Arlo|Smart Home Security|Wireless HD Security Cameras

wait for HomeKit support for 2ND gen doorbell or buy first gen ?

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keynk
Aspirant
Aspirant

Hello, I recently bought an Aqara G4, but I already have several Arlo cameras and like the ecosystem. I'm concerned that the Aqara doorbell doesn't have a rechargeable battery. I know the first-generation Arlo wire-free doorbell is HomeKit compatible, but I'm worried the second generation might be better. Do you know when the second gen will get HomeKit support? My router is about 20 meters away from the doorbell with two brick walls in between, so I'm concerned that the first gen's Wi-Fi might not be strong enough. Should I stick with the Aqara (which works great), buy the Arlo AVD2001, or get the second gen 2K and hope for HomeKit support? HomeKit compatibility is very important to me, as I have over 30 devices on HomeKit and like having everything integrated.

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Edinburgh_lad1
Prodigy
Prodigy

Compare the specs of the two Arlo doorbells; apart from a slightly better resolution and the fact that you can use the old one with local storage and that it has a replaceable battery, there isn't much difference between the two. 

 

I find it quite bizarre that while with climate change, the move, especially here in Europe and under the relevant European Commission directives, is to reduce the impact of e waste on the environment (well known case in Europe is that of Apple being told to use a usb C port which is now accepted as standard and law here for all new devices), Arlo appears to be taking a step back by releasing a new doorbell that has no replaceable battery. (Not to mention the hassle of charging the thing: with the old one, you can quickly and easily replace batteries.)

 

In a sense, it doesn't come as a surprise, though, as with attempts to retire perfectly well functioning Arlo HD, Arlo Pro and Arlo Pro 2 cameras, disappointingly, Arlo doesn't strike me as a sustainable company that cares about the environment. Maybe I'm wrong, though.