As an established tech manufacturer, Ring’s software is mature and well-refined. The menus are intuitive and how it incorporates multiple devices is nearly seamless. The dashboard provides quick access to the essentials, including a few pertinent shortcuts and all cameras linked to the account. The home or away mode is easily switched from this screen and a few customizable shortcuts appear.
Once you select your camera, you get a near-instant image framed in a square vignette-style display. You can pinch and zoom, select buttons to hear and/or talk, or select additional functions displayed below. This includes Quick Replies, which pulls up a menu of choices such as, “Hi, We’ll be right there,” or my favorite, “Sorry, we’re not interested. Have a great day.” You can also opt for an automated message to be voiced if nobody responds to the doorbell for up to 20 seconds. Reviewing videos is also simple; a timeline of the day shows colored blocks of time when recording happened. The spaces in between continue displaying snapshots taken at optional intervals from three minutes to one hour. Previous days’ videos are accessed through a calendar tab.
Other notable features include Neighbors, which connects you with other ring users in the area. A profile of your pets can be added. SOS allows you to contact emergency services from your app. The Ring app also offers other automation features, integrates with Alexa, and a few lesser-known functions.
