Ring, a subsidiary of Amazon, has released the Ring Drone Cam: a security camera that can fly around inside homes.
It is connected to Ring’s security system and usually stays stationary on its base. For example, if the sensor at the back door is triggered, it will take off on its own to investigate the situation; if anything suspicious is detected, it will send you a video notification. You can also set predetermined patrol routes and schedules, so that it automatically patrols the area at regular intervals while you are away on business or at work.
Flying is made possible by an AI system that uses cameras and sensors to create maps of the interior space and plan flight paths. The video is recorded in 2K resolution, and the device is equipped with additional lighting, allowing it to fly even at night.
The price is $270, and it will be available for purchase in January 2027.
Technically speaking, this idea makes a lot of sense: Fixed cameras always have blind spots, and installing multiple cameras throughout a room is both expensive and unsightly. On the other hand, a flying camera would be much more convenient to use.
Ring has a history of problematic behavior. In 2022, Amazon admitted that Ring had provided video recordings from users’ cameras to law enforcement authorities on at least 11 occasions without obtaining a search warrant. In 2023, the company was forced to pay users nearly $6 million due to the fact that its employees and third-party contractors were able to access users’ private footage at will.
A camera that can fly back and forth in front of your bedroom door undoubtedly raises the threshold for trust much higher than a traditional doorbell. Whether a product is easy to use is one thing; whether people are willing to bring it into their homes is another entirely different matter.