Amazon Acquiring Video Doorbell Maker Ring, but HomeKit Support is Still Coming

[Bradleyone]

Lots of talk about HomeKit support. I don’t have any HomeKit devices yet but was wondering what are the benefits of HomeKit support for something like a camera doorbell?

Used in isolation, there is no need for HomeKit support: a visitor presses the doorbell (or its motion sensor detects them) and Ring's own app will show a standard iOS notification on your iPhone and/or your Apple Watch. Clicking the iPhone notification will open the Ring app and show the video feed, let you chat with them, etc. It's all self-contained.

However, if want to link systems, such as having motion near your Ring doorbell automatically turn on your Hue porch lights, then you need it to support HomeKit automation.

 

[TonyC28]

Used in isolation, there is no need for HomeKit support: a visitor presses the doorbell (or its motion sensor detects them) and Ring's own app will show a standard iOS notification on your iPhone and/or your Apple Watch. Clicking the iPhone notification will open the Ring app and show the video feed, let you chat with them, etc. It's all self-contained.

However, if want to link systems, such as having motion near your Ring doorbell automatically turn on your Hue porch lights, then you need it to support HomeKit automation.

Ahh I get it now. Thank you.

 

[John_B Beta]

Had to 'modify' mine this week after missing deliveries a few times, the indoor chime triggering late, like a minute or so. Otherwise love it - and tbh the way apple are slacking on a lot of things lately I feel like ring is in safe hands. Hopefully!

 

[Chupa Chupa]

I remember Doorbot (now Ring) getting rejected on Shark Tank. They've come a long way, I'd say.

Yes that was a classic. Don't own a Ring, def. won't now. I just wonder if Amazon has my precious Ecobee in it's target to compete with Google's Nest. The funny part is that George Orwell put us on guard that government would spy on us for control but we just let companies peek past the front door... literally.

 

[SevenSeas]

I just hope they do not raise the price of their monthly video storage fee ... $10 across the board is great for unlimited cameras. Hopefully amazon cloud services create a lower latency connection and playback (which is already pretty good for my needs).

 

[SugeLite]

Amazon will rule us all; and our politicians will do nothing about it in fear of a smear campaign in the AmazonWashingtonPost

Apple's time has ended. It's Amazon's turn now.

They once said the same about Yahoo, Netscape,MySpace Sears, Woolworth, etc. Someone will out innovate them one day as well. And then too, the government will do nothing, but you get the main point..lol

 

[BuffaloTF]

Whoa... I totally missed the news that Amazon bought Blink. I use Blink for my own home cameras, and someone got me an Echo Show for Christmas -- and I've been disappointed by the lack of look-in capabilities that Arlo and Nest have... now I know who to REALLY blame.

 

[Weaselboy]

However, if want to link systems, such as having motion near your Ring doorbell automatically turn on your Hue porch lights, then you need it to support HomeKit automation.

https://ifttt.com/ring

You can do that now with IFTTT.

 

[69650]

Nah, Apple does best when they focus on a few different things, rather than potentially dozens of product lines. That’s why Jobs eliminated several products at one time, like printers and digital cameras. Besides, what’s the alternative? Apple making thermostats, light bulbs, refrigerators, washing machines, door locks, ceiling fans and on and on? It’s best to let companies that know what they’re doing in those fields handle that stuff and let them make their products HomeKit compatible. Not to mention, most of those products aren’t high margin which is where Apple tends to focus.

Apple keep telling us they are so good because they make the hardware and software. So what’s the difference here? Apple making smart home tech is no different to them making headphones and speakers.

 

[BrentD]

https://ifttt.com/ring

You can do that now with IFTTT.

Have you tried it? I'm curious how something like that works in practice. My only experience with IFTTT and my Hue lights has been the gimmicky things like when my team scores a touchdown the lights flash the team colors. The lights would flash like 3-5 minutes after the score, so it was useless.

 

[Weaselboy]

Have you tried it? I'm curious how something like that works in practice. My only experience with IFTTT and my Hue lights has been the gimmicky things like when my team scores a touchdown the lights flash the team colors. The lights would flash like 3-5 minutes after the score, so it was useless.

Yes... in my experience my Hue lights flash within about two seconds of the alert.

I have Hue lights flash when an Amazon Echo timer goes off also, and that too goes off in about two seconds.

I wonder if your triggering event for the scores is low to send the signal?

 

[BrentD]

Yes... in my experience my Hue lights flash within about two seconds of the alert.

I have Hue lights flash when an Amazon Echo timer goes off also, and that too goes off in about two seconds.

I wonder if your triggering event for the scores is low to send the signal?

Must be. I need to look into it for additional functions with my Hue lights.

 

[Jesse Waugh]

There are going to be cameras EVERYWHERE.