Tag: ring

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Pixel users could get separate ring, notification volume in Android 14

The second Android 14 Developer Preview has been out for a little bit now, but people are still uncovering new features and tweaks. One such discovery is that Android 14 splits the ring and notification volume levels, letting users have a loud ringtone for incoming calls and quiet notifications for emails and texts.

Of course, if you don’t use a Pixel, this is something you’ve likely had access to for a while (and even older Pixels offered this feature before Google did away with it). For example, Samsung smartphones offer separate ring and notification volume controls.

While certainly not a major change, it is a nice quality-of-life adjustment for anyone over the age of 50 who doesn’t keep their phone on vibrate.

Android expert Mishaal Rahman tweeted that Google has been working on separating ring and notification volumes for a little while, with the feature appearing in the Android 13 QPR2 beta. However, in the 13 QPR2 beta, users needed to enable a flag to get the separated volumes. Based on the reports about Android 14 DP2, the feature just turned on, with Rahman writing that it looks like Google toggled the flag remotely.

It will be interesting to see if the volume separation is enabled in the Android 13 QPR3 beta. If it is, then the change could hit devices as part of the June 2023 Pixel Feature Drop. Otherwise, ring and notification volumes might remain together until Android 14 arrives.

Source: @MishaalRahman Via: Android Police

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Ring reveals updated Battery Video Doorbell Plus offering head-to-toe view of visitors

It’s been a few years since Amazon released a new version of its battery-powered Video Doorbell, and right on queue, an updated version of the device, called the Battery Video Doorbell Plus, has arrived.

Essentially a newer version of the entry-level Video Doorbell (2nd-Gen), the latest doorbell can record 1536p video at a 150 x 150-degree viewing angle, allowing it to offer a complete head-to-toe view of visitors.

Ring also says that the Doorbell Plus’ battery life lasts three times longer than the 1st-Gen version, which, if you’re like me and still own the first-gen battery-powered doorbell, is a very good thing (the battery life is pretty bad and sometimes comes in at less than a few weeks with motion alerts off). Other features like colour night vision, live view, two-way talk and motion detection are back too. Further, just like previous versions of Amazon’s battery-powered smart Doorbell, the cell that powers it is removable and rechargeable.

According to a listing on Amazon’s website, the Ring Video Doorbell plus will launch in Canada on April 5th for $234.

Though I’ve moved most of my smart home devices over to Google’s Home app, I’m still stuck in Ring’s ecosystem because its battery-powered smart doorbell is one of the best out there (I also still use Ring’s water sensor for leaks in a few areas of my home). As much as I’d like to switch to Google’s Nest Doorbell, it suffers from severe battery drain issues as soon as the temperature drops below zero.

Given I’m using an old Ring Video Doorbell that’s suffering from camera issues, I’m strongly considering picking up the Video Doorbell Plus next month.

MobileSyrup utilizes affiliate partnerships. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content, though we may earn a commission on purchases made via these links that helps fund the journalism provided free on our website.

Image credit: Amazon

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Ring adds end-to-end encryption to battery-powered doorbells, cameras

Ring’s battery-powered video doorbells and security cameras are finally getting end-to-end encryption (E2EE) support, more than a year after E2EE made its way to Ring’s wired cameras and doorbells.

Support for E2EE on wired Ring cameras means that only the person who owns the ring camera and has their iOS or Android device enrolled will be able to access the footage. This should ensure that wired Ring camera footage is more secure and that hackers can’t access your stream if they have your password. E2EE also ensures that Ring or Amazon can not access your recorded footage, and if law enforcement comes knocking at the companies’ doors, they won’t be able to hand over the footage.

If you own a battery-powered Ring doorbell or camera, you can head to the Ring app on iOS or Android, and navigate to ‘video encryption’ in the control center to enable it. Ring has a guide on how to set up E2EE on its website.

It’s worth noting that E2EE is now supported on all of Ring’s security cameras and doorbells, except the Ring Video Doorbell Wired. Also worth noting is that with E2EE, you’ll be trading off some of Ring app’s features. For example, you will not be able to preview videos on the Event Timeline view in the app, and in rich notifications. Motion detection, Bird’s eye view, Alexa Greetings and Quick Replies would all cease to function with E2EE on, though disabling the E2EE would bring all the lost features back.

