Amazon has been a significant player in the indoor home security space for a while now. The tech giant has also been growing within the smart devices space with several entries, such as smart cameras and speakers. However, it recently announced that its indoor home security camera drone named Ring would literally be taking flight soon enough. This new Always Home Cam will serve as an autonomous indoor drone that flies around your home, helping you keep an eye out while outside. Here’s a quick look at everything you need to know about the Ring and its expected launch date.
Always at Home with Amazon Ring
Amazon new indoor Home Cam will enable users to keep an eye on their homes at all times. Furthermore, once the drone is done flying and taking a look everywhere, it will return to its charging dock to power up again. The new drone will start shipping next year and will cost their buyers a whopping $249.99. Ring’s founder, Jamie Siminoff, said the inspiration for such a drone came as a way to receive multiple perspectives of your home without the need for several cameras. With such an autonomous drone, the owners can gain a look into all their rooms, without paying for several separate security cameras. According to Jamie, the company spent the last two years working on this device.
Taking to the Skies
The Always Home Cam is an “obvious” product, according to the parent company Ring, but one which took a lot of effort to develop. Jamie credits recent advancements in the field of drone technology, for helping his team build a product like this. The autonomous drone carries a camera on it to help provide users with live-footage of their houses. The owners also have the option of telling the drone where they want it to go, and which patch to take. After buying the product, the owners will help set up a map of the home, and also set viewpoints, such as a bedroom or kitchen. The drone starts flying either on command or when it detects a disturbance though its linked Ring Alarm system.
Other Features and Details
Since the charging dock blocks the drone’s camera, it will record only when in flight. Also, the device makes an audible noise while flying so that the people are aware that footage is being recorded. Ring states that the drone can help check anything from a stove being left open to whether a door is shut properly. The drone comes packed with obstacle detection and avoidance technology to help avoid collisions and other mishaps. Furthermore, it has shrouded propellers to help prevent damage to things in the room, pets, and other humans if there is a collision.
The project is Ring’s most ambitious yet and seems to be one from the future. It will be interesting to see whether the project kicks off and how effective it proves to be. Amazon, through such collaborations, is trying to bring the future to us, and it will be exciting to see how the drone performs next year. For years now, experts have debated whether such intrusive technology might hinder our privacy. The introduction of such a drone raises various questions, such as;
- Where do the pictures regarding the mapping of the house go?
- Could someone at Ring fly the drone around?
- How safe is the system against hacking and other such threats?
- How long can it fly, what is the average flight speed, and what is the battery life?
- What happens when it runs out of charge?
While these questions remain unanswered, it looks like Amazon will have to clarify regarding the privacy issues related to the product. That being said, it will be exciting to see such cutting-edge drone technology being accessible to ordinary people. Also, since the new system collaborates with the Ring Alarm system, users are unsure regarding the systems that can be used individually. All the systems in place might also lead to the Ring H having a bird’s eye view of our homes. How safe will people feel in such an atmosphere? Only time will tell whether such autonomous drones help make us feel safer and in control, but it sure is an exciting time for techies and enthusiasts!
Being a cinephile with a love for all things outdoorsy, Athulya never misses a chance to chase inspiring stories or poke fun at things, even when the subject is herself. Currently pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering, she is someone innately interested in technical and scientific research. Music reviews and op-eds define her as they allow her to explore different perspectives. Though sometimes she thinks she makes more sense playing the guitar than she does while writing.