Ring Video Doorbell – Tech Review

As our lives become fuller, faster, and more involved, thousands of products flood the market looking to make life a little less hectic. Most of the time these little helpers have the reverse effect and we find ourselves getting to know the life of the customer service representative better than our own. With all of us trying to push a little more here, and add a touch more there, it’s hard to sift through all the “quick fix” promises that appear in our app stores and find what truly will not only fit into our everyday live, but make them better.

Jamie Siminoff was one of the inventors who tried to take the proverbial box, turn it inside out, and take an everyday item into uncharted territory.

“If not for my wife, the Ring™ Video Doorbell would not exist. Inventors come up with a lot of bad ideas and she has heard them all. One night I shared my idea for reinventing the doorbell.

She loved it! Not just for the obvious convenience but for the security of now being able to safely answer the door from anywhere. She said “This is like caller ID for the front door” – Jamie Siminoff 

We’ve now been testing the Ring Video Doorbell for a little more than a month. After install there wasn’t much left to do but wait for neighbors, deliveries and the occasional door-to-door sales person to come knocking… errr ringing. And ringing they came! Here’s what we discovered about this handy little video door bell.

Key Features:

• WiFi Connected
• HD Camera
• Motion Detection
• Night Vision
• Designed for All-Weather Use
• Two-Way Talk

Tech Specs:

• Low voltage Wi-Fi PCB that operates on internal rechargeable lithium polymer battery that lasts for over a year.
• 180 degree Field of View
• Infrared LEDs provides clear visuals at any time of day.
• Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and Android devices. Sync an unlimited number of smartphones and tablets.
• Cloud Recording allows for footage to be accessed through a smartphone, tablet, or computer.
• Motion sensors detect movement and trigger instant mobile alerts.
• Dimensions: 4.98 in. x 2.43 in. x 0.87 in

Installation:

One of the nicest amenities that comes with the Ring system is the long list of videos on the Ring’s Youtube channel. Knowing that written instructions often fall far short of what the customer really needs, Ring has created a whole playlist dedicated to facilitating a user experience that is as seamless as possible.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTgYum7ndI0&w=560&h=315]

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gc85lVPH-E&w=560&h=315]

While all of the Ring’s features live up to expectation, the one area that is usually sadly lacking is customer service. After my own installation, I found soft chirping emanating from the previous hard-wired chimes. Every twenty minutes or so, the gentle call started, then stopped. After a few hours I began to feel like I had been caught in the a Labyrinth of my own. With one detailed conversation with their “Live Chat” option on the side of the website, I fixed the problem and have been incident ever since.

Design:

With a modern, sleek style that comes in a variety of colors, the Ring adds a soft, discreet accent to any home. The 4.98 in. x 2.43 in. x 0.87 in dimension is a perfect fit for most entryways. Shaped with rounded corners, the chic rectangular design offers a perfect view through the HD camera, while the circular push-button is self explanatory for any guest coming to visit.

Function:

The Ring Video Doorbell delivers on all fronts. The simplicity of the design, implementation, and use creates a user experience that goes above and beyond expectation. Yes, the Ring adds an unparalleled offering convenience, making sure you won’t miss your next wine shipment while you’re sipping a cold one on the back patio, but it’s what it prevents that makes the function worth every penny.

The two-way talking, HD camera, and motion sensory features ensures that you have one more layer of protection. Whether you’re leaving on a trip, or leaving someone you love home alone, the Ring gives you the ability to always know who is at the door. Boasting the option for video recording on the Cloud, not only will you be layering in more element of protection for your home and family, but you’ll have the chance to share video of wold-be intruders with those in your neighborhood to protect those around you without even having to be home.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9TRo7JDxFg&w=560&h=315]

App Integration:

Setting up the App is truly simple. Pairing the doorbell with the main account takes less than a few minutes, and adding other members of the household is a simple invitation. With the Ring connected to the home’s WiFi, and the phones receiving signals from the unit, there should be no problem. (And if there is… customer service can always make you look like you know what you’re doing!) 

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yx5ELYJzukw&w=560&h=315]

Ease of Use:

With the risk of sounding redundant, and recycling words and phrases, setting this up was so easy I did it. The instructions that accompany the packaging use simple words, have pictures, and lead you like a eager child through the process. From start to finish the whole set up took maybe a half hour and that calculation allows for several sips of beer.

Continuing the same level of performance from day to day, shows that Jamie’s vision of creating an everyday product that would integrate itself into common use is at hand.

Value:

I am not going to attempt to put a value on safety, but the fact that the Ring starts at $199 is not only a steal, but makes itself accessible to everyone. While the Pro Version comes in at $249, everything written about here comes standard on the regular version. For the price of a couple bottles of amazing Scotch, a good box of cigars, or a case of wine, the Ring gives back everyday, several times a day with safety and convenience.

With Jamie’s drive and his wife’s vision, Ring has bucked the trend and become an innovative product that lives up to all expectations, and exceeds the what a simple chime could do.

Buy Now: $199 or to learn more, go to: Ring.com