdoor Camera
Blink Outdoor – Installed
Turning to Blink's defended outdoor camera, it'south evident immediately that this ane was built to be discreet. It only comes in all-black, as opposed to the black-and-white indoor cam. As far as aesthetics, it's got a sleek stop and takes the same minimalistic cues as Indoor. In fact, yous're talking near the same camera, essentially, as Indoor, only with a tougher (IP65) weather rating.
Night Vision With Blink
At the take chances of rehashing old grievances, night vision was pretty weak in my hands-on Glimmer Outdoor photographic camera experience. In an outdoor camera, this is a bit of a letdown.
You'll find improve night vision in one of the Ezviz cameras I reviewed recently, but generally, a camera with infrequent night vision needs some integrated lighting feature to exercise its best work. (Visit my Reolink Argus iii Pro review for a really stellar nighttime vision experience.)
Smart Home Limitations
Folks with smart home devices might be somewhat disappointed past the options Blink offers to integrate their cameras with non-Amazon devices. Since it'south an Amazon brand, Blink doesn't integrate quite as seamlessly with Google Home devices, so y'all won't be able to say, "OK Google, evidence me my patio" and like voice commands to control the cameras.
Blink Mini on Alexa
Amazon Alexa users, on the other hand, should be pretty delighted. If you're taking an impromptu trip out of country in the near future, you tin can use the Alexa app to bank check the temperature in your dwelling house (via a Nest thermostat) and, at the same time, peek into the Blink Indoor camera to make certain the dog sitter has shown up. Deportment similar this are a quick, efficient way to become peace of mind when you can't be home.
Of form, you lot've got plenty of other choices if yous're looking for cameras that do integrate with multiple platforms in addition to Alexa, like Google Domicile, IFTTT, and Samsung SmartThings. In my latest review of Reolink's cameras, integrations were a chip easier thanks to a smart domicile tab in their mobile app. This style, almost every camera Reolink makes (and there are many) can exist fed into a smart home ecosystem with picayune fuss, with plenty of cross-platform functionality to kick.
FYI: Affordable and simple every bit they may be, Blink cameras are pretty weak when it comes to automating with not-Amazon devices. Some brands don't e'er play nice with each other; read our comprehensive home automation guide to learn more.
Smart home challenges aside, Glimmer Outdoor redeems itself in other areas, exhibiting the aforementioned strengths that made me a fan of the brand in the start identify: Fluid video resolution at up to 1080p; seamless 2-manner talk; customizable motility detection; and that easy installation Blink is famous for.
Blink XT2 Photographic camera
Blink XT2
Earlier Blink Indoor and Outdoor, there was Blink XT2, a camera kit that goes indoors or out. The brand has discontinued it and considers the ii offshoots a suitable replacement. It looks, feels, and works just similar the quondam two, which means you'll have no trouble getting it upward and running and putting information technology through all sorts of tests and simulations. Only these days, yous might have problem finding one in stock anywhere. You lot're better off taking a look at the latest releases in Blink'south inventory instead.
A Note on Blink and Pet Monitoring
Earlier pivoting into pricing and storage options on Glimmer, I think information technology'southward worth pointing out that these cameras are not platonic as pet monitors. While they're pretty sensitive to most types of motion out of the box, in my tests, none of the Blink cameras were triggered by the family unit dog, as wiggly and rambunctious as he is. Information technology could be that more fine-tuning in the app is needed to remedy this, but it could also be that this $lxxx camera but isn't stiff in this way, and that's totally okay.
Glimmer Sync Module
Fortunately, there's a photographic camera or two out in that location that handles this much better. Equally noted when I tested and reviewed YI'southward Dwelling house three camera, the camera seemed to enjoy sending entertaining recordings of said pup in all sorts of precarious positions – no app tinkering needed. Keep in mind, too, this camera costs $20, and then there isn't much tinkering to be done, anyway.
Who knows, maybe the dog ate jumping beans that day. Just it's just something you might selection up from fourth dimension to time when comparing abode security companies. Motion sensors sometimes work in mysterious ways.
Blink Day Vision
Snapshot of Blink'southward Pricing
When comparing pricing in security cameras, I always like to get-go with a disclaimer: You practice get what y'all pay for, then cull wisely. Blink is far from the cheapest photographic camera brand you'll notice out there, as the manufacture is brimming with depression-toll cameras these days. Some folks might bristle at paying $100 for a Glimmer photographic camera, only keep in mind that this is a solid battery-powered photographic camera, the likes of which ordinarily isn't available for under $100.
