Ring Debuts New Spotlight Cam With Wired, Battery, and Solar Models for Home Security

[MacRumors]

Ring, maker of the popular video doorbells and recently launched Floodlight Cam, is today announcing a new line of Spotlight Cams.

Similar in function to the Floodlight Cam but with a different lighting system, the new Spotlight Cam features LED light panels that automatically turn on when motion is detected, as well as a 1080p camera with night vision, two-way audio, and a 110 dB siren to let homeowners see activity around their homes and communicate with people who set foot on their property.

Wired model​

The Ring Spotlight Cam will integrate with other Ring products through the Ring app to provide a complete security solution around the perimeter of the home.

Ring's new Spotlight Cam is available in either black or white and will be available in three versions: Wired, Battery, and Solar. The Wired version includes a 270-degree horizontal motion detection angle, 140-degree camera field of view, and a 20-foot power cable. It is priced at $199 and is available to order today with shipments starting in 7-10 days.

Solar model​

The Battery ($199) and Solar ($229) versions have a narrower 160-degree motion detection angle but the same 140-degree camera field of view as the wired version. The Battery and Solar models each come with a single 6000 mAh battery pack, but the light itself can hold two battery packs for maximum battery life. Extra battery packs are priced at $29 each. The Solar model comes with a Ring Solar Panel to keep the battery packs charged at all times. The Battery and Solar models are available for pre-order today and will begin shipping in the fall.

Article Link: Ring Debuts New Spotlight Cam With Wired, Battery, and Solar Models for Home Security

 

[mac.cali]

But no HomeKit support. =\

 

[geoffreyspencer]

I would like a hybrid version of solar and electrical. Would be great especially in the winter months since there is not much sunlight during those months. I would save electrical costs during the spring, summer and fall months.

The original Ring doorbell should also have a hybrid model.

I find the video and audio features are still too slow to connect. I get an alert but there is a delay connecting the smartphone to the Ring video and audio. Also, the recordings, especially at night, misses the person or animal that triggered the motion sensor. It is better, but still not perfect, during the day. I suggest recording all of the time but keep only three seconds of video and audio before the motion was detected. You could not do that on a non-wired version of the doorbell and cams.

 

[samh004]

I was seriously considering a Floodlight Cam not long ago, so this certainly is an interesting surprise. The solar option would be perfect... that said, I see it doesn't support HomeKit. Are there any security cameras that do that anyone can recommend?

 

[profets]

I haven't purchased any of Ring's products, but I've always found them quite intriguing when comparing to others. Original outdoor security camera that has a battery which can last a year while running in 720p was very interesting. And I really like their cloud recording is $30/year or $3/month compared to Nest at $100/year or $10/month.

But no HomeKit support. =\

This is what's kind of held me off on buying the ring doorbell. They mentioned over a year ago that home kit support was coming to the pro model but it's never shown up..

I was seriously considering a Floodlight Cam not long ago, so this certainly is an interesting surprise. The solar option would be perfect... that said, I see it doesn't support HomeKit. Are there any security cameras that do that anyone can recommend?

I've been trying to follow all these products, but haven't come across an outdoor camera that has home kit support. Just a few random indoor ones, like the Canary.

 

[DisNerd]

I'm not sure I even mind the lack of HomeKit. What gets me is it's only rated to -20 F and it gets colder than that up north...

 

[DolsJ]

But no HomeKit support. =\

I'm curious, for a security device that is always on. What would you use HomeKit interaction for? I have a ring doorbell and I don't miss HomeKit because I can't figure out what the use case would be.

I'm asking because I'm sure there are some that I just haven't been able to think of.

 

[rdogg125]

I was seriously considering a Floodlight Cam not long ago, so this certainly is an interesting surprise. The solar option would be perfect... that said, I see it doesn't support HomeKit. Are there any security cameras that do that anyone can recommend?

The ring doorbell pro, and the floodlight Cam will support homekit in the future. I have confirmed with their support/Founder that they have the chip installed (not that it matters anymore).

 

[samh004]

I'm curious, for a security device that is always on. What would you use HomeKit interaction for? I have a ring doorbell and I don't miss HomeKit because I can't figure out what the use case would be.

I'm asking because I'm sure there are some that I just haven't been able to think of.

Perhaps I'm thinking about this wrong, but I want an outdoor camera (to see my property) that I can view remotely on my phone without paying a subscription fee for the privilege. I'm not terribly interested in archival footage, but I guess if there was motion detection some internal memory could solve that issue. The camera would connect to my wifi network (on the other side of the wall) and thus, to the internet, allowing me to connect from afar.

Perhaps I don't need HomeKit for that, but just to download whichever companies app goes with the camera, but HomeKit works nicely so I just feel I should be able to view the feed within that system. Perhaps I'm mistaken in my thinking. I do have a 256GB iPhone, so it's not like I'm running out of space for apps!

