Amazon as we speak introduced the addition of Ring Intercom to its listing of smartphone choices. The product is designed to be an add-on to present condo intercom techniques. The firm has created a quick online questionnaire to find out whether or not your present system will work with the brand new product.

It’s a uncommon addition focused particularly at condo dwellers for a line that’s historically gone after householders. The firm describes its performance thusly:

Ring Intercom makes use of the prevailing suitable intercom system to set off encrypted Two-Way Talk by way of the Ring app, which means customers can solely reply calls from somebody buzzing their condo constructing door. The Ring app makes it straightforward to tailor particular privateness and safety settings, with the flexibility to handle Shared Users, and allow and revoke entry at any time.

Operating over Wi-Fi, the system fills a bunch of roles, brining Remote Unlock for trusted customers, together with the flexibility to create a roster of “shared users,” who will have the ability to buzz themselves into the constructing, by way of the app.

The Auto-Verified Guests function received’t be out there at launch, however when it arrives, will probably be potential to assign “keys” to approved guests, which could be revoked every time. It’s straightforward seeing that being an enormous hit for Airbnb leases. It’s additionally, naturally, suitable with Amazon Delivery companies, permitting customers to let drivers in mechanically.

It’s a intelligent addition to the road — and one thing I undoubtedly wish to take a look at out, as an condo dweller myself (looks like my buzzer is damaged roughly half the time). Though I’ve some misgivings with Ring merchandise, and it’s most likely greatest to get the constructing proprietor’s permission earlier than utilizing one in every of these with their system.

Ring Intercom arrives within the U.Okay. on October 26 for £180 ($209). It will arrive within the U.S. subsequent 12 months — so I most likely ought to have been writing “flat” this complete time. It ships with a battery charging station and spare battery.