Abode's outdoor security camera can be a smart doorbell too

This story is part of CES 2020, our complete coverage of the showroom floor and the hottest new tech gadgets around.

Abode, the startup behind the Smart Security Kit and the Iota Security Kit, is back with a new product -- the Abode Outdoor/Indoor Smart Camera. The $199 weather-resistant security camera has a unique design that can be hardwired via existing doorbell wires or plugged into an outlet with the included power adapter. This is yet another example of a growing trend toward smart home devices with flexible installations, like the battery-powered Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Cam. 

Here's an overview of the Outdoor/Indoor Smart Camera's main specs and features:

• 1080p HD livestreaming
• A 152-degree field of view
• Motion detection
• Two-way audio
• Facial recognition using a database of familiar faces you create in the Abode app
• Use inside or outside
• Hard-wire or use power adapter 
• Works with Alexa (Apple HomeKit compatibility is coming)

I'm intrigued by this camera's modular design and multiple power options, although I can't imagine using it as a doorbell since this particular model doesn't have an integrated doorbell button. Instead, visitors would have to wait for the camera owners to get a motion alert on their phone, telling them someone's there -- and hope that they answer the door or chat with them using the two-way talk feature. Abode says it plans to offer a similar model with a built-in buzzer in the future.  

The Abode Outdoor/Indoor Smart Camera will hit stores early this year. Abode will offer an optional cloud service subscription with this camera; it can be used as a stand-alone camera or with another Abode security system. 

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