Of course, you could always get with the Blink Mini if you'd rather salvage on equipment costs – for $35, Mini is an accommodating skillful camera.
Below is a snapshot of pricing for Glimmer cameras, keeping in mind that the cameras too come in two-, three-, and 5-pack systems, if you choose. Experience gratuitous to check out my Glimmer Camera pricing page for more info, and while yous're at it, caput over to the latest rundown of Blink Prime Day deals and discounts.
Blink'southward Latest Pricing Overview:
| Blink Model | Cost | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Blink Indoor | $79.99 |
|
| Blink Outdoor | $99.99 |
|
| Blink Mini | $34.99 |
|
Video Storage Options
Blink Sync Module
Since Glimmer has discontinued their free cloud storage option, you're now left with 2 options to store video history with Glimmer: A basic program, for $iii per month, and a premium pick for $10 per month.
These costs are pretty well aligned with Glimmer's close competitors. Swann'southward $5-per-month program, for example, offers basic storage but not too many of the extras Blink includes in their subscriptions. With everything yous'll make it an affordable Blink arrangement, I don't think paying $3 per calendar month to store videos (or $30 for the whole year) is stretching information technology.
Here's a breakdown of Blink'south storage costs, keeping in heed that you also accept the option to adhere a hard bulldoze to your Blink sync module to store video on your ain:
Glimmer Cloud Storage Plans
| Blink Plans | Bones | Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Motion-Activated Alerts | Yeah | Yes |
| Alive Streaming | Yes | Yeah |
| Video History | threescore Days | 60 Days |
| Two-Way Talk | Yes | Yes |
| ten% off Blink Products | No | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year | As long as subscription is active |
| Number of Cameras | 1 | Unlimited |
| Price | $3 per month | $10 per month |
Our Concluding Verdict on Blink Cameras
Blink Mini (left) and Glimmer Indoor (right) Cameras
With Blink, you're promised a hassle-free experience, and you'll get one. Indeed, these cameras are nothing if not consistent. For folks who don't experience comfortable around security equipment or merely don't have the time to learn and collaborate with technology, Glimmer is a consistent leader.
As a basic arrangement for video surveillance, Glimmer handles similar a charm, delivering the kind of low-maintenance experience more than and more users require. I enjoyed the no-frills approach, and having lots of flexibility to suit and tweak settings to conform the cameras to their surroundings. It'south articulate to me that Glimmer understands this, but with a express viewing angle and poor night vision, it's however worth remembering that these are "budget" cameras. (That'due south non a bad affair, though. Check out our all-time inexpensive security camera roundup for more on that.)
That said, Blink cameras still get my two thumbs upwardly as an ideal pick for the tech-averse crowd.
FAQs about Blink Cameras
How long do Blink photographic camera batteries last?
With the extended-life batteries included in every Glimmer photographic camera (except Glimmer Mini), you'll get virtually ii years of bombardment life with typical employ. From what I've seen, that'due south a whole lot of battery life in 1 charge.
Do Blink cameras automate with smart home devices?
Since they're owned by the same company, Glimmer and Alexa play well together. Y'all can set up your Blink cameras to utilize vox commands through an Amazon Echo. It does non work as smoothly with Google Assistant, though.
Does Blink take color night vision?
No. Glimmer cameras use standard infrared dark vision that is not colorized, so you'll get a pretty grainy picture at night.
Can I plug in a Blink photographic camera?
Yes. The cameras accept USB ports, and a ability string is included in the box, in case you'd rather wire the cameras for continuous use.
Are Blink cameras cheap?
While not the cheapest camera on the market, Glimmer is generally considered an affordable make. Their most expensive camera is $100, which isn't bad for a battery-powered camera.
How does the Glimmer sync module work?
The Sync Module is a small, shallow box that comes with the Blink Indoor and Glimmer Outdoor cameras. The module receives information from Glimmer servers through your domicile Wi-Fi, and sends notifications to our telephone. Cameras receive information from the Sync Module, then send images and notifications through your Wi-Fi. You tin can likewise use the Sync Module to attach an external hard drive via USB.
Source: https://www.safehome.org/home-security-cameras/blink/reviews/
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