In today’s world, home security has taken on a new and innovative form, thanks to smart technology. Among the frontrunners in this revolution is the Ring Video Doorbell. While many are already aware of its fundamental features—like motion detection, video recording, and two-way audio—there are some interesting functionalities that may have flown under your radar. In this blog post, we’ll explore five surprising features of the Ring Video Doorbell that you might not know about, demonstrating how it can enhance your home security and improve your daily life.
Package Alerts: Never Miss a Delivery Again
One of the most impressive features of the Ring Video Doorbell is its ability to notify you of package deliveries. With the rise of online shopping, missed packages have become a common frustration. However, the Ring Doorbell goes beyond just notifying you when someone rings your doorbell or when motion is detected; it can specifically alert you to package deliveries.
How does it do this? The device utilizes advanced object detection and integration with various shipping services. When a package is placed on your doorstep or near your front door, the Ring Doorbell senses it and sends a notification to your smartphone. This helps you keep track of your deliveries and can prevent package theft. If you’ve ever had a delivery go missing, you’ll recognize the immense value in this feature. You can also view recorded video footage of the delivery, helping you know precisely when the package arrived and who delivered it.
Pro Tip:
Combine the Ring Doorbell with a smart lock. You can allow trusted delivery personnel access to your home for secure placements of sensitive items, further enhancing the delivery experience.
Shared Users for Enhanced Family Security
Many families share the responsibility of home security. With multiple family members coming and going throughout the day, it’s essential to keep them all informed. The Ring Video Doorbell understands this need and offers a powerful feature that allows you to add shared users to your account.
With shared user settings, you can invite family members to access live views and recordings from your Ring Doorbell. This means that your spouse, older children, or roommates can check the video feed and receive alerts right on their own devices. This feature promotes a collaborative approach to home security, ensuring everyone is always in the loop.
Adding shared users is simple. You can do it directly from the Ring app by sending an invitation to their email addresses. This means you can have peace of mind knowing that anyone you share the account with can respond to alerts or check on deliveries, even if you’re not home.
Pro Tip:
Consider setting boundaries for shared users. You can create custom settings that limit access to specific functions, ensuring that individuals can only view what they need to for designated tasks.
Real-time Crime Mapping: A Community Watch Tool
Incorporating technology into community safety has never been easier, thanks to the innovative features of the Ring Video Doorbell. One surprising capability is access to real-time crime mapping via the Ring app. This feature allows you to stay informed about local crime trends and incidents in your area, providing you with valuable intelligence that can enhance your security awareness.
When you access the Neighborhood feature in the Ring app, you will find information about reported crimes, suspicious activity, and other security incidents that have occurred near your location. This feature encourages a community-watch mentality among Ring users, as individuals can share their experiences and report incidents to keep others informed.
By consistently monitoring this information, you’ll be better equipped to recognize potential threats to your property and make informed decisions about your home security measures. Moreover, you can connect with your neighbors, share tips or updates, and foster a sense of community safety.
Pro Tip:
Engage actively in your neighborhood discussions. Reporting issues or sharing security tips can promote cooperation and help establish a community that looks out for one another, creating a safer environment for all.
Integrate with Smart Home Devices: A Seamless Ecosystem
Smart home technology is booming, and the Ring Video Doorbell can be a pivotal piece of your smart home ecosystem. One of its most impressive and sometimes overlooked capabilities is its integration with various smart home devices.
The Ring Doorbell works seamlessly with smart lights, smart locks, and even voice assistants, such as Amazon Alexa. For example, you can set up your smart lights to turn on automatically when the doorbell detects motion. This creates the impression that you are home and is an excellent deterrent for potential intruders.
Moreover, if you have an Alexa-enabled device, you can simply say, “Alexa, show me the front door,” and it will pull up the live feed from your Ring Doorbell right on your Echo Show or Fire TV device. This convenience allows you to stay connected with your home's security without having to constantly check your phone.
Pro Tip:
Consider setting up an "Away" mode for your smart home devices when you leave the house. You can configure your smart lights to flash if the Ring Doorbell detects motion, providing an added layer of security by deterring potential burglars.
Video Storage Options: Tailored To Your Needs
While many users are aware that the Ring Video Doorbell records video footage, not everyone knows the extent of its video storage options. The Ring offers several subscription plans that allow you to customize your video storage based on your needs and usage patterns.
Ring provides a feature known as "Ring Protect," which allows users to store recorded videos in the cloud for either 60 days or more, depending on the selected subscription tier. This means you can revisit footage at your convenience—whether for checking on an incident or reviewing when deliveries occurred.
What’s even more impressive is that you can download and share specific video clips as needed. This could come in handy if you want to report a suspicious incident, share a delivery notice with a neighbor, or keep a record of important community events.
Pro Tip:
Make it a habit to review your footage periodically. Not only does this help you keep tabs on your deliveries, but it also allows you to spot potential issues—like overgrown shrubs that could be hiding threats or revealing new package drop-off locations to inform delivery personnel.
Conclusion
The Ring Video Doorbell is an exceptional tool for enhancing your home security, but its capabilities extend beyond the basics of video monitoring and motion detection. From providing vital community safety information to integrating seamlessly with other smart devices and offering shared access for family members, the Ring Doorbell proves to be a multifaceted device that caters to various needs.
Utilizing these five surprising features can significantly boost your home experience, creating a safer living environment for you and your loved ones. Whether you want to start tracking your deliveries better, boost your community’s safety, or simply stay connected to your home while you’re away, the Ring Video Doorbell offers functionalities that make it an invaluable household companion.
With technology evolving rapidly, it’s worth investigating how your devices can integrate to fit your lifestyle better. Through the active use of the features highlighted in this post, you’ll be well on your way to making the most of your Ring Video Doorbell—a truly modern twist on home security.