 

[Jason_G]

Ring's Video Doorbell and Video Doorbell 2 are not compatible with Apple HomeKit. A company spokesperson said the Ring Pro and Floodlight Cam will be HomeKit compatible most likely by the end of this year.

I expect an update will make it compatible..

 

[sully54]

I'm curious, for a security device that is always on. What would you use HomeKit interaction for? I have a ring doorbell and I don't miss HomeKit because I can't figure out what the use case would be.

I'm asking because I'm sure there are some that I just haven't been able to think of.

The thing that comes to mind is you can ask Siri who's at the door?

 

[Mildredop]

This is a classic example of a company picking a name that matches their product only to then branch out into other areas meaning their name actually just becomes confusing.

Ring Camera could mean so many things...

 

[justperry]

I would like a hybrid version of solar and electrical. Would be great especially in the winter months since there is not much sunlight during those months. I would save electrical costs during the spring, summer and fall months.

The original Ring doorbell should also have a hybrid model.

I find the video and audio features are still too slow to connect. I get an alert but there is a delay connecting the smartphone to the Ring video and audio. Also, the recordings, especially at night, misses the person or animal that triggered the motion sensor. It is better, but still not perfect, during the day. I suggest recording all of the time but keep only three seconds of video and audio before the motion was detected. You could not do that on a non-wired version of the doorbell and cams.

I have to giggle a bit, It uses so little, it's not why they make this solar version, it's solely made for places without electricity, or you don't want to (visually unattractive) or can't ( too difficult) make an outlet at that point.

 

[ronyedin]

I'm curious, for a security device that is always on. What would you use HomeKit interaction for? I have a ring doorbell and I don't miss HomeKit because I can't figure out what the use case would be.

I'm asking because I'm sure there are some that I just haven't been able to think of.

Easy to setup. No hubs required. Privacy and security since it uses Apple's eco and security. Homekit on the Ring Floodlight Cam could trigger the alarm, turn on the floodlights using voice control via Siri or manually via HomeKit. If you have scenes enabled, you can say "Good Night" and have all Ring's floodlight cams and the new Spotlight cam to sound the alarm mode if motion detected. My few thoughts...

 

[nutmac]

I'm curious, for a security device that is always on. What would you use HomeKit interaction for? I have a ring doorbell and I don't miss HomeKit because I can't figure out what the use case would be.

To me, the main benefit would be integration with Home app, which is much more accessible in iOS than Ring app.

And I have lots of home automation devices, so the app would only get lost in the sea of apps.

Beyond that, I like automation integration (when someone is at the door, and it’s past sunset, turn on the living room light) and Siri (is somebody at the door?, show me outside the door).

 

[iphone1105]

Easy to setup. No hubs required. Privacy and security since it uses Apple's eco and security. Homekit on the Ring Floodlight Cam could trigger the alarm, turn on the floodlights using voice control via Siri or manually via HomeKit. If you have scenes enabled, you can say "Good Night" and have all Ring's floodlight cams and the new Spotlight cam to sound the alarm mode if motion detected. My few thoughts...

There is no hub with ring products, wifi is built in. And setup is easy you literally download an app, hit two buttons, enter any wifi info, and it's connected.

Everything else you stated would be nice, but can be done with stringify and IFTTT.

I own a bunch of these cams and doorbells at various places and they are really great little devices to keep an eye on the home. We use our alarm system for full security and such but its nice piece of mind seeing as well!

 

[CIA]

Perhaps I'm thinking about this wrong, but I want an outdoor camera (to see my property) that I can view remotely on my phone without paying a subscription fee for the privilege. I'm not terribly interested in archival footage, but I guess if there was motion detection some internal memory could solve that issue. The camera would connect to my wifi network (on the other side of the wall) and thus, to the internet, allowing me to connect from afar.

I'm pretty sure you can use the free service to live view the camera from anywhere. It's only $3/mo or $30/year if you want to be able to record to the cloud for later viewing. You get alerts also on the free service, but tune in quick when you do, as it won't be recording the moment for later review.

 

[iphone1105]

Perhaps I'm thinking about this wrong, but I want an outdoor camera (to see my property) that I can view remotely on my phone without paying a subscription fee for the privilege. I'm not terribly interested in archival footage, but I guess if there was motion detection some internal memory could solve that issue. The camera would connect to my wifi network (on the other side of the wall) and thus, to the internet, allowing me to connect from afar.

you do no need a subscription to view a live feed or get notifications, you only pay if you want to store your footage in the cloud. it's $3/month.

 

[WRChris]

I haven't purchased any of Ring's products, but I've always found them quite intriguing when comparing to others. Original outdoor security camera that has a battery which can last a year while running in 720p was very interesting. And I really like their cloud recording is $30/year or $3/month compared to Nest at $100/year or $10/month.



