Amazon is releasing a new Ring Car Alarm and Car Cam, which will work from the same Ring app that's connected to the Ring video doorbell, along with the compatible security cameras and security systems. Amazon has also developed a new Car Connect system that will integrate the cameras already built into the car, such as the backup camera, with the Ring Car Alarm and Car Cam.
The first video doorbell, conceived by Jamie Siminoff in 2013, was featured on Shark Tank, though no one on the judging panel chose to back the company, Doorbot. Amazon would later buy the company in 2018 and there are now several different options available for customers to choose from, including the Video Doorbell Pro, the Peephole Cam, and a new Video Doorbell slated for release this year. Ring also offers security cameras, like the Spotlight Cam and the Stick Up Cam, and smart lighting, along with various accessories, including a solar panel which can power the Spotlight Cam and the Stick Up Cam. Most Ring cameras are compatible with Alexa.
The Ring Car Alarm is a low-cost device -- starting at $59.99 -- intended to help users keep their cars safe, according to the press release. It plugs into the OBD-II port, which is located on the car’s dashboard, underneath the steering wheel column, and alerts the driver to various issues, such as attempted break-ins or if another vehicle bumps the car. The Ring Car Cam is a security camera specifically for vehicles, which has sensors that are always on the alert for potential events like break-ins and bumps. The Car Cam can also send a real-time alert to the user’s phone, and like with the Ring video doorbell, the user can check out the live feed. As for Car Connect, it’s an API from Amazon that lets customers receive the mobile alerts from the alarm systems. It also can integrate with the cameras already a part of the car. Compatible built-in cameras currently include Tesla Sentry Mode on the Tesla 3, Tesla X, Tesla S and Y.
A New Alarm & Camera For The Car
If the Car Alarm detects an event or an issue, the user then receives a notification in the Ring app, and they have the option to set off the car's siren. Users will also be able to connect the Car Alarm with any other Ring or Alexa devices they may have. This means they can enable Alexa to send out audible alerts if the Ring Car Alarm detects a problem. It seems that some of these features will require the use of Amazon Sidewalk, which Amazon says will launch later this year. Amazon Sidewalk uses Bluetooth Low Energy in order to keep Wi-Fi-based devices functional even if the Wi-Fi has gone down, or if the device is beyond the range of the user’s home Wi-Fi.
The Car Cam offers Emergency Crash Assist. In the event of a car accident, the Car Cam can request help from first responders, even if the user is for some reason unable to make a call themselves. Furthermore, the Car Cam includes Traffic Stop -- this enables someone to say, “Alexa, I’m being pulled over” during a traffic stop, which will then prompt the Car Cam to record the interaction and save it to the cloud. Privacy controls featured on the device include a physical camera shutter, which will allow the user to turn off video and audio recording inside the car. The Ring Car Cam and the Ring Car Connect both start at $129.99. Although an official release date hasn’t been set yet, Amazon did say that these devices will be available from Ring and Amazon starting in 2021.
Source: Ring