Skip to main content

The new Ring Intercom lets you buzz folks into your building from afar

Wish you had more smart functionality in your apartment? Ring has announced the new Ring Intercom to help renters have a slightly smarter home. The device makes it possible to buzz someone into your building from anywhere.

Ring typically creates products that are easy to install and don’t require heavy modifications to your home. The Ring Intercom follows that same premise. The Intercom connects to your existing intercom handset and is powered by a rechargeable battery. It also connects to your home’s Wi-Fi to provide always-connected service.

Someone interacting with a Ring Intercom on a wall.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

With Ring Intercom, you can add extra features to your existing audio solution. Features include Remote Unlock, Shared Users, Auto-Verify Delivery, and Auto-Verify Guests. Remote Unlock allows you to buzz in anyone at your door, even when you’re not home, through the Ring app. The app will also show you an activity log of answered and missed calls. Shared Users allows you to share access to your intercom with others through the Ring app. This way, other members of your home can have the ability to let people into your space.

Recommended Videos

Auto-Verify Amazon Delivery and Auto-Verify Guests take the stress out of always answering your phone when someone arrives. Select Amazon drivers can enter your location during certain times and leave packages in a predetermined place without you having to interact with them at all. Soon after launch, the Auto-Verify Guests features will provide virtual keys to whoever you choose so they don’t even have to alert you of their arrival. The features can be turned off or revoked at any time.

Please enable Javascript to view this content

The already extensive Ring app will handle all of these features and products. You will be able to allow or deny entry or see the activity log of users all within the app. You can also check on any of your other Ring products and connect them for automation.

Currently, the Ring Intercom is slated to release in the U.K. in a bundle package for 150 pounds ($173). The bundle package will include the Intercom, a quick-release battery, along with a quick-release battery charging station. The device alone and itself will be available for 120 pounds ($139). Shipping is expected to start on October 26 of this year. U.S. release availability will be sometime next year, according to Ring.

Keyan Riddick
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Keyan Riddick is a freelance writer based in the mountains on North Carolina. When he isn't writing you can find him behind…
The new smart ice maker from Govee is affordable and versatile
The Govee Ice maker on a black background.

Govee makes all sorts of smart-home products, but one of its most obscure gadgets is the Countertop Ice Maker. Capable of making up to 26 pounds of ice per day and compatible with Alexa, it's a strange (but useful) appliance to have in the kitchen. The company is now giving it an upgrade with the arrival of the GoveeLife Countertop Smart Ice Maker 1s, which takes ice-making to a whole new level.

Along with the ability to produce 26 pounds of ice per day, you can choose from three different ice cube sizes, schedule ice-making and cleaning routines, or take manual control via the Govee mobile app. Along with Alexa and Google Assistant, the Smart Ice Maker 1s also supports Matter -- so you should have no trouble creating powerful automations for your kitchen.

Read more
Should you enroll your Amazon Smart Thermostat in the Energy Savings Program?
The Amazon Smart Thermostat hanging on wall.

The Amazon Smart Thermostat can be enrolled in a variety of Energy Savings Incentives Programs. These vary by location, but they essentially work to lower your energy bills by allowing the utility company to temporarily adjust your settings. This typically happens during peak hours or when the power grid is overloaded, allowing the utility company to reduce stress by manipulating your thermostat. Amazon says these events only happen a few times annually (commonly during the summer). Are the energy savings worth the inconvenience?

Here's a quick look at the Energy Savings Incentives Programs offered on the Amazon Smart Thermostat and whether or not you should enroll.
What are Energy Savings Incentives Programs

Read more
Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) vs. Amazon Smart Thermostat: Which is best for your home?
The Amazon Smart Thermostat.

Smart thermostats are an easy way to upgrade your home's heating and cooling skills, and few products are as popular as the Amazon Smart Thermostat and Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen). The two offer many of the same basic features, though you'll find a handful of drastic differences between the devices -- starting with their price tag.

From pricing and design to installation and available features, here's a closer look at the Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) and Amazon Smart Thermostat to help you decide which is better for your smart home.
Pricing and design

Read more