Amazon’s Alexa+ Unleashes AI Doorbell Assistant for Smart Home Security

Amazon announced a new AI feature for its Alexa+ service. The update integrates directly with Ring video doorbells. This new tool, called “Greetings,” launched for early access users this week.

The feature uses artificial intelligence to identify visitors. It can manage package deliveries and interact with salespeople. According to Reuters, the technology aims to act as a virtual doorman for the modern smart home.

How Ring’s New AI “Greetings” Feature Works

The system analyzes live video from compatible Ring doorbells. It uses object and action recognition to assess a visitor’s intent. It does not use facial recognition to identify specific individuals.

For instance, it can spot a delivery uniform or a held package. Based on user-set instructions, Alexa will then speak through the doorbell. It can tell a courier where to leave a parcel or direct them to a snack station.

For unwanted visitors, like salespeople, it can deliver a polite decline. For friends and family, it can greet them and ask for a message. This provides a new layer of convenience and interaction for homeowners.

Privacy and Practical Concerns Accompany New Technology

The launch follows previous Ring features that sparked privacy debates. A “Familiar Faces” tool allowed users to catalog frequent visitors’ faces. This new feature avoids direct identification but relies on accurate AI interpretation.

Potential for misidentification remains a key concern. A friend wearing work clothes could be mistaken for a delivery person. Amazon states the system uses general video descriptions, not personal data, to function.

Currently, the feature works only with newer Ring Wired Doorbell Pro and Plus models. Users must also subscribe to the Ring Premium Plan with video descriptions enabled. It is rolling out first to Alexa+ Early Access members in the U.S. and Canada.

This new AI doorbell assistant marks a significant step in blending artificial intelligence with daily home management. Its success will depend on reliable performance and user comfort with automated home interactions.

A quick knowledge drop for you

Q1: How does the new Alexa+ feature for Ring work?

The feature, called Greetings, uses AI to analyze the live video from your Ring doorbell. It looks for clues like uniforms or packages to guess a visitor’s purpose. Then, Alexa speaks to them based on your pre-set instructions.

Q2: What Ring doorbells are compatible with the AI Greetings?

Currently, the feature works with the Ring Wired Doorbell Pro (3rd Gen) and Ring Wired Doorbell Plus (2nd Gen). You also need an active Ring Premium Plan subscription with video descriptions turned on for the feature to be available.

Q3: Does the AI use facial recognition to identify people?

No. Amazon states the technology does not identify who a person is. Instead, it uses general video descriptions to determine the main subject’s likely activity or role, such as “person holding a box” or “person in uniform.”

Q4: Can I use the feature to screen salespeople at my door?

Yes. You can set a custom instruction for the assistant to politely decline solicitations. For example, you can program it to say, “We’re not interested in sales offers today, thank you,” when it detects someone it believes is a sales representative.

Q5: What are the main privacy concerns with this AI doorbell tool?

The primary concern is the potential for the AI to misidentify a visitor’s intent, leading to awkward or inappropriate automated responses. There are also broader questions about constant video analysis and data usage by Amazon’s ecosystem of devices.

Q6: Where is the Alexa+ AI Greetings feature available?

The feature is initially rolling out to customers enrolled in the Alexa+ Early Access program. At launch, it is only available for users in the United States and Canada. A wider release timeline has not yet been announced.