Ring Cameras Now Recognize Faces & Find Lost Pets
Amazon Enhances Ring Security with New AI Capabilities
During a presentation held on Tuesday, Amazon introduced a suite of innovative, AI-driven functionalities for its current generation of Ring cameras and doorbells.
These advancements will allow Ring device owners to identify known visitors and assist in locating missing pets through a network connection with fellow Ring users within their locality.
New Features Detailed
Amazon also unveiled Alexa+, a feature designed to operate as an intelligent doorbell assistant. It provides users with pertinent details regarding visitors before they are engaged.
Ring is simultaneously launching its inaugural 4K product series, accompanied by “Retinal Vision,” a novel imaging technology engineered to deliver enhanced video clarity.
The centerpiece of the event’s announcements was “Familiar Faces,” leveraging AI to recognize friends and family members.
Users can register the faces of their loved ones within the system. This enables Ring to provide alerts upon recognizing a visitor.
The AI will also notify users when an unknown individual is detected, facilitating swift and informed decision-making.
According to a blog post released today, this new capability aims to empower customers to minimize notifications triggered by routine activity from familiar individuals and to eliminate uncertainty in person detection.
“It’s equally crucial that you’re immediately aware if someone you don’t recognize is loitering,” stated Ring founder Jamie Siminoff during the press conference.
Addressing Past Concerns
Ring has previously encountered scrutiny regarding its collaborations with law enforcement and its historical data handling practices.
Following numerous complaints last year, the company declared it would cease fulfilling police requests for Ring user footage without a valid warrant.
The Familiar Faces feature integrates seamlessly with the broader Alexa+ Greetings system.
This integration allows for customized greetings when the camera identifies a specific individual. The voice assistant effectively functions as a smart doorbell attendant.
It can manage deliveries, ascertain the purpose of visits, and keep users well-informed.
Search Party and Pet Recovery
Another AI-powered feature, Search Party, aids in the recovery of lost pets by utilizing a network of Ring cameras.
When a pet is registered as missing, neighboring Ring users receive a description and are prompted to report any sightings.
The system employs AI to suggest potential matches, though all sightings must be voluntarily submitted.
The company emphasizes user control over privacy, allowing individuals to disregard alerts if they prefer not to share information with neighbors.
Both Familiar Faces and Alexa+ Greetings will become available to customers starting in December.
Search Party for dogs will launch in November, with future support planned for cats and other animal companions.
New Hardware and Retinal Vision
These features will be pre-installed on Ring’s new Retinal 2K and Retinal 4K devices.
These new products utilize “Retinal Vision,” an imaging technology that enhances the imaging process through advanced AI.
The Retinal Tuning function continuously assesses video quality and optimizes settings to deliver the best possible image to users.
Ring Retinal 2K is offered on the Indoor Cam Plus ($59.99) and Wired Doorbell Plus ($179.99).
The 4K line includes the Ring Wired Doorbell Pro ($249.99), Outdoor Cam Pro ($199.99), Spotlight Cam Pro ($249.99), Floodlight Cam Pro ($279.99), and Wired Doorbell Elite ($499.99).
Preorders for the devices are being accepted starting today.
Blink Updates
Alongside the Ring announcements, Amazon also introduced a 2K Blink camera lineup and the Blink Arc.
The Blink Arc, priced at $99.99, combines two Blink Mini 2K+ cameras into a single unit, providing a 180-degree panoramic view.
