New Premium Ring Doorbell Subscription to Include AI Search Functions

New Premium Ring Doorbell Subscription to Include AI Search Functions

New Premium Ring Doorbell Subscription to Include AI Search Functions


# Important Updates on Ring Doorbell Subscriptions: Essential Information

In a major development for its clientele, Ring, the smart home security company acquired by Amazon, has unveiled a new subscription level aimed at boosting its video recording features. Beginning November 5, 2023, the fresh **Ring Home Premium** subscription will provide services such as continuous recording and AI-enhanced video search for a monthly cost of **$19.99**. This adjustment signifies a crucial transformation in Ring’s service delivery, particularly for users reliant on its security functionalities.

## Summary of Subscription Updates

The launch of Ring Home Premium comes with a rebranding of the current subscription options. The earlier **Ring Protect Basic** plan will now be referred to as **Ring Home Basic**, priced at **$4.99 per month**. Similarly, the **Ring Protect Plus** plan will be renamed **Ring Home Standard**, offered at **$9.99 monthly**.

Current subscribers of the **Ring Protect Pro** plan may find the change less advantageous. They will be required to select between two choices: upgrading to the new Ring Home Premium or downgrading to Ring Home Standard, which features professional alarm monitoring but omits some advanced benefits of the premium tier.

### Major Changes for Ring Protect Pro Subscribers

Subscribers to the Ring Protect Pro plan will encounter the loss of several important features unless they choose the premium upgrade. Effective November 5, they will lose:

– Local video storage
– Internet backup
– Access to Amazon’s Eero Secure suite
– SOS emergency response services (if they do not possess a Ring Alarm or Ring Alarm Pro device)

These features will become exclusive to the Ring Home Premium subscription, which also includes various monitoring functions for Amazon’s home robot, Astro.

## AI-Enhanced Video Search: A Mixed Experience

A highlight of the new Ring Home Premium subscription is the AI-enhanced video search feature. This functionality aims to empower users to search their recorded videos by specific keywords. However, initial evaluations of this feature have shown varied results.

As reported by **Wired**, the AI search performed adequately for some search terms, such as “backpack” and “ice cream truck.” However, it encountered difficulties with misidentifications. For example, it confused headlights from turning vehicles with “fireworks” and mistakenly identified “blonde women,” including images of golden retrievers.

The AI’s efficacy underscores the challenges of machine learning in practical scenarios, where context and subtle details can lead to mistakes. Amazon has recognized these limitations and has indicated that the AI search feature is still undergoing refinement, with plans for continual enhancements.

## Final Thoughts

The impending changes to Ring’s subscription framework illustrate the company’s dedication to improving its security solutions while also integrating cutting-edge technology like AI-driven search. Nonetheless, the transition may pose difficulties for current subscribers, particularly those enrolled in the Ring Protect Pro plan, who will need to reevaluate their choices to retain access to essential features.

As Ring gears up to implement these modifications, users should assess their security requirements and consider whether the new subscription levels meet their needs. With the prospect of upgraded features and advancing technology, the landscape of home security with Ring appears to be rapidly transforming.