Blink adds Alexa-enabled outdoor smart cam to its indoor security systems

By Bruce Brown December 5, 2016

blink xt wireless outdoor security camera outdoorv2 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Home security starts on the outside. Security cameras inside your home don’t record intruders before they break in, and are therefore only part of the solution. Blink‘s indoor wireless HD smart home security cameras are now joined by the Blink XT, a weatherproof outdoor camera.

The Blink XT integrates with existing indoor Blink cameras and carries over all of the indoor version’s features. Like the indoor Blink camera, the XT model promises two-year battery life with two lithium-ion AA batteries and streams and records in 1080p full-HD video. Both cameras can record 5- to 60-second video clips, have integrated motion and temperature sensors, and automatically arm and disarm. Blink cameras come with free cloud storage and can be monitored with iOS and Android Blink Home Monitor apps. In addition, the cameras support Alexa voice control.

Recommended Videos

The Blink XT’s weatherproof case is IP-65 rated for water resistance, which means your video streams and clips won’t be affected by the weather. Infrared night vision enables 24-hour surveillance regardless of lighting.

“After much anticipation, we are thrilled to announce our affordable outdoor camera so both loyal Blink customers and new users alike can fully protect their homes day or night, no matter the season,” said Blink CEO Peter Besen. “Our customers have been anxious for a weatherproof model, and this new camera illustrates Blink’s commitment to developing integrated products that serve consumers’ home protection needs while integrating flawlessly into their lifestyles.”

The Blink XT is scheduled to ship in February 2017 and is available for pre-order for $119 on the company website. Prior to the end of 2016, Blink is offering a promotion with which customers who order a five-camera Blink indoor system will receive a free Blink XT outdoor camera when they ship. A code for the promotion is available on Blink’s site.

Topics

Contributing Editor

Bruce Brown Contributing Editor As a Contributing Editor to the Auto teams at Digital Trends and TheManual.com, Bruce…

Smart Home

Arlo Pro 5S vs. Ring Stick Up Cam Pro: Which is the best premium security camera?

The Arlo Pro 5S installed outside on a wall.

Security cameras are available at all budget levels, and it's not hard to find something under $50 that'll do a decent job of protecting your home. But if you're serious about home security, you'll likely want to increase your budget. Doing so will get you a product with better resolution, a wealth of useful features, and weatherproof designs that will work either indoors or out in the elements. And when it comes to premium security cameras, few products are as popular as the Arlo Pro 5S 2K and Ring Stick Up Cam Pro.

Interested in adding one of these high-end cameras to your home? Here's a comprehensive look at the Arlo Pro 5S 2K and Ring Stick Up Cam Pro to help you decide which is best for your needs.
Pricing and monthly fees

Smart Home

Blink Mini 2 vs. Wyze Cam v4: Which is the better budget security camera?

The Wyze Cam v4 installed outside.

The Blink Mini 2 and Wyze Cam v4 are two of the most affordable security cameras available in 2024. Both offer a compact footprint and impressive filming resolutions, and both can be used indoors and outdoors. However, there are some major differences between these two budget-minded products -- and while frugal shoppers will find a lot to love about both, one of them is a better product for most homes.

Here's a look at the Blink Mini 2 and Wyze Cam v4 to help you decide which to purchase.
Pricing and monthly fees
The Blink Mini 2 costs $40 and is available in black or white. If you want to use the device outdoors, you'll need to pick up the Weather Resistant Adapter, which bumps the price to $50. You'll also want to spring for the Blink Basic Plan, which costs $3 per month, to access features like cloud history.

Smart Home

Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam vs. Ring Stick Up Cam Pro: Which is better for your home?

The Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam next to a smartphone.

The Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam is one of the latest products from Ring. It allows users to control the camera remotely, giving them a simple way to see all corners of their home. It's also much more affordable than the existing Ring Stick Up Cam Pro, which offers plenty of cool features, but can't pan or tilt.

That makes it difficult to determine which is best for your home. Should you opt for the premium Stick Up Cam Pro, or is the Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam a better option due to its cheaper price tag? Here's a look at the two security cameras to help you decide.
Pricing and monthly fees