In a significant announcement at an event on Tuesday, Amazon introduced a suite of new AI-powered features for its latest Ring cameras and doorbells. These advancements are designed to enhance user experience significantly, allowing Ring users to recognize visitors' faces and locate lost pets through a network of fellow Ring users in their neighborhoods.
Among the standout features is the launch of Alexa+, which acts as a smart doorbell assistant. This innovative feature provides valuable information about visitors before users decide to open the door. By integrating Alexa+ with Ring devices, Amazon aims to create a more interactive and informative experience for homeowners.
Ring is also expanding its product offerings with the introduction of its first 4K product line along with an exciting new imaging technology called Retinal Vision. This technology is specifically designed to deliver superior video clarity, ensuring that users can see their surroundings in remarkable detail.
The most notable feature launched is called Familiar Faces. This cutting-edge technology utilizes AI to identify friends and family members. Users can enroll the faces of their loved ones, allowing the Ring device to send alerts when it detects a familiar visitor. Additionally, the AI system will notify users when an unfamiliar person is present, aiding in quick and informed decision-making.
According to Ring founder Jamie Siminoff, “This feature empowers customers to reduce notifications triggered by familiar people’s routine activities and eliminate guesswork for people detection. Equally important is that if someone you don’t recognize is lingering, you’ll know immediately they’re unfamiliar.”
Despite the innovative features, Ring has faced scrutiny regarding its close relationship with law enforcement and past data management practices. In response to numerous complaints, the company announced it would cease accommodating police requests for footage without a warrant.
The Familiar Faces feature seamlessly integrates into the broader Alexa+ Greetings system. This integration allows for personalized greetings when the camera recognizes a specific individual. As a result, Alexa can function as a smart doorbell attendant, engaging with visitors, managing deliveries, and identifying the purpose of visits, thereby keeping users well-informed.
Another innovative addition is the Search Party feature, which assists in finding lost pets by leveraging the network of Ring cameras. When a user registers a lost pet, nearby Ring users receive a description and can report any sightings. While the AI system helps deliver potential matches, it relies on voluntary reports from the community. Importantly, users maintain control over their privacy and can opt out of sharing information if they choose.
Both the Familiar Faces feature and Alexa+ Greetings will be available to customers starting in December. Meanwhile, the Search Party for dogs is set to launch in November, with plans to extend support for cats and other pets in the future. These features will come preloaded on Ring’s new Retinal 2K and Retinal 4K devices, which utilize Retinal Vision technology to enhance the imaging process with advanced AI capabilities.
The Retinal Tuning function continuously monitors the camera's video quality and optimizes settings to ensure the best possible picture quality. The Ring Retinal 2K is available with two new products: the Indoor Cam Plus priced at $59.99 and the Wired Doorbell Plus at $179.99. The 4K lineup includes the Ring Wired Doorbell Pro at $249.99, Outdoor Cam Pro at $199.99, Spotlight Cam Pro at $249.99, Floodlight Cam Pro at $279.99, and Wired Doorbell Elite at $499.99. All of these devices are available for pre-order starting today.