In addition to E2EE, Ring is also making it easier for users to save their recorded videos in instances where they decide to upgrade or sell their Ring security camera. “You no longer have to manually download all videos associated with your old device to avoid losing them,” wrote Ring in its blog post. Subscribers can now add any of their devices to a new “Deactivated Device Slate,” which allows you to securely access your saved events and videos on your Ring account even after you’ve disposed of the camera, or its ownership has been transferred to a different user.

Furthermore, when you decide to remove a ring camera from the Ring app, a new “Remove Device Flow,” option will appear and will give you an option to “Keep or Delete events/videos from the device.”

Image credit: Ring

Source: Ring Via: The Verge

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Ring Intercom adds new layers to existing apartment intercom systems

Amazon-owned Ring has revealed its new Intercom system, adding smart features to apartments. For quite some time, homeowners and those living in recently renovated apartment units have been able to take advantage of smart home devices. Now, those living in apartments with pre-existing intercoms can gain access to elevate their quality of life.

Ring Intercom is said to be an easy-to-install feature. From the sounds of it, this may not be the must-have for those renting a condo or apartment. However, for apartment owners or building managers of older units, the new device seems like a great upgrade option.

The new system can integrate with pre-existing intercom handsets. Existing intercoms are able to communicate with visitors, delivery drivers, and couriers. Ring Intercom enables that same line of communication, though it’s done remotely through the user’s phone or Echo device. This means that users can speak to a visitor and buzz them in even if they’re not at home.

For instance, a great use case is if you’re stuck in traffic but have already ordered some delivery. Rather than your Uber Eats order sitting outside your building, you can speak directly to the driver and let them in while using Ring Intercom. The same can be said for an Amazon delivery. This can add some security to your package delivery in the event that you’re not home.

Ring Intercom is launching sporadically in various regions. The company is bringing this new device to the UK and Germany with preorders starting on September 28th. Units will begin shipping on October 26th. Ring says the U.S., France, Spain, and Italy will gain access to Intercom in 2023. The company has not yet confirmed when Canadians will have access.

At launch, Ring Intercom will cost £119.99 in the UK (roughly $157.49 CAD).

Image credit: Ring

Source: Ring

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Amazon is making a dystopian clip show from Ring footage

Amazon’s Ring home security brand is working on a television show that takes footage from its cameras and turns it into a dystopian Funniest Home Videos-like clip show called Ring Nation.

Yes, you read that correctly. Ring, the same company that willingly hands over footage to law enforcement, is launching a TV show.

Deadline reports that Wanda Sykes has signed on to Host Ring Nation and that the production company behind Live P.D. is behind the project, alongside MGM Television and MGM’s Big Fish Entertainment, which, as you may have guessed, are owned by Amazon.

In a press release, Ring Nation is described as follows:

“‘Ring Nation’ is a half-hour, studio-based series that gives audiences a daily dose of life’s unpredictable, heartwarming and hilarious viral videos shared by people from their video doorbells, smart home cameras and more.”

Jaimie Siminoff, the TV show’s executive producer, describes Ring Nation as “bringing the new community together” and says that it offers a way for “friends and family” to spend time with one another. Heartwarming, right?

Ring Nation is set to premiere on September 26th. It’s unclear if the TV show will also stream on Amazon Prime.

Image credit: Amazon

Source: Deadline, Amazon Via: The Verge

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Amazon Cloud Cam users to receive free camera amid service shut down

Amazon will give away a free camera to Cloud Cam subscribers after revealing plans to shut down its service.

The Verge and MacRumors discovered that users will be offered a free Blink Mini security camera and a one-year subscription to the Blink Subscription Plus service (approximate value of $100 per year) by Amazon before the service ends on December 2nd.

Owners will also get a 4th-gen Echo speaker as a replacement for the smart home hub.

Amazon customers received an email about the shut down of Cloud Cam severs where Amazon says it plans to focus Blink, Ring and other smart home devices. This means that video recording storage will no longer be available and the ability to connect to smart locks via the Cloud Cam Key Edition will end until substituted with an Echo.

However, even though the camera is free, features such as quick-video access and motion-based recording will cost about $30 USD per year (approximately $38 CAD) as part of a basic subscription with Amazon-owned Blink.

Image credit: Amazon

Source: The Verge, MacRumors

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Amazon reveals new Ring sensor that detects glass breaking

As CES 2022, Amazon revealed a new Ring alarm sensor that’s capable of detecting glass breaking from up to 25 feet away.

