Amazon has announced updates to its Ring subscription plans, introducing a new tier called Ring Home Premium. This plan, priced at $19.99 per month, will include advanced features like 24/7 video recording and AI-powered video search, and is set to launch in the U.S. on November 5. Other subscription options, Ring Home Standard and Ring Home Basic, will be available at lower price points but will not include continuous recording or the enhanced search functionality.
This revamp comes as Ring thrives under its CEO, Liz Hamren, a former Microsoft executive. The company, now the second-largest security system provider in the U.S., achieved profitability six years after Amazon acquired it for $1 billion, according to Bloomberg.
Changes to Subscription Plans
The current subscription plans are being rebranded:
Ring Protect Basic will become Ring Home Basic ($4.99 per month).
Ring Protect Plus will transition to Ring Home Standard ($9.99 per month).
Ring Protect Pro will be replaced by either Ring Home Premium or Ring Home Standard with alarm professional monitoring, depending on the customer's selection.
All Ring Home plans will offer features like 180-day video history, package alerts, and video preview notifications. Premium tiers will provide extras such as extended live view, doorbell call alerts, and advanced monitoring options.
However, these updates also remove certain features for some subscribers. Users on Ring Protect Pro will lose access to local video storage, internet backup, and the Eero Secure suite. Additionally, some services, like SOS emergency response, will only be available in specific plans tied to Ring Alarm systems.
Amazon is introducing a new $10 monthly fee for alarm professional monitoring, separate from the Ring Home Premium subscription. Current Protect Pro customers will be offered a one-year trial of Ring Home Premium with professional monitoring to ease the transition.
AI-Enhanced Video Search
A standout feature of the new Ring Home Premium is Smart Video Search, an AI-powered tool that enables users to search recorded footage using natural language. For instance, queries like "raccoon in the backyard last night" or "red bicycle in the driveway" can pinpoint specific moments. Initially, this feature will support searches related to animals, activities, vehicles, and other predefined categories.
Amazon has implemented safeguards to block searches for inappropriate or harmful content and plans to refine the feature over time. However, the company has not disclosed specific measures to address biases in the AI system. Concerns have been raised following an MIT study that highlighted potential racial biases in AI analysis of security footage.
Competitive Landscape
The release of Smart Video Search aligns with Google’s upcoming AI updates for its Nest cameras, which promise enhanced video captions and similar search capabilities. As both companies enhance their offerings, the competition in the smart home security market intensifies.
Amazon emphasizes its commitment to privacy and responsible AI development, positioning these updates as part of its strategy to maintain leadership in the sector.
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