Amazon's Ring has expanded its smart home security lineup with two new devices: the Ring Drone Cam and the Ring Rover Cam. The $250 drone, designed for indoor use, autonomously patrols homes, investigating triggered alarms or sensors. It can fly for up to eight minutes before returning to its charging dock. Ring CEO Jamie Siminoff highlighted its potential as a crime deterrent, noting that the drone's LED lights and movement could scare off intruders.
The $1,000 Ring Rover Cam repurposes Amazon's Astro robot for business security, patrolling offices and warehouses. Both devices prioritize privacy, flashing an LED light when recording. Siminoff emphasized that the drone cannot fly outside due to Federal Aviation Administration regulations, with built-in safeguards to prevent outdoor use.
Ring's new offerings come amid growing competition in the smart home market, estimated to exceed $200 billion in sales this year. The company has faced privacy concerns, particularly over its partnerships with police. The Ring Drone Cam will ship in the U.S. on January 27, pending FCC approval, while the Ring Rover Cam begins shipping on December 16.