2 min readIn response to the cost of living crisis, Amazon has launched its budget security brand in Australia, with two cameras starting from as cheap as $69. Blink, which was acquired by Amazon in 2017 has been producing battery operated security cameras since 2014. Its latest, the Blink Outdoor 4 claims to run off just two AA batteries, for two years. This, alongside the corded Blink Mini 2 is now available from Bunnings and Amazon.
“We know that Aussies want to invest in home security products but that cost-of-living pressures are impacting us all. We’re thrilled to launch Blink in Australia and New Zealand, bringing our customers more feature-packed options at incredible value,” said Mark Fletcher, Blink Managing Director, APAC.
Both cameras are relatively bareboned - they feature 1080p recording, a wide field of view, and two-way audio. The Outdoor 4 ($150) also has infrared night vision, and comes with the Blink Sync Module 2 which lets users connect up to 10 cameras in the Blink app. The Blink Mini 2 ($69) on the other hand has a built-in LED spotlight, HD night view in colour, and motion detection. It is weather resistant, so can be used both indoors and outdoors, but the Blink Weather Resistant Power Adaptor is required for outdoor use. This comes at an additional $19.
Both cameras are powered by Blink’s custom chipset. Designed for power-saving, the proprietary chip is key to the Outdoor 4’s extensive battery life, but also powers person-detection. Rather than being notified when an animal or an object enters the frame, users will only get pinged when a person is detected. This is, however, a subscription only feature.
Like many other home security cameras, Blink requires a subscription to get the most out of its cameras. Without paying the monthly fee these cameras will only send you motion-activated notifications, and supply a live-stream view. Neither are especially helpful in the case of a break-in or accident. A Blink Basic or Blink Plus Plan is required to access features like Blink’s 60-day unlimited video history, photo capture, video sharing, Person Detection, and more.
Blink Basic costs $4.95 per month, or $49.95 per year, and gives users access to all of the above, plus rapid video access, live view recordings, and extended live views on Mini cameras. Blink Plus costs $15 monthly, or $150 annually which comes with everything from the Basic plan plus Moments (which puts multiple clips together), motion alert pause, and 10% off Blink devices through Amazon.
Subscription plans and devices are available to buy in-person from Bunnings stores, or online through Amazon.com.au/Blink.
