Circle View’s Vision
Doorbells are obviously not hard to come by. Between Google’s Nest, Amazon’s Ring, Eufy, Arlo, August, etc, They’re fairly easy to shop for. However, in the service of using it with Apple’s Homekit Platform, none will get the job done.
For the longest time, the best option was to use tricky Homebridge workarounds to unite and fit unsupported home devices into the app. This problem didn’t last. Last year, HomeKit-compatible video doorbells were brought onto the scene.
There are two of these doorbells. One is the $199.99 Circle View, and the next is the $299.99 Netatmo Smart video. There’s no battery option for the Circle View Doorbell, so you’ll need the older low-voltage doorbell with around 8-24 volts AC. You can either do this or run the wiring of an AC adapter wall wart (is not included). As long as you have that and the accessories needed for it to work, it’ll support the current doorbell chimes you have.
Setup and installation are fairly simple. Using the Apple home app you can scan the barcode on the back with your iPhone adding it to your virtual home. At this point, you can install it at your door. On average this can be done in 15 minutes.
However, if you rather leave it to a professional, HelloTech and Logitech have partnered up to send people to your home for integrating the doorbell for you. This is a $100 service along with the price of the doorbell and integration. Due to any existing doorbell, you may have, you’ll most likely already have the wiring in place.
Without an internal battery, the Circle View than your typical Ring Video Doorbell 3 and has a size more relative to the Ring Video Doorbell Pro or the Nest Hallo. The bottom half of the doorbell is of course the button to ring it, while the top part is the camera with a vertical view facing outward. However, not exactly enough to see directly to the lower sides.
It’s also worth mentioning the Circle View only comes in a modern, black design. Not interchangeable faceplates like many other companies. Minor detail but also good to know for those in search of something fitting their home’s color palette.
Bottom line, the Circle View comes to your aid like many other video doorbells. When someone rings at your front door, there’s still a notification on your phone allowing the user to preview who’s visiting live. This of course includes a two-way speaker helping you to communicate with the visitor as well. The feed itself is a 160-degree view for the householder to view the visitor from head to toe. Circle View also comes with added features like an internal nightlight designed to shine automatically when used in the dark. Logitech calls this feature “color night vision”.
Another addition that makes the Circle View unique is Apple’s HomeKit platform support. Everything you need concerning your Circle View can be done on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac with the Apple-developed Home app. Another option is Homepod or Homepod mini.
It’s important to know that HomeKit Secure Video needs a 200GB iCloud subscription per month. This gives you 10 days maximum of encrypted camera clips of that timeframe. The plan only supports one camera at a time. You’ll need to pay extra for a 2TB plan for up to five if you have more than one HomeKit Secure Video Camera.
In the Home app, you can use it to watch camera feeds and past recorded timelines. Chose when to record, face recognition, activate or deactivate the nightlight, and select zones for motion detection all from the comfort and convenience of your mobile device.
Limitations do include the lack of customizable chimes. The motion detection picks up everything, not just cars or people, meaning the sensitivity zone isn’t adjustable. And the most notable limitation is the lack of support. Only Apple devices and platforms can coincide with Circle View doorbells. Amazon Alexa or Google home will not work with this doorbell model.
All things considered, Logitech’s Circle View isn’t largely different from Apple doorbell products. Basics are done very well and swiftly done at that. The camera is very detailed and clear including audio as well. If the limitations don’t seem to be a problem, then Logitech is a great logical choice.
