Blink Home Security System and video doorbells are a wireless home security product that is well-known. Thanks to their minimalist design, simple installation process, and more than reasonable cost, Blink cameras are one of the most popular security systems on the market. But who is behind the Blink and who is responsible for its management?
The Blink Security Company and its products Blink Security was established in the year 2014, by its two originators, Peter Besen and Greg Roberts. Before coming to Google, Besen had been employed with Motorola and MIT Lincoln Lab and Roberts had the experience of constructing wireless networks. In unison, they aimed at establishing basic home security cameras that could be operated using batteries, with no need to hire a professional for installation or the inclusion of wires.
Blink has its first product the XT wireless home Best Security Cameras, which was crowdfunded through Kickstarter in 2016. The campaign remained very successful and was backed by over $1 million from enthusiasts of this new home monitoring concept. Blink went on to build out their line of wire-free indoor/outdoor cameras and released the Blink Video Doorbell in late 2018.
Acquired by Amazon Over the period, as Blink was still a young startup, the company was fortunate to grab the attention of Amazon. It is worth mentioning that in late 2017, Amazon agreed to purchase Blink for more than $90 million. This was a clear indication that Amazon was looking to enter the smart home/wireless security camera market which was already dominated by Google Nest and others.
Blink currently exists as a sub-brand in the Amazon ecosystem. Even though, Besen and Roberts probably earned a pretty penny on this acquisition, Blink itself is a company under Amazon.
What Blink Owning Amazon Blink Security comes for the brand?
Investment in Growth Since joining forces with Amazon, Blink has received substantial financial backing in terms of research and development and faster growth rates. Subsequently, Blink has diversified its portfolio with multiple indoor/outdoor cameras, a video doorbell, and Blink Mini, essentially an extremely cheap indoor camera targeting the entry-level market.
Deep Integration with Alexa Having become a part of Amazon, Blink cameras and security systems benefit from tight interoperability with other Alexa/Amazon smart home gadgets. Amazon Echo Shows customers can watch Blink camera streams or use Alexa voice commands to turn on/off their Blink system. Blink can also be operated through the home monitoring app of Amazon.
Potential Exclusivity There is also the possibility that Blink products are only sold to Amazon Prime members, indicating the control Amazon wields over the Blink product line. Amazon-owned smart home brands, such as Ring doorbells, are already exclusively sold on Amazon. Com, not a third party. Still, Blink is present at present while the concept of exclusivity might become a reality in the future.
Amazon Customer Data Access With Amazon now owning user data from Blink devices/ apps the probability of data sharing within Amazon is high. However, Blink has its own Terms of Service and Privacy Policy that restrict the use of collected data.
Ongoing Innovation Expected Despite the obvious concerns that change of ownership causes to early adopters, Blink’s acquisition by Amazon is generally perceived to be a positive development that will spur further innovation at a faster pace. Blink can use Amazon’s resources to compete and remain faithful to the company’s mission and vision as it continues to grow over time.
What Remains the Same in Blink Security?
Simplicity and ease of use are another factor that plays a role when it comes to decision-making between different products. Blink products are still conceived in the same way as before: as basic security cameras that can be mounted in a few minutes without cabling or a professional installation. Ease of use and simplicity remain core to the Blink brand.
No Monthly Fees As with many competing security solutions, Blink does not demand any recurring monthly fee or subscription to use cameras and their functions. The only thing users have to do is pay for the actual hardware that they are using. The Blink app is free and cloud storage/video clips are still available.
Build Quality and Affordability Blink Security cameras retain the same high physical design quality and battery system as when the cameras were originally introduced. Their prices were also significantly lower than similar models of Google Nest and other rivals. At the time of writing, Blink Mini is still one of the cheapest indoor cameras out there.
Amazon’s acquisition of Blink Security in 2017 has immediately brought obvious benefits to Blink Security in terms of product portfolios and integration, likely also the innovation rate. However, the fundamentals that attracted tens of millions of consumers to Blink cameras and doorbells stay. More is on the way as this home security firm leverages Amazon’s resources and expertise to fortify its standing in smart home monitoring.
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