Anker's eufy Unveils Video Doorbell S4 With VR Viewing Mode and 9MP Sensor

Smart home brand eufy, a subsidiary of Anker, has officially introduced the Video Doorbell S4. Designed primarily for international markets, the flagship smart doorbell stands out with a dedicated VR viewing mode that allows users to monitor their doorstep from various perspectives in real time by moving their smartphone or wearing a compatible headset. The device is priced at $299.99 and is currently available for pre-order, with shipments expected to begin in late October.

At the core of the Video Doorbell S4 is a 9-megapixel camera delivering a high-resolution 3072×3072 video stream. It features an ultra-wide 180-degree field of view across both horizontal and vertical axes, providing a comprehensive head-to-toe look at the entryway. Additional imaging capabilities include full-color night vision and up to 8x digital zoom, ensuring clear visibility even in low-light environments.

The doorbell's headlining VR mode leverages the smartphone's built-in gyroscope, enabling users to pan and adjust the viewing angle simply by rotating their device. Alternatively, homeowners can navigate the scene using touch controls and pinch-to-zoom gestures. When a visitor rings the bell, the system pushes a video-call-style notification to the user's phone, opening directly into full-screen video with two-way audio communication upon answering.

To assist with subject framing, the Video Doorbell S4 incorporates eufy's OmniTrack AI tracking technology. This feature automatically identifies visitors and tracks their movement across the frame, dynamically cropping the feed to keep individuals centered. To minimize false alerts, the unit integrates a radar sensor alongside dual passive infrared (PIR) sensors, specifically tuned to detect both human presence and delivered packages accurately.

Unlike many battery-powered alternatives that rely on cloud subscriptions, the Video Doorbell S4 is designed for hardwired power, enabling 24/7 continuous video recording. Footage is handled through local storage, eliminating the requirement for recurring monthly cloud fees. On the integration front, the doorbell supports major smart home platforms, including Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Home.

How practical do you find motion-controlled or VR-style navigation for home security compared to standard wide-angle feeds, and does the inclusion of fee-free 24/7 local storage make hardwired setups worth the installation effort for you?