Ring Announces Virtual Security Guard & Enhanced Alarm System

Ring Announces Pro Alarm and Virtual Security Guard Updates

Ring presented numerous updates at Amazon’s annual devices and services showcase. These enhancements encompass a new Pro Alarm system, featuring updated hardware and the integration of Eero Wi-Fi 6 router functionality.

New Pro Alarm Suite Details

The newly launched Pro Alarm suite represents a significant upgrade to Ring’s security offerings. It combines enhanced hardware components with seamless connectivity through Eero Wi-Fi 6, bolstering network reliability.

Introducing Virtual Security Guard

A novel service, Virtual Security Guard, has been introduced by Ring. This service effectively monitors your Ring camera feeds, providing surveillance similar to what you would do personally when you are unable to do so yourself.

Smarter Alerts for Existing Devices

Ring is also refining the alert system for its current range of doorbells and cameras. Improvements focus on more intelligent event recognition, reducing false alarms and enhancing the relevance of notifications.

These updates aim to provide users with a more comprehensive and reliable home security experience. The combination of improved hardware, network integration, and intelligent software features positions Ring as a key player in the smart home security market.

Ring Alarm Pro

The Ring Alarm Pro represents a significant advancement in home security systems. It’s a comprehensive suite centered around a base station that uniquely integrates Eero Wi-Fi technology.

This base station functions as both a security hub and a Wi-Fi 6 router. It’s also mesh network compatible, allowing seamless connection with other contemporary Eero devices – a strategic benefit stemming from Amazon’s acquisition of both companies.

Key Features and Capabilities

A crucial feature of the Ring Alarm Pro is its 24/7 backup internet connectivity. This is facilitated by a pre-paid allowance of 3GB of cellular data per month, with additional data purchasable at a rate of $3 per gigabyte.

To ensure uninterrupted service even during power failures, Ring’s Power Pack accessories can be connected directly to the base station.

Local Storage and Compatibility

The Alarm Pro base station incorporates a microSD card slot. This supports cards with a maximum capacity of 64GB, enabling local video storage for your Ring cameras and doorbells.

The system maintains compatibility with Ring’s existing range of sensors. These include motion detectors, contact sensors for doors and windows, and sensors for detecting fire and moisture.

Pro Subscription Tier

Ring is introducing a new Pro subscription level, priced at $20 per month. This unlocks access to the cellular backup service, as well as professional monitoring capabilities.

Further enhancing the value, the Pro tier also provides benefits through Eero integration. These include ad blocking, content filtering, and network threat protection for your home internet connection.

This synergy between Ring and Eero delivers a more robust and secure home network experience.

Virtual Security Guard

Distinct from the recently introduced Pro subscription tier – offered in addition to the current $10 monthly plan – is a novel, independent subscription service known as Virtual Security Guard. This service is designed to emulate the advantages of having a physical security guard present on-site.

Essentially, this service introduces a heightened degree of oversight through professional monitoring, facilitated by a collaboration with Rapid Response, a monitoring firm. Personnel from Rapid Response will actively observe the Ring camera and doorbell streams designated by subscribers.

Upon receiving motion alerts, these agents will intervene by activating sirens and lights, utilizing two-way communication capabilities, and, if deemed necessary, initiating the dispatch of emergency services. Ring emphasizes that control remains firmly with the subscriber at all times.

Cameras are not automatically enrolled; users explicitly choose which cameras are monitored and during what periods. Agents require explicit authorization to activate cameras, contingent upon the device being in either Home or Away mode as defined by the user.

Agents only have access to live video feeds through Live View during motion events, and recordings are not retained for download or any other purpose by the monitoring team. User-defined Privacy Zones remain concealed from the agents.

The Ring application will also display real-time notifications when Virtual Security Guard agents are actively monitoring feeds, and any previously viewed Live Views will be clearly identified.

Specific pricing details have not yet been disclosed, but it is anticipated to be a premium service, requiring an existing professional monitoring plan. Furthermore, participation necessitates the use of a hardwired Ring outdoor video doorbell or security camera.

Initial access to the program will be granted on an invitation-only basis, beginning later this year.

Personalized Notifications: Event and Package Detection

Image Credits: Ring

Ring has unveiled several significant updates this year, notably the commencement of shipments for its autonomous drone. However, the enhancements that are likely to resonate most strongly with a broad user base are the newly introduced intelligent alerts, specifically Package Alerts and Custom Event Alerts.

Package Alerts function precisely as described, enabling users to designate a specific area and receive a notification whenever a package is detected within that zone. This allows for monitoring of locations such as front steps or porches, providing alerts for deliveries from services like Amazon.

Access to this feature will be granted to owners of the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 and the Ring Video Doorbell (2020 release) models, with deployment beginning immediately. A current Ring Protect Plan subscription is required to utilize Package Alerts.

Customizable Alerts for Enhanced Security

Custom Event Alerts are designed for users of the Spotlight Battery Cam, also contingent upon an active Ring Protect Plan. These alerts offer a greater degree of personalization.

Users can define specific states, such as a garage door being open or closed, by uploading representative images to their Ring system. The system learns to recognize these states and notifies users when a change occurs. Ring suggests this functionality extends to gates, doors, and other user-defined state transitions.

The rollout of Custom Event Alerts will occur at a later date than Package Alerts, with availability anticipated “in the coming months.”

Jobsite Security Solutions from Ring

Image Credits: Ring

Ring has introduced a new offering specifically designed for construction sites and professional jobsite management. This product, known as Jobsite Security, builds upon the foundation of the Ring Alarm Pro system.

Key enhancements cater to professional applications, such as the inclusion of Outdoor Contact sensors. These sensors enable monitoring of gate positions – whether they are open or closed – providing an added layer of security.

The product’s design incorporates a significant amount of Safety Orange, a deliberate choice to resonate with the intended user base.

This color scheme also serves a practical purpose, as Safety Orange is known for its high visibility and reflectivity.

Jobsite Security will be available exclusively through The Home Depot, with a starting price of $399.99.

This represents a strategic expansion of Ring’s market reach beyond residential customers.

It could potentially signal further ventures into the business-to-business (B2B) sector for the company.

Key Features of Ring Jobsite Security

• Based on the Ring Alarm Pro system.
• Includes Outdoor Contact sensors for gate monitoring.
• Utilizes Safety Orange for enhanced visibility.
• Exclusive retail partnership with The Home Depot.

The system is intended to provide robust security and monitoring capabilities for construction sites and other professional job locations.