Ever wish you had a second set of eyes and ears? Technology can help, right at your very front door.

By Mohammad Meraj Hoda, Vice President of Business Development – Middle East & Africa at Ring

That’s where video doorbells come to your aid, enabling you to answer the door from your smartphone – even if you aren’t physically at home. Internet-connected doorbells feature a small, embedded camera in addition to the usual bell button. Some, such as the Ring Video Doorbell 3, take clear videos of visitors and alert you with real-time notifications. These features allow you to chat quickly and effectively with the delivery agents and screen out unappointed door-steppers at a time when you’re trying to limit contact with outsiders.

Convenience and safety are more important than ever this year as UAE residents have become more alert to visitors and the risks accompanying them. Video doorbells are gaining popularity because they offer several advantages.

Answer the door from anywhere

Video doorbells typically connect to the internet via your home Wi-Fi system. This means they are location-independent, and homeowners don’t need to go to the door when someone rings the doorbell. Whether you’re in bed, busy on a conference call or even away from your home, the Ring Video Doorbell 3 instantly notifies you of visitors via smartphone alerts. You simply tap on the alert to check who’s at the door and can communicate with them with the two-way talk feature.

Speak to visitors without opening the door

With two-way talk, video doorbells offer the unmatched advantage of face-to-face communication – from anywhere. This means you can speak to your visitors even with the front door shut. With market-leading products such as the Ring Video Doorbell 3, you simply talk to callers via your smartphone. Whether you’re at home or away, visitors don’t need to know the details, and you benefit from an added layer of security.

Grab some peace of mind

Video doorbells are an extra layer of security that you can access at your fingertips. Products such as the Ring Video Doorbell 3 are activated by motion around your front door and begin recording events within their set zones. This video feed can be set to be livestreamed straight to your phone, or you can access it later (with a Ring Protect Plan), so you are notified immediately and can take the appropriate action. In addition, with Ring’s Protect Plan, you can set the doorbell to take snapshot images on Ring cameras every three minutes for up to every hour between motion-detected recordings, providing an extra layer of security.

Quick and easy installation

Installing and setting up a video doorbell is much easier than you think. There’s no need to even ask your local handyman for help – you can do it all yourself within a few minutes. The Ring Video Doorbell 3 is one of the easiest solutions on the market – you simply download the app and follow the instructions. In some cases, you may need to drill new holes for screws, but otherwise, the hardest decision is deciding whether you want to connect it to electrical wires or allow it to run off the included rechargeable battery.