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Blink Outdoor is one of the best outdoor security cameras and one of my favorites. It’s small, completely wireless, easy to set up, and inexpensive. Video quality isn’t as good as one of the Arlo cameras, but good enough for something under $100. It’s also a very popular Prime Day deal when it was on sale for almost half price.
Blink Outdoor is so versatile that I use it not only to monitor my house, but also for birdwatching in the yard.
Another great feature is that the Blink camera, powered by two AA batteries, consumes very little power and can last up to two years on a single charge. And this is not just Blink hyperbole: I have had these cameras at home for a long time, and they were changed only once. However, unlike many of the best home security cameras, you do need to replace the battery, which 1) causes some inconvenience and 2) creates electronic waste.
However, last year Blink introduced an accessory that solves both problems: a solar charging stand that provides almost unlimited power for Blink Outdoor. Goodbye, AA!
There’s just one problem: you’ll only get solar panels if you buy a new Blink Outdoor camera. Camera included, solar charger and sync module (needs to use camera) for $139 (opens in new tab). The camera and solar charger alone cost $129.
This is a huge disservice to current Blink camera owners and a real missed opportunity for Blink. Since its original release, Blink owners have been asking when the solar panels will be available individually. This question has been asked by many Blink owners in the questions section (opens in a new tab) on their Amazon listing page. Two representatives from Blink responded, “We will soon offer solar panels as a separate accessory.”
If Blink doesn’t want to take advantage of this opportunity, there are others who do — and they already have: Wasserstein, which makes a ton of smart home accessories, is currently selling third-party solar panels for Blink Outdoor for $39.59. (will open in a new tab). While not as solid as Blink panels, Wasserstein panels offer more flexibility in where you choose to install, so you can capture light more efficiently and place panels in more convenient locations.
Blink’s About Us page (opens in a new tab) says the company is “proud to be an Amazon company.” Well, one of Amazon’s goals is to be carbon neutral by 2040(opens in a new tab); It seems like an easy way to achieve a more sustainable future is to develop products that don’t require disposable batteries and promote renewable energy. energy.
Providing solar panel accessories to the tens or even hundreds of thousands of customers who have already purchased Blink cameras would be one of the easiest steps a company can take. This is not only better for the environment, but also for consumers.
Michael A. Prospero is the editor-in-chief of Tom’s Guide in the United States. It oversees all evergreen content, as well as the home, smart home, and fitness/wearables categories, and tests the latest stand-up tables, webcams, drones, and e-scooters. He worked for Tom’s Guide for many years, before that he was review editor for Laptop Magazine, a reporter for Fast Company, and interned at George magazine many years ago. When he’s not testing the latest running watch, an electric scooter, skiing or training for a marathon, he may be using the latest sous-vide technology, a smoker or a pizza oven, to the delight or chagrin of his family.
Post time: Aug-16-2022
