Walmart and Google just launched a surprisingly capable security camera for under $25

Smart home security cameras market are not exactly affordable, particularly the devices sporting advanced AI capabilities. However, a new partnership between Walmart and Google is set to challenge the status quo. Together, they have launched a new super-cheap Onn camera and video doorbell that integrate seamlessly with the Google Home application and its suite of Gemini AI features.

Under its Onn tech brand, Walmart has released two new wired security products, the Onn Indoor Camera for $22.96 and the Onn Video Doorbell for $49.86, which both launched on October 1st. Despite their low cost, the specifications are noteworthy and compare favorably to Google Nest's previous lineup. The indoor camera provides 1080p HDR video at 30 frames per second, complete with a 130-degree diagonal field of view, two-way audio, and night vision.

The video doorbell is similarly well-equipped, offering 1600 x 1200 HDR video in a 4:3 aspect ratio, a 165-degree diagonal field of view, IR night vision, and compatibility with existing chimes. The price of the indoor camera is particularly compelling, and the $50 doorbell undercuts competitors like Amazon's Blink. What truly distinguishes these Onn devices is their deep integration with Google's platform. Setup, live streaming, and viewing recorded video are all handled through the Google Home app.

This partnership is a strategic move for Google to expand the reach of its Gemini-powered features beyond its own hardware. Anish Kattukaran of Google Home noted, “We don’t want to constrain Gemini to just one brand, one OEM, one form factor, one price point”. He added, “So we’re going to work with a bunch of different partners. Walmart’s our first. It was a very deep collaboration”. For users concerned about recurring costs, Walmart has confirmed that the cameras include three hours of free recorded event history, allowing you to access video clips without a monthly fee.

For more extensive storage and features, you can opt for a Google Home Premium subscription. Plans begin at $10 a month for 30 days of event history and intelligent alerts, while a $20 per month plan adds 60 days of history and 24/7 continuous recording. This subscription also provides access to advanced Gemini features, including AI-powered text descriptions of events and a sophisticated camera search function within the app. While the cameras offer smart alerts for people, pets, and packages, it is unclear if these specific notifications require a paid subscription.