iPad as a video intercom for an unattended reception area?
June 27, 2017 4:26 AM Subscribe
Does what it says on the label - Is there an app that will allow me to use a (physically) secured iPad as a video intercom/doorbell in an unattended office reception environment?
We just moved into a new office which is three levels. On some days the front door is locked, so we have a ring pro and a smart lock which works great for access. On other days, there is public access to the ground floor, but it is unattended. We have the ability to have a secure iPad mounted on the entry desk there, so I thought surely there must be an app out there that can basically turn the iPad into a 'video doorbell' so that we don't have to run downstairs and upstairs every time someone comes in.
Basically someone comes in, presses a big obvious button which rings everyone in the office (~10 people) and then someone can pick up and have a video chat and go down (if needed).
I've seen the various reception and lobby apps, but they all have pretty steep monthly fees, and overkill for what we need, yet none of them do video. Am I missing something blindingly obvious here? Thank you!
We just moved into a new office which is three levels. On some days the front door is locked, so we have a ring pro and a smart lock which works great for access. On other days, there is public access to the ground floor, but it is unattended. We have the ability to have a secure iPad mounted on the entry desk there, so I thought surely there must be an app out there that can basically turn the iPad into a 'video doorbell' so that we don't have to run downstairs and upstairs every time someone comes in.
Basically someone comes in, presses a big obvious button which rings everyone in the office (~10 people) and then someone can pick up and have a video chat and go down (if needed).
I've seen the various reception and lobby apps, but they all have pretty steep monthly fees, and overkill for what we need, yet none of them do video. Am I missing something blindingly obvious here? Thank you!
I'm +1 srboisvert because I've actually investigated this space before (similar issue in my office, though no need for video, we just want an iPad virtual receptionist to email all of us when someone taps a button) and it's full of expensive services that do a zillion things I don't give a shit about and which charge a premium as a result. Completely frustrating.
posted by soren_lorensen at 6:33 AM on June 27, 2017
posted by soren_lorensen at 6:33 AM on June 27, 2017
I guess what I am really asking is "What is wrong with your existing doorbell system?" Is it just that you want to be able to unlock the door remotely? (though frankly it is a very bad security idea for a company to allow strangers to wander in unaccompanied - it takes only about 5 seconds to attach a keylogger to a computer's rear usb ports where it won't be noticed).
posted by srboisvert at 11:27 AM on June 27, 2017
posted by srboisvert at 11:27 AM on June 27, 2017
Response by poster: srboisvert - We use the iPad for other things like point of sale and display, so it would be a pain to double up. Nothing is wrong with the current doorbell system, but it's not relevant for days where the front door is open and we need to know when people are downstairs.
It just seems odd that there's no dedicated app that does this. I might just have to try some sort of skype or SIP workaround.
(also, soren_lorensen, you might want to check out envoy which does what you want with a free plan)
posted by LongDrive at 5:33 PM on June 27, 2017
It just seems odd that there's no dedicated app that does this. I might just have to try some sort of skype or SIP workaround.
(also, soren_lorensen, you might want to check out envoy which does what you want with a free plan)
posted by LongDrive at 5:33 PM on June 27, 2017
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posted by srboisvert at 6:04 AM on June 27, 2017 [2 favorites]