The sensor utilizes artificial intelligence to detect the sound and then notifies your Ring mobile app. The sensor itself seems to look very similar to a standard Ring security system base station.

The Ring Alarm Glass Break sensor can also be mounted to a wall, making it easy to place it near glass doors and windows.

Amazon says that the Ring Alarm Glass Break sensor is available to pre-order now for $49.99 and starts shipping on February 16th. A two-pack of sensors costs $94.99.

You can check out more news from CES 2022 here.

MobileSyrup utilizes affiliate partnerships and publishes sponsored posts. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content, though MobileSyrup may earn a commission on purchases made via these links.

Image credit: Amazon 

Source: Amazon 

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Amazon server outage causing issues with Alexa, Ring, Disney+ and more

I’m waiting on the delivery of a package, so I decided to log into my Ring camera to make sure the battery was still charged.

Though I was entirely surprised by this given I’ve had a lot of issues with Amazon’s Ring doorbell line over the last few years, I wasn’t able to access my camera’s live feed. However, it appears this particular issue isn’t tied to the Ring Video Doorbells poor ability to remain connected to my Wi-Fi-.

According to The Verge, Amazon’s AWS cloud servers that power services like Alexa, Ring, Prime Video, Disney+ and more are currently down. Even Amazon.com and PUBG are experiencing issues.

Down Detector indicates that dozens of streaming services, games and other platforms are affected by the outage.

Amazon is aware of the issue and is working on a fix.

Via: The Verge 

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MobileSyrup’s Holiday Gift Guide for smart home devices [2021 Edition]

As the holiday shopping season approaches, it’s time to start finalizing gift ideas for those around you. If you’re looking at grabbing the latest smart home innovations this holiday season, there’s no shortage of great new products to choose from.

Smart home devices have been steadily evolving, providing more advanced quality of life improvements over the years. The benefits these devices hold can help streamline everyday tasks and make controlling various appliances as easy as a voice command. Smart home devices are becoming more accessible and easier to use, which makes them a perfect gift this holiday season.

Here is our ‘MobileSyrup Smart Home Holiday Gift Guide’ for your consideration this Black Friday and Boxing Day:

Google Nest Hub (2021)

 

Kicking things off is the 2nd-gen Google Nest Hub. This central smart home device essentially serves as the beating heart of many smart homes nowadays thanks to Google Assistant. It’s compatible with Google’s entire suite of smart home devices as well as third-party apps and gadgets.

The Google Nest Hub features a 7-inch touchscreen capable of displaying the weather, calendar alerts, smart lights controls, Google Photos and more. You can even watch Netflix and YouTube videos on the display or utilize the full-range speakers for Spotify and YouTube Music. You can also make hands-free calls with Duo. All around, it’s a very capable hub for those building their smart home or simply upgrading to a new device.

Buy at Best Buy Canada for $69.99 (save $60)

HomePod mini

Apple enters the fray with its own smart home speaker. The HomePod mini has an excellent 360-degree speaker capable of filling a room with audio and music. The HomePod mini works in tandem with the Apple and Siri ecosystem. Siri can update users on notifications and alerts. A series of HomePod minis can be used as an intercom within a household.

With an 8.5cm tall mesh fabric design, it’s a stylish speaker that can suit any room of the household. For those integrated into the Apple ecosystem, the HomePod mini is a great system to help build out their smart home. It is also compatible with many third-party apps and devices so the user can expand beyond Apple’s tools.

Buy at Staples Canada for $129

Amazon Echo (4th-gen)

There’s no downside to having too many options and Amazon is here with one of its own. The Amazon Echo is the titan’s very own smart home hub and speaker system. Using Alexa, the Echo is capable of playing music, controlling smart home devices, and giving updates on weather/news.

The Echo is very compact and small, so it can fit on many shelving units or desks. It can be paired with a Fire TV so your audio comes through on the crisp speaker, and the fourth-generation Echo is supported by Dolby Audio. Amazon Prime members can also place orders using Alexa and the Echo, providing some quality of life benefits throughout a hectic day.

Buy at Best Buy Canada for $69.99

Ecobee Smart Thermostat

As we look into more focused smart home devices, the Ecobee’s Smart Thermostat is a great option for anyone looking to upgrade their current thermostat. This smart home device is compatible with Google Assistant, Siri (HomePod mini required) and Alexa. Users can control and set the heat and AC within their home using voice or touch commands.

