Over the past few years, Ring has really taken a step forward as a market leader in smart home security options. A modern day entrepreneurial success story, Ring gained notoriety from an appearance on ABC’s Shark Tank and used that platform to blossom into more than just a video doorbell company. The past few years have seen Ring take its original product (the video doorbell) and grow into a massive home security force. From cameras to speakers (and even a wireless security system), Ring does so much more now than just answer the door.
With October being Smart Home Month, it’s time to take a look at Ring’s Products and how they can easily fit into your home.
Before you get started with Ring, bear in mind that the center of its operations is the free Ring App, available for iOS and Google Play. As of the date of this blog, you require a device running a minimum iOS 9.1 or Android OS 5.0 or up. The Ring App requires about 100 MB of free space on your Android phone, but Apple users will need around 400 MB for a full install. Depending on the Ring Products you choose, they are also compatible with partner services like Apple HomeKit, SmartThings, and IFTTT.
Starting with the Ring Video Doorbell and its accessories
We couldn’t look at Ring’s products without starting at the doorbell. The Ring Video Doorbell is what brought popularity and notoriety to the brand name. As one of the first video doorbells on the market in Canada, Ring took the idea of home security one step further, attempting to add an extra layer of security to the front door. A Ring Video Doorbell can add a lot of visibility to your home, giving you the option to interact with guests as they drop off packages, or even helping you out with ignoring an unwanted solicitor.
It has been a couple of years since the first generation of the Ring Video Doorbell hit the market, and time has only seen it get better. Depending on the model you choose, Ring doorbells can offer up to 160 degrees of wide-angled viewing of what’s happening at your front door (in up to 1080p), as well as use your home’s Wi-Fi to give you live shots and interact through 2-way communication with your awaiting guests. All Ring Video Doorbells come with motion detection and night vision, and they even give you options with battery powered choices (in the case of Doorbell and Doorbell 2) or hard wired options (in the case of the Pro and Elite doorbells.)
There are 4 different Ring Video Doorbells to fit all preferences and budgets:
Ring Wi-Fi 720p Video Doorbell
Ring Wi-Fi Video Doorbell 2
Ring Wi-Fi Video Doorbell Pro
Ring Wi-Fi Video Doorbell Elite
If your front door is a weak signal point for your home’s Wi-Fi, you may want to enlist the services of the Ring Chime Pro, which acts as a range extender out to your doorbell (and any other Ring devices) as well as being an additional notifying chime when the doorbell rings.
If you live in a larger home and just need an additional chime in-home, you can also look at the Regular Chime. Both devices simply plug into an available outlet and can be easily configured with your Ring Video Doorbell.
Keep an eye on things around your home with Ring Security Cameras
Once it gets dark outside, it can be hard to figure out what those random noises are. Whether it’s an intruder or just a raccoon, Ring’s extensive line of Wi-Fi enabled security cameras will keep an eye on things outside your home and notify you whenever anything is out of the ordinary, no matter where you are at the time.
Ring’s security cameras come in two different options depending on your preference. First, there’s the stand-alone Battery Powered Outdoor Spotlight Camera, featuring square-shaped lights that illuminate from the side as the camera captures what it sees in 1080p. The Outdoor Spotlight Cameras also allow you to set custom motion zones and feature a wire-free design with rechargeable batteries.
If you’re into a more hard-wired option, look no further than the Ring Floodlight Camera. The Floodlight Camera comes with two custom motion zones, 2-way communication, facial detection, and a 140 degree field of vision to capture a little more than just what’s directly in front of it.
No matter which camera option you choose, both come armed with loud 110 decibel alarms to warn any intruders that you’ve got an eye on them and hopefully deter them from whatever they’re doing. If not, the cameras will have your back one step further with their capabilities of recording whatever is happening outside (in case you need it as backup) and saving it to cloud storage.
If you’re on the fence with the choices, and getting up on a ladder and changing batteries isn’t your cup of tea, don’t worry. Ring thought of that! They have a solar panel option for your security cameras to save you the trip up and down the ladder for charging and recharging.
Introducing the Ring Wireless Security System
Perhaps the most exciting new addition to the Ring lineup is one that is coming at the end of October. There have been wireless smart security systems before, but there hasn’t been one that can work hand-in-hand with some of your existing products. The Ring Wireless Security System is a modern twist on traditional alarms that not only allows you to hook it up with your existing Ring products, but also brings the features and benefits of a regular alarm system without mass installations and cutting into the walls.
Starting with its 110 decibel home base and spanning to the safety pieces you see pictured above, the Ring Wireless Security System boasts easy to place sensors, a keypad (if you like the more traditional feel of an alarm system), and a supporting app that you can use to activate and deactivate your system at any time. Best of all, if you already have a Ring Video Doorbell or other Ring cameras, you can easily make them a part of your entire system, giving you an all-encompassing security system with only one information feed to check on instead of one per device. You also have a choice of monitoring the alarm yourself or having it professionally monitored through the optional Ring Protect Plus service, which is available for a nominal monthly fee. If you already pay for the monthly service with your existing Ring products, it will be included with it.
Unlike a standard hard-wired alarm system, Ring’s Wireless System will also include one very important feature that sets it apart from standard home setups. When the power goes out in your home, the alarm system goes with it. However, Ring’s alarm system comes with a 24 hour backup battery which flips on when the main power shuts off. When the power goes out in your home, the coverage doesn’t!
Ring has evolved from more than just a doorbell. With a comprehensive line of products ready to help protect your home, you can bring home lots of different Ring products (or start with the doorbell!) now at your local Best Buy or online at BestBuy.ca
