Shenzhen-based IoT security solutions provider Soliom is now preparing to begin selling what it says is the world’s first solar-powered wireless video doorbell. While this is certainly not the first company to enter the market with a wireless doorbell, let alone a wireless doorbell with a camera, what sets the Soliom Doorbell apart from competitors is its solar panel. This panel charges up its built-in 5,000 mAh capacity battery so that there’s no wiring, manual battery swaps, or charging required once the doorbell is installed. What’s more, there are no monthly service subscriptions, and cloud storage of photos and video snapped by its motion-sensing 1080p HD camera is offered for free. That’s a 165-degree wide-angle lens and also includes night-vision capabilities alongside two-way audio and real-time streaming via a smartphone. Doorbell isn’t reliant on its motion-sensor either. Instead, the company has included a large LED-lit button with an easy-to-read bell icon, presumably used for both ringing the bell and voice interactions.
All of this is packed in to a modern-looking housing, rated at IP65 for complete dust protection and durability against rain or wayward spray from a sprinklers. Having said that, there may be one or two drawbacks that could make the Soliom Doorbell a hassle for some users. For example, there doesn’t appear to be any way to link the doorbell in with an existing system. So the automated and manually-triggered alerts, notifications, and video will all be streamed to a smartphone, tablet, or computer through an application. That’s not necessarily going to be a big deal for most users since the connection appears to still work if the linked device or devices aren’t at home or within Wi-Fi range. It just means it might not be directly compatible with a wider smart home ecosystem.
In the meantime, there’s no pricing or availability information for Soliom Doorbell with initial indications pointing towards a crowdfunding campaign at first. Which, if consistent with previous campaigns should result in sizeable discounts for those who order early enough. For example, those who sign up through the website for notifications about the campaign will be eligible for a “Super Early Bird Price,” according to the company.
Soliom Doorbell
