Ring’s Video Doorbell 2020 Release, also known as Ring Doorbell 2 or 2nd generation, is a huge improvement over 1st generation. Available in Satin Nickel or Venetian Bronze, this video doorbell is a perfect addition to your smart home setup.
Once you install the Ring Doorbell, you need to connect the device using Ring’s app. You can setup notifications, motion area and other settings using the app. Even if you’re not home, you can receive a notification the second the front door camera detects motion, and then speak to the person through the doorbell’s speaker.
With Amazon Alexa integration, you will also be able to view, talk and hear notifications from your Echo devices. But keep in mind that video is only available if you have a Echo device with a screen like the Echo Show or Spot. This is extremely useful if you want to keep an eye on the outside by looking at a live view from the camera. All you have to say is “Alexa, show me [name of the doorbell]”. This even works with Amazon’s Fire tablet!
Ring 2’s video resolution is 1080p which is a huge improvement over the 1st generation version. With a wide field of view of 160 degrees and night vision, the camera picture and video quality is excellent.
When you install the doorbell, you can choose to hardwire it to replace your existing doorbell. This way, you don’t have to recharge its battery as it will automatically draw power from existing connection. However, the perfect spot for the doorbell may not be where the old doorbell is. Ring gives you the option to install it anywhere and rely on its battery power, which you’ll need to recharge every couple of months depending on usage. The advantage here is that you can place it at an optimal spot where you can not only view your front door, but also maybe your front yard or driveway.
The Ring app allows you to toggle motion alerts by either doing the manually or setting a mode (Disarm, Home or Away). However, it does not allow you to set the mode by voice which is a bit annoying especially if you are working in the garage or front driveway and you want to turn motion alerts off.
For less than $100, Ring Doorbell 2020 is an excellent addition to your smart home, adding modern video and security features to your front door. The only downside to Ring is there is no real integration to Google Home, which means you are out of luck if you are on the Google ecosystem. Also keep in mind that Ring Doorbell is not an outdoor video camera so while you can get a live view of your front door, it will disconnect after a few minutes to save battery power even when wired. The video can also be choppy. A lot of users have reported video and audio problems that seems to be related to software issues rather than their wifi connection.
Features & Specs
Video: 1080 HD Video, Live View, Night Vision
Motion Detection: Advanced Motion Detection with Customizable Motion Zones
Field of View: 155 Degrees
Audio: Two-way audio with noise cancellation
Power: Runs on a built-in, rechargeable battery. Can be hardwired to an existing doorbell system or transformer for continuous charging (8-24 VAC, 40VA max, 50/60Hz). No halogen or garden-lighting transformers; no DC transformer/power supply
Internet Requirements: Recommended minimum upload speed of 2 Mbps per device
Connectivity: 802.11 b/g/n wifi connection @2.4GHz
Operating Conditions: -5ºF to 120ºF (-20ºC to 48ºC), Water Resistant
Dimensions: 2.4 in. x 4.98 in x 1.10 in (62mm x 126.5mm x 28mm)
Box Includes
Ring Video Doorbell (2020 Release)
Micro USB Charging Cable
Mounting Bracket
Installation Tools and Hardware
User Manual
Security Sticker
