Beginning next month, Ring introduces round-the-clock video recording to the Stick Up Cam and Indoor Cam.

Ring, the smart home security company owned by Amazon, has announced that it is introducing 24/7 continuous video recording (CVR) to its range of smart security cameras. This means that the cameras will be able to record continuously rather than just when they detect motion, which is how Ring’s cameras and video doorbells currently operate. The introduction of this new feature is part of a revamp of Ring’s subscription plan, which is now being renamed Ring Home and will include a range of additional capabilities.

The new 24/7 recording capability will be available as part of the highest tier of Ring’s subscription plan, now called Ring Home Premium. Priced at $19.99 per month, Ring Home Premium will include cloud storage for CVR on up to 10 cameras, along with event-activated recording and other features. This new offering will provide customers with the ability to view a continuous timeline of footage from their cameras, allowing them to see everything that happens on their property. This feature has been highly requested by Ring users, and many will be pleased to now have access to it.

The introduction of CVR is initially compatible with four of Ring’s wired cameras: the Stick Up Cam and Stick Up Cam Pro, the Indoor Cam (2nd Gen), and the Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam. However, the company has stated that compatibility with more devices is coming soon. It is important to note that CVR is not currently available on Ring’s wired doorbells.

While the new CVR feature is a significant addition to Ring’s offering, it should be noted that it comes with a higher price tag compared to similar options from competitors such as Google Nest and Arlo. Google Nest charges $15 per month for continuous recording on an unlimited number of its wired doorbells and cameras, while Arlo charges $9.99 per month in addition to its base plan. However, these fees are per camera, whereas Ring’s subscription covers up to 10 cameras. It is important to consider the cost and number of cameras when choosing a security system.

In terms of advanced detection features, Ring lags behind its competitors. While Google Nest and Arlo offer features such as facial recognition and pet and vehicle detection, Ring’s plans only include person and package detection. However, for many users, the ability to rewind through a 24/7 timeline of footage and see everything that happened on their property outweighs the lack of advanced detection features.

In addition to the introduction of CVR, Ring is also launching three new capabilities as part of its subscription plans: doorbell calling, video preview alerts, and extended live view. Doorbell calling replaces the traditional pop-up notification when someone rings the doorbell with a full-screen phone call, making it harder to miss. This feature has been available on Arlo doorbells for years and is also offered by several other companies. Video preview alerts send a rich notification that includes a video clip when a camera is triggered, giving users more information about what is happening before they open the app. Previously, Ring only sent a snapshot. Extended live view extends the time that users can watch a live stream from any current Ring camera, increasing it from 10 minutes to 30 minutes. Premium subscribers will have access to an unspecified amount of time for continuous live view.

While the new features are a welcome addition to Ring’s subscription plans, it is important to note that one change has been made. Professional monitoring of Ring’s Alarm system is no longer included in the top-tier plan, but is now available as an optional add-on for $10 per month on the standard or premium plan. This means that customers who use Ring Alarm with professional monitoring and want the CVR features will now be paying $30 per month instead of $20. The other subscription plans include Ring Home Basic, which offers event-based recording for one camera at $4.99 per month, and Ring Home Standard, which offers event-based recording for multiple cameras at $9.99 per month.

In conclusion, Ring’s introduction of 24/7 continuous video recording to its smart security cameras is a significant and highly requested addition to its offering. While the monthly cost is slightly higher compared to competitors, the ability to access a continuous timeline of footage provides users with greater peace of mind and security. The addition of new features such as doorbell calling, video preview alerts, and extended live view further enhances the capabilities of Ring’s cameras and doorbells. However, it is important for customers to carefully consider their needs, the number of cameras they require, and the cost of the subscription plans when choosing a smart home security solution.



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