Video doorbells have become a staple of modern home security. Designed for the set-it-and-forget-it crowd, video doorbells are easy to install and simple to control. Many of the best-selling models include features like color night vision and AI-powered motion detection. Some units even offer local storage, should you not want to subscribe to a home security platform. While there isn’t that much to separate one video doorbell brand from another, Anker’s most recent release claims to be the “world’s first” with one feature: VR integration.
According to Anker, the $300 Eufy Video Doorbell S4 — which is available to preorder — is the world’s first video doorbell to incorporate VR viewing, and you don’t even need a VR headset! The S4 captures up to a 180-degree field of view, but in lieu of a traditional X-and-Y-axis live feed, the S4 uses a VR mode that emulates the experience of wearing a VR headset. For those unaware, Anker is a larger tech umbrella that operates several sub-brands, one of which is Eufy, a prolific manufacturer of smart home devices. You’ll be able to move your phone or tablet around to look in different directions; you’ll also be able to link up an actual VR headset if you so choose. Conveniently, two-way audio still works in VR mode, too; that means you’ll be able to chit-chat with front-door guests while surveying the rest of your front yard.
You can look all around in VR mode, and use OmniTrack to lock onto faraway subjects
The Eufy Video Doorbell S4’s major selling point is its VR mode, but you’re not forced to use this immersive feature; a regular fisheye live view/event recording option is also available. We should also mention that VR viewing can only be accessed via the Eufy app, rather than any smart home apps you may rely on. The same is true for Eufy’s OmniTrack feature — which offers AI-powered motion detection and tracking. The S4 is compatible with smart ecosystems like Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit, but the live feed and recordings are locked to a fixed view. One thing to keep in mind is that it’s best to think of the S4 as a wired-only doorbell. There is a 2,600 mAh backup battery, but that battery isn’t removable, so recharging it will require you to unmount the bell to bring it into the house.
Other noteworthy features include local storage to a microSD or Eufy’s HomeBase S380 (sold separately), a built-in backup battery, and up to 8x zoom. Now that one smart home company is starting to work with VR, we look forward to seeing the technology expand. Having the ability to view your driveway or front stoop from just about any angle sounds useful, especially if you’re attempting to track a subject lurking at the fringes of the S4’s field of view. It’ll also be interesting to see how well the S4 interfaces with the many VR headsets that have been released over the last few years, too.
