An intercom device and a method of recording an audio stream at the intercom device. The intercom device includes a user interface, a memory, and an electronic processor. The electronic processor is communicatively coupled to the user interface and the memory and is configured to receive a user-selectable entry from an input mechanism of the user interface. The electronic processor sets an away mode of the intercom device in response to the user-selectable entry. An audio stream is received by the intercom device from another intercom device. Are cord signal indicative of a request to record the audio stream is also received from the another intercom device. The intercom device records the audio stream in the memory in response to receiving the record signal when operating in the away mode.

An electronic notification apparatus is disclosed. The electronic notification apparatus may include an image capture device which can scan a machine readable code on a physical object. A communication may thereafter be initiated to complete the transfer of the physical object to a user.

A method of detecting and responding to a visitor to a smart home environment via an electronic greeting system of the smart home environment, including determining that a visitor is approaching an entryway of the smart home environment; initiating a facial recognition operation while the visitor is approaching the entryway; initiating an observation window in response to the determination that a visitor is approaching the entryway; obtaining context information from one or more sensors of the smart home environment during the observation window; and at the end of the time window, initiating a response to the detected approach of the visitor based on the context information and/or an outcome of the facial recognition operation.

A method of detecting and responding to a visitor to a smart home environment via an electronic greeting system of the smart home environment, including determining that a visitor is approaching an entryway of the smart home environment; initiating a facial recognition operation while the visitor is approaching the entryway; initiating an observation window in response to the determination that a visitor is approaching the entryway; obtaining context information from one or more sensors of the smart home environment during the observation window; and at the end of the time window, initiating a response to the detected approach of the visitor based on the context information and/or an outcome of the facial recognition operation.

A light socket surveillance system can be used to enable a first party to communicate with a second party. The light socket surveillance system can be used to detect an audible notification from the first party. In response to detecting the audible notification from the first party, the light socket surveillance system can initiate a communication session with a remote computing device of the second party.

A smart doorbell system suitable for installation within an existing conventional doorbell system is provided which controls the flow of current without any leakage using one single pole dual throw switch selecting between the doorbell chime and a bypass. By presenting current from passing through the existing chime during normal operation, the smart doorbell can be powered at almost all times using the home’s existing transformer. Only when the smart doorbell’s button is pressed will the current be temporarily diverted to the existing chime so as to enable it to emit the desired notification sound. A small battery can provide power to the smart doorbell during the few brief periods when the doorbell is powered and thus no power is provided to the smart doorbell from the home’s transformer.

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods that aid users with hearing and/or speech impediments to have a conversation with a remote phone number without human assistance. In one aspect, an application residing on a user's device, such as a smartphone, tablet computer, laptop, etc., may be used to initiate a phone call to a recipient. Upon initiating the phone call locally, a service residing on the server may receive a request to initiate a connection to the recipient. Once the recipient answers, the user may converse with the recipient by providing text input to their local app. The text input may be transmitted to the service. The service may use a text to speech converter to translate the received text to speech that can be delivered to the recipient.

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods that aid users with hearing and/or speech impediments to have a conversation with a remote phone number without human assistance. In one aspect, an application residing on a user's device, such as a smartphone, tablet computer, laptop, etc., may be used to initiate a phone call to a recipient. Upon initiating the phone call locally, a service residing on the server may receive a request to initiate a connection to the recipient. Once the recipient answers, the user may converse with the recipient by providing text input to their local app. The text input may be transmitted to the service. The service may use a text to speech converter to translate the received text to speech that can be delivered to the recipient.

A security system can be configured to mount to a power outlet. The security system can include an outwardly facing portion configured to face away from the power outlet and an inwardly facing portion having a first electrical prong and a second electrical prong that protrude into the power outlet to mount the security system to the power outlet. The security system can also include a detection system comprising a camera and a motion detector.

An electronic doorbell can include an outer housing configurable to couple to a building. The doorbell can also include a camera coupled to the outer housing and a microphone coupled to the outer housing. The doorbell can also include a button coupled to the outer housing. The electronic doorbell can be configurable to wirelessly communicate with an appliance located within the building.