Blink works on home security cameras and video doorbell manufacture. Their range of goods consists of wireless security cameras fit for both inside and outdoors, video doorbells, and home monitoring systems. Recently, Blink's affordable do-it-yourself home security system has attracted a lot of attention.
Blink, is an American company founded in 2013 and acquired by Amazon in 2017, Though it runs independently, Amazon owns Blink. Many people now wonder: Is Blink just Amazon wearing a different mask? Alternatively, Blink is still autonomous in operating even under Amazon.
Blink’s History Before Amazon Ownership
Peter Besen and Luba Greenwald launched Blink in 2014. It used to be called Immedia Semiconductor till recently changed its name. In 2016 Blink launched its initial offering, the HD security camera devoid of wires. It included WIFI to let it be put anywhere without a power outlet and used 2 AA lithium batteries for power. Features of the initial Blink camera were free cloud storage, motion detection, high-definition video, and a mobile app.
As of the end of the year 2016, Blink had sourced more than $30 million in funding from the investors. The company had good sales growth and a well-loved DIY home security camera. Blink was next purchased by Amazon in 2017 in what was seen as an attempt by the company to increase its market share within home services. Specific financial aspects of the deal were not made public domain.
The following analysis seeks to explain how the acquisition affected Blink, which is Amazon’s main competitor in the smart home industry.
Blink is currently a separate company from Amazon even though it has been bought by Amazon and can leverage a lot from Amazon. Blink is owned by Amazon, but they are still somewhat autonomous. The Amazon acquisition has impacted Blink in the following ways: The Amazon acquisition has impacted Blink in the following ways:
More Resources: Amazon also invested more resources and money into increasing the variety of products under the Blink brand. This has enabled Blink to grow at a faster rate.
Integration with Alexa: Blink cameras were included in Amazon’s Alexa smart home platform. They can now be operated through Alexa voice commands.
Distribution Scale: Having Amazon on its back meant that Blink was able to tap into Amazon’s millions of potential customers due to the large distribution network that the retail giant offered. Nonetheless, Blink products are available through other online retail outlets apart from Amazon.
Company Leadership: The initial founders of Blink are still involved in the running of Blink operations despite mergers and acquisitions. It has preserved its initial profile of a startup company and its work principles.
However, it is crucial to understand that while Amazon does own and fund Blink now, the firm still maintains significant autonomy. Nevertheless, the ownership by Amazon has been useful since it has offered Blink better support for faster growth.
Blink Product Line Since Acquisition
Blink has greatly expanded its product portfolio since being purchased by Amazon, including:
- Blink Mini: 2020 brought the low-cost plug-in security camera Blink Mini for household usage.
- Blink Outdoor: Released in 2020, Blink Outdoor is a smart home security camera that is portable, battery-run, weather weather-resistant.
- Blink Video Doorbell: Relaunched in 2021, Blink Video Doorbell is the first Blink video doorbell built with a two-year battery life.
- Blink Security System: Early in 2021, Blink Security System unveiled cameras, a video doorbell, and a sync module in their home monitoring systems bundle.
- Blink Solar Panel Mount: The accessory keeping the Blink Outdoor camera charged with electricity from solar energy is Blink Solar Panel Mount.
This is evidenced by the new products that have flooded the market, in response to being backed by Amazon as a way of supporting Blink’s research and growth. However, all Blink products remain consistent with the company’s initial vision of DIY, affordable home security.
The Blink Difference Compared to Amazon Products
While Amazon does now own Blink, Blink still positions itself as different from Amazon's own branded security cameras like Ring:
Price: Blink products are usually cheaper than Amazon’s Ring security cameras and kits Completely Wireless: While most Blink cameras rely on batteries to power them, Ring devices need to be wired to a power source Smaller Size: Blink cameras are small and inconspicuous with a primary aim of camouflaging with home furnishings and items. User Experience: Blink, its app, and the ecosystem were developed and tailored for home security instead of Ring’s smart home portfolio
However, Amazon has recently acquired both Blink and Ring, which is why Blink remains a separate company within the home security market. The founders are still pushing for innovation especially in wireless and affordable products despite having Amazon as their backer.
Is Blink Going Away?
Ever since Amazon bought Blink back in 2017, some have been asking questions as to whether Blink will one day cease to exist or just be absorbed into Amazon. However, over 5 years after the acquisition, all evidence points to Blink retaining its unique brand identity: However, over 5 years after the acquisition, all evidence points to Blink retaining its unique brand identity:
Blink has remained running as an independent company and has been operating offices in Massachusetts without being owned by Amazon. -The founders of Blink are still involved with the company and help to manage it at present. -Blink has been adding new products in the security domain and introducing innovative products in the market. -Blink remains a separate company with its independent website, logo, and marketing slogan.
Of course, Amazon does own Blink now, but Blink remains quite autonomous still. The best way to look at Blink is that it is an affiliated sister company of Amazon that specializes in DIY home security. Blink is independent from Amazon and at the same time a company that is still associated with a start-up. Currently, there is no indication that Amazon is planning to eliminate the Blink brand due to the popularity it enjoys.
Blink vs. Amazon Ring: Which One is Better for You?
For shoppers considering new security cameras or video doorbells, deciding between Blink and Amazon's Ring depends on a few factors: For shoppers considering new security cameras or video doorbells, deciding between Blink and Amazon's Ring depends on a few factors:
- Price: Blink is cheaper and more cost-effective compared to the expensive Ring brand.
- Simplicity: Blink is well-centered around basic security measures, whereas Ring is more ambitious in its approach toward smart home integration.
- Wireless Features: Blink cameras are only battery-powered which means they can be easily placed anywhere while Ring cameras are usually hardwired to an outlet in most cases.
Thus, for cost-conscious consumers seeking an affordable simple wireless home security system, Blink might be more convenient. But those seeking deeper integration with other Alexa-enabled smart home gadgets may prefer Ring, despite the premium rates. They are both operated by Amazon but they are in two separate categories.
The Verdict: But Amazon and eBay Can Still Be Quite Different Even if Blink and Amazon CEOs Work Closely
Over five years since Amazon acquired home security startup Blink, Blink remains largely separate from Amazon’s portfolio company organization. Further, Blink has benefited from the funding and distribution by Amazon to innovate and expand at a faster rate than other companies, although it relies on the funding source but has not been merged with Amazon and has its leadership and brand. To sum up, Blink may be viewed as an Amazon Division like Amazon Web Services or Amazon Fresh but for DIY and wireless home security products solely. Thus, although Amazon does own Blink now, the company remains very much its creature. Blink is owned by Amazon but still works rather independently in comparison to the parent company.
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