Amazon Unveils New Subscription Tiers for Ring Cameras with AI-Driven Features
Amazon is shaking things up for its Ring video doorbells and cameras with a major revamp of its subscription services, adding AI-powered tools that could transform home security. Starting November 5, U.S. customers will be able to choose from three subscription tiers, with the newly introduced Ring Home Premium offering advanced features like 24/7 recording and an innovative AI-powered video search for $19.99 per month.
A Premium Experience with Smart Video Search
The crown jewel of the new offerings is Ring Home Premium. For $19.99 per month, subscribers will get continuous video streaming, which means users can watch footage in real time without interruptions. One standout feature is Smart Video Search, which allows users to type in specific queries like “raccoon in the backyard” to instantly find relevant footage. Currently in public beta, the search tool can identify people, animals, vehicles, and even actions like “running” or “playing.” This AI-powered search is designed to help users quickly navigate through hours of video footage to find key moments.
Though it offers exciting possibilities, the Smart Video Search feature is entering the market amid rising concerns about AI bias in security systems. A recent MIT study pointed out that AI models, including those behind Ring, were more likely to recommend law enforcement intervention in minority neighborhoods based on camera footage. While Amazon is promoting its AI advancements, it's also facing pressure to ensure the technology is used responsibly and without reinforcing harmful biases.
Subscription Revamp Details
Amazon has renamed and adjusted its existing plans. The basic Ring Protect plan will now be called Ring Home Basic, costing $4.99 per month, offering features like video event history for up to 180 days and person/package alerts. Meanwhile, Ring Home Standard will cost $9.99 per month and will include extended live views of video streams (up to 30 minutes), which is crucial for users who don’t need continuous monitoring but still want comprehensive coverage.
Subscribers to the top-tier Ring Home Premium will gain access to continuous live view, Smart Video Search, and “doorbell calls,” which act like phone calls when someone presses the doorbell. However, for users who had the previous Ring Protect Pro plan, some may experience a loss of features like local video storage and SOS emergency response unless they opt for the more expensive Ring Home Premium plan.
One important caveat is that if current Ring Protect Pro subscribers don’t have a Ring Alarm system, they’ll lose some key services like Amazon’s Eero Secure and internet backup. To ease the transition, Amazon is offering a one-year trial of Ring Home Premium with alarm professional monitoring to these subscribers.
Ring’s Market Growth and Challenges Ahead
Under the leadership of CEO Liz Hamren, formerly of Microsoft, Ring has become the second-largest security system seller in the U.S. Ring’s profitability and continued growth signal that it’s poised to take on competitors like Google Nest, which is also expected to launch similar AI updates soon.
Despite its strong market position, Amazon’s new strategy will test whether customers are willing to pay more for advanced AI features. While Smart Video Search offers impressive functionality, its success will hinge on whether Amazon can mitigate AI biases and ensure privacy and ethical usage.
As this subscription overhaul rolls out, both existing and new Ring customers will have a range of options to fit their home security needs. The Smart Video Search tool, in particular, could redefine how homeowners interact with their security footage, offering powerful insights at the touch of a button.
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