I tested the Amazon video intercom which integrates a 3D radar camera

Of the many purchases Amazon has made as a company, some stand out above the rest. One of them is Ring, a security company specializing in surveillance cameras and alarms which was gradually integrated into the ecosystem of the company founded by Jeff Bezos. A few weeks ago we tested the latest product to arrive in Europe, the Amazon Echo Hub, clearly integrated with Ring.

Ring is present in many countries, including Europe, where the rental of alarms and surveillance cameras has exploded. A type of product that is gradually disappearing the smart doorbell paves the way for home automation. These products allow us to know who is at the door when we call without moving from where we are, simply by looking at our cell phone. And they help against squatters.

[He probado la alarma Ring durante dos años: todo lo que me gusta y lo que no del sistema de Amazon]

Amazon’s latest proposal is Ring Doorbell Pro, a high-end option, equipped with 3D radar capable of detecting specific items and a new camera that even allows monitoring of packages if they are left at the door of the house. Of course, as a good high-end product, the price is not low.

A very classic design

One of the criticisms that has been made of this device is that it’s inelegant. Let’s be real, a doorbell doesn’t have to be the pinnacle of aesthetics, but it’s true that Ring hasn’t changed the design of these products in a long time, and they’re already starting to look pretty dated compared to the competition. .

It has an upper part where the sensors and the camera are located and a lower part where the battery is located. This piece of gray plastic It can be removed using a special screwdriver, which prevents battery theft. It’s like that of Ring cameras, which allows you to exchange it at any time.

Another disadvantage is that charging is done via micro-USB, a port that has not been seen for a long time in devices of a certain price, as is the case. It is true that the charging of this battery will normally be done every few weeks, and that the charging cable comes in the box, but still, it would have been appreciated if USB-C had already been chosen, especially since the battery is independent. part and the charging port is in it, not in the box itself.

Features

This smart doorbell, like all models and alternatives, has the mission of knowing who is knocking at the door without having to go there. Send a mobile notification via the Ring app and allows you to interact with the person at the entrance, through an audio conversation, in addition to video broadcasting.

The most remarkable thing about this model is 3D motion detection using radar which makes the accuracy of this detection much higher. It also includes a panoramic view thanks to a camera with a more angular lens than in previous models. This allows you to have a bird’s eye view of the area in which it has been placed, designed specifically for homes with an open front patio. You can also establish the detection zone in which we want it to warn.

[En el laboratorio secreto donde Amazon prueba los Alexa: una casa completa dentro de sus oficinas]

Video quality is another of the improved functions, now being able to record HD videos with a resolution of more than 1500 px and with night vision when the light is not sufficient. We really liked it the Wi-Fi connection is dual-band

, allowing it to be more stable. This is a problem in some devices, which only allow 2.4 GHz to increase the range, while this one, also with 5 GHz, can have better broadcast quality.

As happens in Ring cameras, This video intercom allows you to obscure certain areas of the camera’s vision, to protect the privacy of neighbors in case the camera is pointing inside other people’s homes. In many places this is required by law.

Payment options

Ring has a clear business model that involves a optional monthly subscription for your services. It is entirely possible to use the brand’s devices without paying, but this means that you will not be able to use some advanced functions.

In the case of this smart doorbell, if you pay monthly, you will have access to package alerts, in case one is left on the entrance mat. It’s very common in the United States, but not so common here. In fact, this is one of the features of the Eufy Dual Video Doorbell. Another paid feature is people detection. This means that the doorbell only notifies us if it detects a person, and not if there is any other type of movement, such as an animal or the leaves of a plant. Of course, this sometimes gives false positives. This is all powered by AI

something Amazon has been experimenting with for a while now, including on Alexa.

Application

The Ring app works independently of Alexa, of course, and allows us to establish the behavior of the video intercom depending on the state of the alarm, if we have it installed. So you can specify if you want it to notify you when it detects movement because we are not nearby, or if you only want it to alert you when you press the doorbell.

The integration with Alexa goes further than in other devices, being able to show what your camera captures on Amazon Echo Show with screen, making the use of this model much more efficient and comfortable than other competing models. The downside is that it is not compatible with the Google Assistant since Ring is owned by Amazon and only uses Alexa as an assistant.

I buy it?

This video intercom It is one of the most advanced on the market, in particular thanks to 3D radar detection. The rest of the features are in line with high-end doorbells, with good connection quality, very good video quality, night recording, etc.

The problem is that to get the most out of the functions we have to pay for the Ring subscription, which is not expensive, but involves a recurring payment. This isn’t essential, but it includes features that other gatekeepers offer without having to pay. Additionally, the battery life is a bit lower than other models, and if the detection and options are not configured correctly, it is possible that it will run out in weeks, instead of months.

If we have a house with an open front yard is one of the best options this can be obtained. For apartments or houses with a door on the sidewalk, there are options from Ring itself that may be better suited.