Ring Intercom Brings Home Security Smarts to Apartment Buildings

pcmag.com:

Home security firm Ring today introduced a new Wi-Fi-connected intercom aimed at apartment dwellers who share a building entrance.

Compatible with most two-way handsets, Ring Intercom (and its accompanying mobile app) lets residents speak to visitors and provide remote access, whether they're at home or away.

Powered by a rechargeable, reusable battery, the DIY accessory connects to an internal handset—no structural changes needed. But whether this works for you will depend on your building's intercom setup; check out Ring's compatibility checker(Opens in a new window) before you buy.

"We're constantly inventing based on customer feedback and one of the most common requests I get from customers is for simple, affordable security options for apartments," Jamie Siminoff, chief inventor at Ring, said in a statement. "Ring Intercom is the natural next step in Ring's mission to make neighborhoods safer, for everyone, regardless of home type."

The subscription-free service can remotely unlock a door for a friend waiting in the rain or a dog walker back from a stroll. The in-app activity log records Remote Unlocks, as well as missed and answered intercom calls.

Users can share access with members of their household, providing functionality for everyone to buzz themselves into the building, interact with visitors, and gain remote building entry via the phone app. And coming soon, customers may allocate virtual keys (which can be revoked at any time) to regular visitors like a significant other or house cleaner.

Amazon-owned Ring, meanwhile, built in an optional feature for verified drivers to drop off packages inside a building between specific hours—even if residents are away. The intercom also pairs with select Alexa-enabled