Amazon has announced the acquisition of security camera startup company Blink.
Founded in 2014, Blink manufactures wireless home security cameras and low-cost video doorbells, and recently introduced a product combining the two, with its connected doorbell incorporating a small camera.
It is reportedly working on a full home security system – which could be a key factor in why Amazon made the approach.
The retail giant and Blink are remaining tight-lipped on what the deal could potentially mean for future R&D (could a voice-controlled whole home security system be on the horizon?), and has stated that Blink will continue to operate and continue the same product lines currently offered under Amazon’s ownership.
“We’re excited to announce that Blink has been acquired by Amazon!,” announced the manufacturer. “If you own one of our systems, nothing changes for now.”
The fine print of the deal (including the price the manufacturer was sold for) is as yet undisclosed.
Regardless, with Amazon’s marketing power behind it the deal could give Blink significant leverage against in an ever-crowded entry-level security market including the likes of Nest, acquired by Google in $3.2 billion back in 2014.
Time will tell if Amazon’s foray into home security be more fruitful than Google’s in its bid to create its own smart home ecosystem, but following on from the acquisition of camera-activated delivery service, Key, it’s certainly investing a lot of cash in expanding its share of the home technology market.