‎Doorbell camera with Amazon Echo Show | SimpliSafe Support Home
 
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Tuesday, July 30th, 2019 2:46 PM

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Doorbell camera with Amazon Echo Show

I currently have a Ring doorbell and I can view it on the Amazon Echo Show.
If I replace the Ring with a Simplisafe doorbell camera (with interactive plan) can I view the camera on the Echo Show?

Or is the Echo integration limited to just arm/disarm?

This conversation has been merged. Please refer the main conversation:

Integrate Cameras with Smart Home Hubs

Accepted Solution

Captain

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6.2K Messages

5 years ago

@devg3, at this time you wouldn't be able to do it. Doorbell video is only accessible through the SS app, or through a web browser logging into the SS website. At this time Echo integration will only tell you status of the system (on, home or way) and allow you to arm it.

2 Messages

5 years ago

Any updates to this yet? It seems like a very basic feature that should be addressed

2 Messages

@joshuashullaw​ This is definitely a deal breaker for me. I also like the convenience of seeing whos at the front door when they ring the bell with my Alexa based TV

2 Messages

5 years ago

I agree. This is something that would improve the functional value of simplisafe.

5 years ago

I agree as well. I hope that Simplisafe makes an integration for this or I will have to pass on their video doorbell.

217 Messages

5 years ago

Yeah, this has kept me from buying an SS video doorbell as well.  I want Alexa to inform me of the doorbell ringing at the very least and preferably to display the image on my Firestick, I'd settle for a display on my Samsung tablet though. But I want Alexa to tell me.

I'd like to have the SS Doorbell, but it's really neither "fish nor fowl" in that it doesn't really integrate into. . .  anything, really.  Sure, it will display a video on the SS app and store the videos online, but that's it?  No effort to integrate with the rest of the house?  For me, the video doorbell isn't really a security device so much as it is a convenience for when I'm not near the door.  Security is not the primary focus for me on something like this.

As far as the current Alexa integration, why can't I at least query the status of the SS system via Alexa?  When I'm in the house, I'm not always near my phone or the keypad, but I'm usually near an Alexa equipped device.

181 Messages

5 years ago

One thing to keep in mind is that Simplisafe cameras, either the video doorbell or the Simplicams can be used for "visual verification" by the Simplisafe monitoring service.

3 Messages

5 years ago

I just purchased an echo show for some usable access to door bell responses since the phone integration is so slow to alert me the visitor has usually left by the time the phone can connect.  Wonderful to hear its a waste and that there's no integration.  I'll be returning my SS doorbell an probably the rest of the system.  Bad functionality and poor product planning.

2 Messages

5 years ago

The SimpliSafe system works well and is low maintenance. Response time of the call center is also excellent in my experience. However, integration with Echo is minimal and I would agree that an Echo integration of the doorbell camera would be a big plus. I really don't need Echo to arm the system, as the keypad is more than simple to use and is in a convenient location for me.

I also find the doorbell to be somewhat fragile and it does not integrate well with digital doorbells due to the need to scavenge current through the bell in order to operate. I had to install a conventional doorbell to get it to work in my newly constructed house. (even trying the SS "dongle" they sent to try and solve this issue)

Captain

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6.2K Messages

5 years ago

@azgman if you read my post in another thread, be careful for what you wish for.  Threats in digital assistants with expanded integration may not be what you, or anyone else, bargained for.

21 Messages

Turned my Alexa off.... it was just too nosy nosy.

Some complaints of slow video more times than not is not Simplisafe.... it is slow internet connections and poor Wifi connectivity.

3 Messages

5 years ago

Video integration of the SS doorbell with Alexa should be a high priority item.  I've been with SS for over 5 years and just upgraded to the newer system and have found it to be very reliable and cost of monitoring is very affordable.  It is a bit painful to see video integration of other doorbells while SS doesn't seem to have any plans.  A very handy feature to have and would enhance the value of SS.  The lack of it won't be a deal breaker with me, but to have it would be another check mark in SS's favor.

2 Messages

5 years ago

It should only be a matter of the creation of skills to allow echo show to see what the SS camera can see. Should be a pretty simple thing to do. Alexa show has built in browser so the creation of a skill to access the camera's via the SS online access via the built in browser should be a snap. Right?
Anyone done this? Comments? Won't this work?
Dave

Captain

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6.2K Messages

5 years ago

@drwesterman skills won't work, at least not for me, I tried.  Their is another element at work here: we have all heard the issues with Ring. So far, I believe SS has not been hacked on the video as it is a closed system and they control all aspects of the system. Many users have posted they like this from a security standpoint.  The current Echo integration is very limited, for this reason.

What do others think?

4 Messages

5 years ago

What about trying to integrate the ring door bell though Google Home? Just a thought to see if this would work.

3 Messages

2 years ago

TL:DR - Feature to use a voice command to display the simpslisafe doorbell cam on my echo show.

I am considering discontinuing my subscription and switching to another like Blink or Ring. I recently bought an echo show and can view my Arlo cams with a voice command on it. Simplisafe only works with Alexa by allowing you to set the alarm, I don't need that feature and never use it. What I would like, is to use a voice command to display the simpslisafe doorbell cam on my echo show. This is a quality of life improvement for the system to which if they don't add that feature soon, I will discontinue my subscription. Veiwing it on my phone can be a hassle most times. 

24 Messages

2 years ago

Yeh I agree with this. I just moved my office to an outbuilding so have no notifications other than my phone (on silent) that someone’s at the door. At least allow doorbell notifications on the siren for goodness sake!!!

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