Blink Mini: Affordable Smart Security in Every Home
The Blink Mini is a compact indoor plug-in smart security camera designed for homeowners who want to enhance their security system without breaking the bank. This camera is praised for its affordability, robust features, and easy setup process.
Design and Size
The Blink Mini is aptly named for its small size. Measuring just 2.0 by 1.9 by 1.4 inches (HWD) and weighing 1.7 ounces, it can be placed on any flat surface or mounted on a wall or ceiling using the included stand. The camera is available in black or white finishes, and it comes with a micro USB power port, a reset button, and a speaker on top. It also includes a power cable, a USB power adapter, and mounting screwsSource 0.
Features
The Blink Mini offers a range of features that make it a versatile tool for home security. It provides a wide-angle (110-degree) lens, a microphone, an infrared LED for black-and-white night vision, and two status LEDs. It also includes a mechanical pan/tilt mount for added functionality, which can be purchased separately for $29.99Source 0.
The camera records video in 1080p resolution and allows for two-way audio chat from the smartphone app to the camera. It can alert your phone when it detects activity in one of your configured activity zonesSource 3.
Connectivity and Integration
The Blink Mini is compatible with Amazon Alexa and IFTTT, allowing you to integrate it with other smart devices in your home. However, it does not support Google Assistant or Siri via Apple HomeKitSource 2.
Storage and Accessibility
The Blink Mini offers both cloud and local storage options. The camera works with Blink’s Sync Module 2 to let you store video footage on a USB flash drive. A single Sync Module 2 works for multiple Blink cameras, so you can connect any other Blink cameras you have to the same moduleSource 4.
However, accessing video recordings and viewing extended live streams require a subscription. Cloud storage starts at $3 per camera each month, extended live view is available only for cloud subscribersSource 0.
App Experience
The Blink Mini uses the same mobile app as every other Blink device. To view a live stream, tap the video camera icon in the lower-left corner of the panel. At the bottom of the live video screen are Save, Hold to Talk, and More buttons. The Save button saves a video clip (up to 60 seconds, though, again, you can extend up to five minutes) of the current view to cloud storage only, while the Hold to Talk button lets you initiate a two-way conversation with the person in front of the cameraSource 0.
Conclusion
Despite its limitations, the Blink Mini is a solid choice for a home security camera. It offers a range of features at an affordable price, making it a great choice for those looking to enhance their home security without a hefty budget. However, potential users should be aware of the additional costs associated with accessing video recordings and viewing extended live streams.