Ring Introduces Security System and Eero Router Combo
Amazon announced the third generation of its Ring security system – the Ring Alarm Pro, a single device combining the security system with a built-in eero router, as well as 24/7 internet backup, local processing and local storage for Ring cameras. Local storage occurs with a removable SD card (a 64GB one is included) – but a subscription is included to leverage the feature. On that note, along with the new system comes the $20/month Ring Protect pro subscription plan which includes the local storage, as well as professional monitoring, 24/7 internet backup, Alexa Guard Plus, and eero Secure. The new system costs $249 for the base station, or $299 for an 8-piece system with contact sensors, a motion detector, keypad, and Z-wave range extender. Shipping begins November 3.
The NPD Take:
- Combining the security system and router in one is an interesting move for Amazon, the angle of providing security for your home and home network likely one that will resonate with consumers (at least those who are in the market for both a security system and a mesh network). It makes a lot of sense to ensure that Ring devices have access to reliable Wifi (and backup when power is out). With the on-board video processing and Z-wave radio, this new security system is essentially also acting as a smart home hub to connect compatible devices including door locks, thermostats, or CO sensors. Currently, though, the Zigbee radio included is inactive and there is no Thread support.
Ring Is Getting More Alert
Ring announced some new alert functionality. First, (some) Ring doorbells are getting package alerts, a feature that is already found on most competitor’s devices (which hasn’t stopped Ring from being the dominant player in this space). The feature is already rolling out to the Ring Pro 2 and Ring Video Doorbell (2020) and is supposed to be available on other doorbells next year. Second, Ring has introduced Custom Event Alerts, a feature that lets users create their own alerts – for example, if the garage door is left open or the if the front door is shut. Ring says the custom alerts work by having you “train” your camera on the two states you want it to recognize (e.g. a garage door being open or closed). Algorithms process images of the scene and sends an alert when it sees a change. This functionality will only be available on the Spotlight Cam Battery, and is scheduled to go live later this year. Of course, both package detection and the custom alerts require a subscription to a Ring Protect plan.
The NPD Take:
- Package detection is really a long time in coming for Ring doorbells. Unfortunately, only the Pro 2 doorbell has the head-to-toe 150x150 view to actually view those packages being left. As for the custom alerts, no one likes their security cameras or doorbells to send a constant barrage of alerts that we don’t care about…so the ability to create alerts that you actually care about is a logical feature to add, and potentially puts Ring ahead of Nest and Arlo in this department.
Blink, Blink Who’s There
Blink is adding a smart doorbell to its repertoire. The $49 Blink Video Doorbell features all of the standard features such as 1080p day and night vide, customized motion detection zones, and the ability to connect to an existing chime…and it can be installed wired or wire-free (powered by AA batteries). On-demand live view and 2-way audio is only available, however, when wired (or connected to the Blink Sync Module). On that note, similar to Blink cameras, saving footage to the cloud requires a subscription and saving footage locally requires the Blink Sync Module.
The NPD Take:
- This price point makes the Blink doorbell just about the most affordable option out there, and certainly seems like it will be more attractive than the $60 Ring Video Doorbell Wired…because it offers the wire-free flexibility that makes for easier installation.