Ring Revamps Subscriptions with AI Video Search, But Some Customers May Feel the Pinch
Amazon isshaking things up in the home security market with a revamp of its Ring subscription offerings.The new service, Ring Home Premium, launching on November 5th in the U.S., promises a suite of advanced features, including 24/7 recording and AI-powered video search, for a starting price of $19.99 per month. This move comes as Ring, under its new CEO LizHamren, enjoys a surge in popularity, becoming the second-largest seller of security systems in the U.S. and recently achieving profitability.
However, the changes aren’t universally welcomed. Existing Ring Protect Pro subscribers will face a significantshift, losing local video storage, internet backup, and Eero secure features. They will also lose access to SOS emergency response unless they have a Ring Alarm or Ring Pro unit. Additionally, Amazon will begin charging an extra $10 per month for professionalalarm monitoring for customers who aren’t subscribed to Ring Protect Pro with Virtual Security Guard.
To soften the blow, Amazon is offering existing Ring Protect Pro subscribers a one-year trial of Ring Home Premium, which includes all the aforementioned features.
One of the key highlights of Ring Home Premium is Smart Video Search, an AI-powered tool that allows users to search recorded video footage for specific moments. This feature, currently in public beta, enables users to type queries into the Ring app, such as raccoon in the backyard last night or red bicycle in the driveway, to pinpoint noteworthy events.
While the newAI-powered search feature holds promise for users, the changes to subscription tiers and the potential loss of features for existing Ring Protect Pro subscribers raise concerns about value and accessibility. The move could potentially alienate some customers who may feel the new pricing structure is less favorable, especially those who rely on the features being removed.
Therevamped Ring subscription offerings present a mixed bag for customers. While the introduction of AI-powered video search and 24/7 recording is a welcome addition for some, the changes to existing plans and the potential for increased costs could lead to dissatisfaction among certain user segments. It remains to be seen how these changes will impactRing’s overall market share and customer loyalty in the long run.
References:
- Amazon revamps Ring subscriptions with AI video search
- Parks Associates: 43% of U.S. households own a security solution and almost one-third of households subscribe to a security service
- Amazon’s Ring has ditched crime-fighting mission for TikTok-Nextdoor mashup
- Amazon expands Eero line and introduces internet backup
- Eero updates subscription plans
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