This is what's kind of held me off on buying the ring doorbell. They mentioned over a year ago that home kit support was coming to the pro model but it's never shown up..



I've been trying to follow all these products, but haven't come across an outdoor camera that has home kit support. Just a few random indoor ones, like the Canary.

The door bell does not require HomeKit, as it's not for surveillance. I bought mine a year ago and love it. When someone pushes the button I get a notification on my Watch and my phone, it opens the app and you start seeing who is there. I'm not sure what good HomeKit would do, seeing as it's not specifically for monitoring your property. My security cameras aren't HomeKit either but I wish they were.
[doublepost=1501522560][/doublepost]

you do no need a subscription to view a live feed or get notifications, you only pay if you want to store your footage in the cloud. it's $3/month.

Yeah but as soon as you don't pay the subscription is when you would need the recordings. That only applies if you want to use it as a security camera. I didn't pay for the subscription for 1 month after the trial ended and the whole system is extremely limited without it. I decided 3$ a month was worth it just to keep the device useful

 

[cerote]

I'm not sure I even mind the lack of HomeKit. What gets me is it's only rated to -20 F and it gets colder than that up north...

Then out of my book. After October and into march or so can expect that around once a week or more.

 

[NomadicTy]

How long would the battery-only version run on one battery?

 

[nutmac]

The door bell is better off not being in HomeKit. I bought mine a year ago and love it. When someone pushes the button I get a notification on my Watch and my phone, it opens the app and you start seeing who is there. I'm not sure what good HomeKit would do, seeing as it's not specifically for monitoring your property. My security cameras aren't HomeKit either but I wish they were.

Can you explain why door bell is better off without HomeKit?

HomeKit devices will integrate with Siri and Home app and they will continue to work even if vendor goes out of business.

It's very handy to pull out Home app from the Control Center and see the camera footage without opening the app.

You would probably still use the app for more advanced functionalities, but HomeKit is VERY USEFUL to me.

Furthermore, I can set an automation rule to tie multiple HomeKit devices together (e.g., when I am not home and it's 1 hour past sunset and someone rings the door bell, turn on the living room light).

And I suspect in time, Siri will only become more powerful and useful (e.g., identifying who is at the door using facial recognition).

 

[WRChris]

Can you explain why door bell is better off without HomeKit?

HomeKit devices will integrate with Siri and Home app and they will continue to work even if vendor goes out of business.

It's very handy to pull out Home app from the Control Center and see the camera footage without opening the app.

You would probably still use the app for more advanced functionalities, but HomeKit is VERY USEFUL to me.

Furthermore, I can set an automation rule to tie multiple HomeKit devices together (e.g., when I am not home and it's 1 hour past sunset and someone rings the door bell, turn on the living room light).

And I suspect in time, Siri will only become more powerful and useful (e.g., identifying who is at the door using facial recognition).

Aside from turning on the light with the doorbell, there is no point to ask Siri who is at your door. It pops up and you touch the notification and you are in a video chat. I just don't see what Siri could bring to the experience. I'm sure there are some but honestly it would not be worth upgrading to, for me, if they released a HomeKit compatible doorbell. I don't use HomeKit so I may not know what I'm missing.

 

[nutmac]

Aside from turning on the light with the doorbell, there is no point to ask Siri who is at your door. It pops up and you touch the notification and you are in a video chat. I just don't see what Siri could bring to the experience. I'm sure there are some but honestly it would not be worth upgrading to, for me, if they released a HomeKit compatible doorbell. I don't use HomeKit so I may not know what I'm missing.

I often want to see what or who's outside the door in the absence of notification. For instance, checking for a package as most delivery trucks do not ring the bell.

Anyway, you said Ring is better off without HomeKit. I just don't see how it's worse with HomeKit.

 

[WRChris]

I often want to see what or who's outside the door in the absence of notification. For instance, checking for a package as most delivery trucks do not ring the bell.

Anyway, you said Ring is better off without HomeKit. I just don't see how it's worse with HomeKit.

Well, maybe not better but the same with or without it.

You can check live view anytime without HomeKit. Sorry, I just didn't see the benefit to having it in HomeKit. I'm sure there are specific cases like yours where it would be handy.

I suppose it would be handy to have an always on feed in your control center. But I don't use my doorbell for surveillance so I never even thought about it.

I do wish my security cameras were HomeKit. Which one do you use?

Edit: maybe it's because the camera in the doorbell is not designed to run all the time? If you do get a ring, hardwire it in instead of using the battery.
[doublepost=1501542852][/doublepost]

How long would the battery-only version run on one battery?

The doorbell lasts about 3 months for me(can't find battery capacity on it). I'm sure the camera has a bigger battery, but if it's possible I would hard wire it.