Skip to main content

This video doorbell can tell if the person on your doorstep has a fever

Promotional image for Tech For Change. Person standing on solar panel looking at sunset.
This story is part of Tech for Change: an ongoing series in which we shine a spotlight on positive uses of technology, and showcase how they're helping to make the world a better place.
 

In a time where health has become the primary focus for many people, it’s easy to keep track of your own temperature and well-being. It’s not so easy to ascertain the temperature of others. When you have someone coming to your door, whether a delivery driver or a visitor, it’s important to know if they may have a fever. The Ettie Smart Video Doorbell has made waves at CES 2021 for its ability to obtain this information.

Recommended Videos

This CES 2021 Innovation Award Honoree uses an infrared temperature sensor to measure a visitor’s body temperature and sends a warning if they are running a fever. It also has a capacity log to measure how many people are within a space. The Ettie Smart Video Doorbell can be used for residential purposes, but it’s also a great way to manage the comings and goings at small businesses.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

The doorbell tells visitors whether it is safe for them to enter a space and if they have a temperature or not by using a series of chimes and LED lights.

The Ettie Smart Video Doorbell also has the features you expect on a modern video doorbell. It provides HD video recording with a 160-degree field of view and live streaming so you can monitor visitors in real time, and you can speak to them thanks to the two-way audio functionality. When measuring temperature, though, we’re told that the most accurate readings are measured when an individual is facing the camera directly and not off at an angle.

When someone enters the space, the doorbell takes their picture and records when they entered. This makes contact tracing significantly easier and will help manage outbreaks and determine who has been exposed and/or infected.

If the capacity for a given space is reached, the doorbell will make an announcement to guests and the owner of the doorbell will receive an alert on their mobile device.

Tools like the Ettie Video Doorbell will also be helpful for standard medical applications; even if there isn’t a dangerous disease to consider, knowing if someone has a fever can help to stop the spread of colds and flu within the workplace.

Patrick Hearn
Patrick Hearn writes about smart home technology like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, smart light bulbs, and more. If it's a…
Ring Battery Doorbell Pro vs. Nest Doorbell: Which is the better video doorbell?
The Ring Battery Doorbell Pro installed near a door.

The Ring Battery Doorbell Pro is one of the newest video doorbells on the market, offering premium features along with the simplicity of a battery power source. It's a fancy piece of smart home tech -- but how does it stack up to the always-popular Nest Doorbell? The two video doorbells bring many of the same features to your front door, though there are a few key differences you'll want to be aware of before making a purchase.

Here's everything you need to know about the Ring Battery Doorbell Pro and Nest Doorbell -- including a look at their installation process, standout features, and pricing details -- before adding one of them to your smart home.
Design

Read more
Should you buy a wired or wireless video doorbell?
A Eufy video doorbell installed near a door.

Video doorbells come in a variety of styles, but they typically fall into one of two categories -- wired or wireless. You'll find both categories available from big names like Ring, Arlo, and Google, making it easy to snag a great product regardless of which style you prefer.

But should you buy a wired or wireless video doorbell? It's not easy making that decision, as both installation types come with various advantages and disadvantages. Here's a comprehensive look at both types of video doorbells to help you decide.
How does a wired video doorbell work?

Read more
Check out these Ring video doorbell alternatives that don’t require a subscription
A Eufy video doorbell installed near a door.

Ring is one of many companies that lock video doorbell features behind a monthly paywall. Unless you're forking out cash every month, you won't have full access to everything your device can offer. The brand also recently instituted a price hike -- and some shoppers are so frustrated that they've started looking elsewhere for their security needs.

If that's you, or if you'd like to find an easy way to cut down your spending this year, here's a look at four Ring alternatives that don't require a subscription. Some of these may offer optional subscriptions, but even if you don't pay, you'll have access to a wide range of features that aren't free on Ring.
Eufy

Read more