Ecobee claims that users can save up to 26 percent of their heating and cooling costs by using the Smart Thermostat. The device will also pause heating and cooling when it detects that a window or door is left open.

Buy at Best Buy for $269 (save $61)

iRobot Roomba j7+

iRobot’s Roomba has become a staple in smart homes. The company’s line of vacuums has helped tidy up homes over the years. The latest j7+ model brings new quality of life features to the table and improves design elements at the same time.

The Roomba j7+ features automatic mapping technology that will outline your home, ensuring that it creates a reliable path for each cleaning. The camera is also now able to detect cords and solid pet waste and avoid them. The j7+ will empty itself in its Clean Base after each use. Plus, the Roomba can be controlled using voice commands. Thanks to the iRobot app, users can set a schedule and create zones for the Roomba to clean in, creating a personalized experience.

Buy at Best Buy Canada for $1049

Philips Hue Lights

Philips Hue

 

When it comes to smart home lighting, the Philips Hue line is typically a frontrunner and for good reason. When it comes to ease of use, set up, and customization options, Philips Hue smart lights have been a go-to for me. The Hue lights hook up to the user’s mobile phone via the Hue app or can be controlled via voice commands.

Philips Hue Lights provide light over a spectrum of warm and cool shades with a brightness of 800 lumens. On top of that, 16 million colour tones can be accessed and set to create a mood or aesthetic within the household. Philips Hue lights provide a lot of personalization options like automation, where they will turn on at a certain time of day.

Buy at Best Buy Canada for $99.99 (save $60)

Ring Video Doorbell

 

Amazon’s Ring has modernized the smart home doorbell, bringing new features to the security and monitoring device. The Ring Video doorbell provides 1080p HD video via a wired connection with Night vision for monitoring during the nighttime. Users will receive real-time notifications and audio alerts when paired with an Alexa device or the Ring Chime (sold separately).

With the motion detection, users will be notified when someone is at the front door, even before they ring the doorbell. Two-way talk is also enabled. Using an Echo device, users can ask Alexa to “Talk to the front door.” Ring also provides a protection plan (sold separately) to record and share videos for up to 60 days.

Buy at Best Buy Canada for $129.99

TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug

A smart plug can often turn a non-smart device into a smart home-enabled one. TP-Link’s Kasa Smart Plug offers all the necessary bells and whistles for a modest price. It has a simple setup process that enables voice commands through Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Once your device is connected, you can turn your electronics on and off remotely using the assistants mentioned above or using the Kasa app.

Personally, I use a smart plug with my Christmas tree lights each year. Setting a timer, they automatically turn on based on my schedule and they can be turned off as I leave my home. Thanks to the built-in Wi-Fi connection, these smart plugs integrate seamlessly into a smart home.

Buy at Best Buy Canada for $9.99 (save $1)

Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera

As we reach the end of our guide, the Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera is a good closer. This wire-free camera solution provides an extra layer of monitoring on your property. The Arlo 3 provides 2K HDR video with a wide-angle lens so it can cover a sizeable spread of your property, whether it’s a backyard or otherwise. Colour night vision and black and white video options are also available.

Using a smartphone or tablet, users can watch the video stream in real-time or review recorded video clips. Two-way audio can also be used via a smartphone. Users will also be notified when a person or vehicle is detected. The Arlo 3 camera is also paired with a floodlight. The brightness is said to be 2,000 Lumens, providing a considerable amount of light when enabled.

Buy at Best Buy Canada for $229.99 (save $100)

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Several Echo and Ring devices are currently discounted on Amazon

Amazon Canada is currently offering a solid deal on the third-gen Echo Dot.

Regularly priced at $69.98, the Echo Dot is available for $27.49 right now and comes with a free Sengled Bluetooth bulb ($15 value).

The Echo Dot has an LED panel that can display time, outdoor temperature and timers.

While the third-gen Echo doesn’t share the spherical design as the new one, it still functions the same and has a bunch of accessories, including this Baby Yoda stand.

Other Amazon products are on sale on the website too. Check them out below:

MobileSyrup utilizes affiliate partnerships. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content, though MobileSyrup may earn a commission on purchases made via these links.

Source: Amazon