Doro, predominantly recognised for its smartphone production, has started to diversify its portfolio into the smart home technology sector. The brand now provides ear buds for individuals dealing with hearing impairments but who are not quite ready to wear a hearing aid. A unique addition to their product range is a video doorbell tailored for senior citizens named the ‘Hemma doorbell’.
One would expect standard features from a video doorbell, which Hemma delivers: live video streaming directly to your mobile device, motion detection to notify users of approaching visitors, and an option to converse with guests prior to opening the door.
However, the Doro video doorbell is distinctive from its competitors – it ensures user-friendliness by providing facility for an easy zoom on the live HD video, useful for individuals who struggle with identifying the visitor. In situation where homeowners might sense danger, an integrated siren can be activated which rings loudly outside the door, alarming the person outside and anyone within earshot distance.
A standout feature is the ‘Assist Me’ function; while setting up the doorbell on the app, you can add additional members to your Doro family – caregivers, relatives, etc. This allows them to answer the call when required through a simple tap on the ‘Assist Me’ option on screen.
Setup of this doorbell is conveniently simple. The Doro Hemma App needs to be downloaded from your phone’s app store, an account setup, and the doorbell connected to your home wifi. Ensure to run a brief test to make sure everything functions appropriately. The entire process took under five minutes, although this does not include the time taken to fix the bell itself.
You may encounter a slight challenge when initially turning on the bell due to the power button’s small size, potentially posing a hurdle for those with limited dexterity. However, a small object like a pen can remedy this issue.
The package includes the bell itself, mounting fixtures for exterior wall placement, and the pleasant bonus of a Doro Chime. The Chime connects to any power socket and emits a loud sound when the doorbell is triggered, an element often sold separately.
There’s also a free companion app: Hemma. The app guides you through the setup, which includes using the bell to scan a QR code, allowing the pairing of the bell with your application, and instructions on outside installation.
After the installation, a variety of settings can be customized according to your preference. For example, video quality as default is set at 1080p, but can be scaled down to 480p. The motion sensitivity settings can further be adjusted to low, medium, high, or turned off completely.
One unique feature is the automatic shift to night vision mode when brightness dips, a feature which can be deactivated if desired.
Unlike other brands, Doro doesn’t insist on subscription-based cloud storage, in fact, it’s not even an option. This implies the initial purchase cost is the total expense, without any recurring fees. Although this indicates that quick access to event history may not be possible, the inclusion of a personally controlled micro SD card can provide a solution, offering the capacity to save video clips of 15, 30 or 60 seconds.
On the upside, the doorbell setup is straightforward, with the app providing step-by-step guidance and video tutorials for a smoother installation process.
The video quality is commendable, switching seamlessly between modes even in reduced lighting conditions. The inclusion of additional options such as a siren or Assist Me mode brings an added sense of security.
Having the chime included in the box proves to be a thoughtful addition. While you have the option to increase the chime count in your home, the initial bell is functionally ready-to-use right out of the box, without a continual reliance on a smartphone. Additional chimes also aren’t costly, at a mere €30 apiece.
The Hemma’s battery longevity standouts among other doorbells evaluated in this article. Over the duration of this assessment, the battery level viewed through the mobile application only diminished slightly, suggesting good performance for a period of one or two months. We know the scenario of repeatedly dismounting a bell for weekly charging is one nobody appreciates.
Downside
Due to its rechargeable battery, the actual bell is somewhat larger than a conventional doorbell, as one could expect. The lack of details in controls like those found in other substantial brands is noticeable. These would allow the motion sensitivity to be adjusted in areas, crucial if your home is close to a heavy traffic road. Unless you desire constant alerts each time a vehicle moves past your house, it is advisable to either minimise the motion sensitivity or disable it entirely.
Other Points
Not everyone is fond of cloud recording, so the choice to utilise a micro SD card here can be seen as a positive negotiation. Still, ensuring this recording solution does not become filled to the brim is important, to avoid losing significant records.
Judgement
While not excessively priced, the Doro Hemma will definitely provide a sense of comfort to homeowners.