Just joined this community. If this is in the wrong sub don’t hesitate to suggest a better one.

My building has multiple residences and we have a security door. Our current intercom and door buzzer is not working for most of us, and the system is obsolete. We’ve looked at 8 or 10 commercially available systems to replace it; they are all out of our budget.

I have been playing around a bit with a simple Android tablet and assigning a Google Duo account to it. Create Duo accounts for each unit number, etc. I’m trying to find a way to preview the entry view (whether through the tablet camera or a 2nd camera) so you don’t have to answer, to turn off the resident’s camera (unless they want it on), and to lock down the tablet so it can’t be used other than for initiating a call to one of the contacts. I did find info re: locking down Android but it either doesn’t work on a Samsung tablet, is not applicable to the version of Android, or just doesn’t work.

I’m open to using just about any software package as long as we can be local admin and would prefer either freeware or a lower priced one time purchase price.

Does anyone have suggestions or ideas? Apps? Resources? Links? Info? All appreciated. What we need, would like, and not like are below.

TIA

This is what I sent to a bunch of vendors:
–> Entryway Device:
• Able to contact single end user account.
• Must be able to call landline as well as mobile numbers.
• Accounts labeled by unit number.
• Accounts can be logged into by multiple recipients (app could use same UID/pw for each member of the same residence).
• 1 way Camera. Resident sees visitor, visitor does NOT see resident.
• Microphone and speaker.
• Create pulse to unlock security/entry door from app.

–> App:
• Not required, could just use browser.
• Not required to be on same network as entryway device.
• iOS and Android compatible.
• Uses microphone and speaker to speak to/hear visitor. Screen shows camera view.
• Can access camera feed at any time without need for buzzer activation.

–> Preferred options:
• Can link to building fire alarm system and notify building wide accounts simultaneously (not community wide, though that is OK if it can’t be building wide only).
• Admin messages can be sent building wide (not community wide, though that is OK if it can’t be building wide only) (maintenance, reminders, news).
• Admin ability to create new accounts/change passwords locally/remotely, not OEM or installer function (new tenants/owners).
• Admin remotely for new/change users, messaging, reset fire alarms.
• Local keypad or access card/RFID (forgotten phone, mail delivery, dog walker, building maintenance). Units can be programmed to accept the same access card/RFID (mail delivery)
• Temp and permanent visitor access (mail delivery, infrequent contractors, Amazon, etc).
• Motion sensor to trigger lights.
• Audio/Video recording capability.

–> Prefer NOT to have:
• Facial recognition.
• Individual video screens in each residence.