Amazon's Ring security system gets a new look, keeps the $200 price
Ring made some subtle changes to its Alarm Security Kit.
The Ring Alarm system has an updated design.
Ring has a new version of its Alarm Security Kit. Like the first-gen system, the five-piece starter kit comes with a hub, a keypad, one door/window sensor, one motion sensor and one range extender. It can be used alone or along with Ring's doorbells and security cameras -- and it still costs just $200.
You'll notice subtle design differences between the original and the new version. Ring says it added "one-touch buttons" to the keypad to quickly contact law enforcement and other first responders. The Amazon smart home company also updated both the door/window sensors and the motion sensors, making them "smaller and easier to mount," according to a Ring blog post published Thursday.
Add on a Ring Protect Plus plan for $10 a month for a professional monitoring subscription. Like other DIY security brands, you can cancel whenever you want, no early termination fees included. There's no contract associated with the system or the professional monitoring service.
While the system is designed to be installed by you, Ring works with a couple third-party installers if you need help. Check to see if professional installation is available in your area.
Ring's partnerships with police departments across the US have raised concerns among some privacy advocates. And thousands of Ring customers also had their personal information exposed in December. This prompted Ring to require two-factor authentication and make it easier for users to access and make changes to their privacy and security settings. Nevertheless, we have removed all Ring products from recommendation.
This isn't the first product announcement from Ring this year. In January, the company unveiled a smart gate opener and a series of LED bulbs and solar-powered light fixtures. Two months later, Ring introduced two new doorbells and chime accessories. And earlier this month, Dave Zatz of Zatz Not Funny spotted a potential product leak of what might be another upcoming Ring device dubbed Doorbox.
The Ring Alarm system is available for preorder now and will be available to buy starting April 29.
