SimpliSafe Launches 2K Doorbell with Agents and AI

SimpliSafe is launching a wired video doorbell capable of alerting human agents through its Active Guard service. This optional feature, subject to strict access rules for images, is priced at $49.99 per month in addition to the hardware sold for $199.99. The offering competes with Ring's more expensive Virtual Guard.

Limited Image Access and Privacy Commitment

Active Guard is an optional feature, and an agent's access to live images is only possible when the system is armed and triggered. SimpliSafe specifies that video streams are encrypted at rest and in transit, but not end-to-end, and that images are only shared with law enforcement when required by law. Indicator lights show who is speaking: amber for a monitoring agent, blue for the owner. Users can create a library of familiar faces to avoid false alerts. SimpliSafe also states that the system can provide more accurate information to emergency services.

Pricing, Availability, and History of Active Guard

Integration with Active Guard protection starts at $49.99 per month with a SimpliSafe Pro or Plus plan. In comparison, Ring offers Virtual Guard, paired with Ring Alarm, for $99 per month. Active Guard was launched in 2023 on SimpliSafe's indoor camera, then expanded in 2024 to outdoor cameras, and is now available on the new doorbell. The SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Series 2 is priced at $199.99. It works with any SimpliSafe monitoring plan, can also be used with a standalone plan that includes video recording, and requires a base station and a SimpliSafe keypad.

Sensors, AI, and Human Intervention at the Threshold

The doorbell operates via wiring, captures images in 2K, offers 10x zoom, and provides a 150-degree field of view. It features a two-way audio system, a built-in alarm, smart notifications for person and package detection, the ability to record up to five seconds of video in advance, and dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity. The identification of suspicious activities relies on embedded artificial intelligence, cloud-based computer vision processing, and facial recognition technology. According to SimpliSafe, when suspicious activity is detected, an agent can connect to the camera to see, speak, and attempt to deter intruders or package thieves.