Company:Blink Home

From HandWiki
Short description: Home automation company
Immedia Semiconductor, LLC
FormerlyImmedia Semiconductor Inc
TypeSubsidiary
IndustryHome security
Founded2009; 15 years ago (2009)
FoundersPeter Besen
Don Shulsinger
Dan Grunberg
Stephen Gordon
Doug Chin
HeadquartersAndover, Massachusetts
ProductsHome security cameras, video doorbells
ParentAmazon (2017–present)
Websiteblinkforhome.com

Blink is an American home automation company which produces battery-powered home security cameras. The company was founded in 2009 by Peter Besen, Don Shulsinger, Dan Grunberg, Stephen Gordon, and Doug Chin. The company was initially started as Immedia Semiconductor Inc in 2009, but pivoted into a consumer electronics company.[1] In July 2014, the company had a Kickstarter campaign for their indoor security camera, which raised over US$1 million.[2] Subsequently, Blink later announced an outdoor security camera,[3] home security system,[4] and video doorbell.[5]

Amazon announced in December 2017 that they had acquired the company.[6] Immedia Semiconductor, LLC continues to operate as an independent subsidiary.[7] It is anticipated that Blink's technology will be used for the Amazon Key service.

In December 2019, Amazon rolled out patches in response to research citing vulnerabilities in the Blink XT2 security camera systems found by vulnerability detection firm Tenable.[8]

Products

Blink Video Doorbell

The blink video doorbell is an inexpensive wirelessly connected smart device that allows video and audio to be viewed via another device.

Features- 1080p HD, infrared night video, activity zoning, two-way audio, custom alerts, privacy settings, Blink Subscription Plan or locally with the Sync Module 2 and USB drive, Works with Alexa[9][10][11]

Installation & Setup- The doorbell is simply installed by a plate that goes on the preferred location. Once the plate is installed the unit can then attach to the plate. Two AA batteries are supplied with the unit and can be inserted into the device. Once powered on the doorbell camera can be set up via the Blink Home Monitor app with instructions to set up an account. The doorbell does require a Wi-Fi connection to work properly.

Blink Plus Subscription- The Blink Plus Subscription plan allows the storage of videos recording by the blink doorbell or any blink device at a fee and is stored via an online cloud. The plan has multiple options including service for 1 device or unlimited devices at a higher fee and can be paid either monthly or yearly.

Sync Module 2- This is an accessory to any blink device can allow storage of any blink device without charging a monthly fee. It works by connecting the device to an internet connection and inserting a USB drive into the device. Once setup it will store any blink device's recordings. The Blink cameras are now easier to control with.[12]

Blink Dog Camera

The Blink Dog Camera is a smart device designed to provide pet owners with a method of monitoring their pets when they’re not at home. The camera contains high-definition 1080p video and night vision capabilities.[13]

References

  1. Bray, Hiawatha (21 December 2017). "Maker of Blink home security cameras bought by Amazon". The Boston Globe. https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2017/12/21/maker-blink-home-security-cameras-bought-amazon/xQ7TbzYxowUkZ1YsqwQedL/story.html. 
  2. Higginbotham, Stacey (21 July 2014). "Could this battery-powered, Wi-Fi camera show chip startups how to find a market?". Gigaom. https://gigaom.com/2014/07/21/could-this-battery-powered-wi-fi-camera-show-chip-startups-how-to-find-a-market/. 
  3. Heater, Brian (5 December 2016). "Blink's home security camera gets an outdoor version". TechCrunch. https://techcrunch.com/2016/12/05/blink-xt/. 
  4. Ricker, Thomas (2 January 2017). "Little Blink camera expands into whole-home security, for a price". The Verge. https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2017/1/2/14052292/blink-camera-seecurity-price-date. 
  5. Cipriani, Jason (19 December 2017). "Blink's new $99 video doorbell cam is a breeze to install". ZDNet. http://www.zdnet.com/article/blinks-new-99-video-doorbell-cam-is-a-breeze-to-install/. 
  6. Maring, Joe (22 December 2017). "Amazon buys smart doorbell and camera maker Blink". Android Central (Mobile Nations). https://www.androidcentral.com/amazon-buys-smart-doorbell-and-camera-maker-blink. 
  7. Hartmans, Avery (22 December 2017). "Amazon just bought Blink, a startup that makes wireless security cameras". Business Insider. http://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-buys-blink-wireless-security-camera-startup-2017-12. 
  8. CISOMAG (2019-12-12). "Tenable Finds Critical Flaws in Amazon's Smart Security Cameras" (in en-US). https://www.cisomag.com/amazons-blink-smart-security-cameras-vulnerable-to-attacks/. 
  9. "Blink Video Doorbell review" (in en). 2022-05-24. https://www.tomsguide.com/reviews/blink-video-doorbell. 
  10. Casserly, Martyn. "Blink Video Doorbell review" (in en). https://www.techadvisor.com/article/827853/blink-video-doorbell-review-2.html. 
  11. Priest, David. "Blink Video Doorbell Review" (in en). https://www.cnet.com/home/security/blink-video-doorbell-review/. 
  12. Blink Alexa Commands
  13. Cidem, Ali. "Blink Dog Camera Review 2023: A Smart Solution for Pet Monitoring" (in en). https://www.smartpawtech.com/blink-dog-camera-review/.