Many people are familiar with Ring; a company that manufactures home security products such as outdoor surveillance cameras and video smart doorbells. However, not many know who currently owns the company. Some customers are confused as to whether Amazon owns Ring or just has shares in the company. Well, if you want to learn more about this, keep reading. Let’s know ‘Does Amazon Own Ring?’
Ring Limited Liability Company is currently owned by Amazon. The acquisition of Ring was made known in 2018 after Amazon bought the doorbell company from its former owner, Jamie Siminoff at $839 million.
Ring Before the acquisition
The ring was originally owned by Jamie Siminoff, the man behind the invention of the device – Doorbot, which eventually led to Ring coming out to the limelight. Before selling off the company to Amazon, Jamie had been able to raise $450 million in investments with Ring.
Why did Amazon acquire Ring?
Amazon bought Ring due to many reasons. They include;
- Increased Market Size
The ring has already been able to penetrate the smart home business market by developing home-friendly tech devices. Through the acquisition of Ring, Amazon would be able to work on more Innovative technology needed to sustain the customers, and also to build more customers.
- To complement their products
Amazon already had the Amazon key, a security system designed to complement the Amazon Ring. The introduction of these two products helped in enhancing the echo voice assistant, Alexa. Also, purchasing Ring helped Amazon to work on adding security operations for their customers.
It could be summarized that Amazon bought Ring to boost sales in technology and also work on providing more reliable home security products for customers.
When did Amazon acquire Ring?
After a long process, Amazon officially acquired Ring in February 2018. The doorbell company was acquired at $839 million. Before the acquisition, Ring was valued at $1 billion after being able to raise $450 million in crowdfunding from venture capitalists like Upfront Ventures, Kleiner Perkins, and True Ventures. Acquisition of Ring was Amazon’s second-biggest acquisition ever.
What Is Amazon Ring?
The Amazon Ring is a product used at home as a doorbell security system. It is installed in the doorbell and works as a camera and a motion sensor.
How does it work?
The product works with an app; the Ring app. After installation, the customer connects the Amazon Ring to their home Wi-Fi, this allows it to send video footage and other information to the Ring application. A special feature is that it allows customers to see who is approaching their home before they get to the doorbell or knock on the door.
How do I Install Ring?
There are two ways you can install the Amazon Ring after purchase. The first is to contact Amazon Home Services to have it installed for you. The second process is to install it yourself using the information you found on the Ring’s Help Center page.
To have Amazon Home Services install the Ring for you, you will first have to set up an appointment through ring.com. In setting up the appointment, you will be allowed to pick whatever day or time is suitable for you to have the Home Services install the Ring.
Tips to Apply
Here are some tips when using your Ring camera;
- Point your Ring at your property.
Install the camera to watch your property, place it on your porch. You shouldn’t place your camera at your neighbor’s property, this is an invasion of their privacy. The Ring was installed to improve your home surveillance and not that of others, so avoid pointing it at your neighbor’s porch.
- Use Strong Passwords and Good Usernames.
When creating your Ring security account, you need to use a good username that can be easily remembered. Also, use a strong password; your Ring data should not be secured with a weak password; you wouldn’t want just anyone to hack into it right? Remember to use a strong password.
- Never submit your footage to the police without a warrant.
The police department might need to assess your footage. In case there is an investigation that demands them to do that. However, never agree to give them the footage without requesting a warrant from the police.
- Never conclude everyone is a suspect.
Having a surveillance camera in your home should not make you start suspecting everyone that comes into your neighborhood. Not everyone that looks into your Ring camera is a threat, you don’t have to call the police over every person that stares at your doorstep.
Conclusion
If you had doubted whether Amazon owns Ring, well now you have your answer. It purchased Ring to create more innovative products to help in supporting home security and surveillance system.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Am I the only one who can access my Ring footage?
The Ring footage is in the cloud, meaning that you are not the only one that can access it. Amazon employees and the police department can also get to access where your footage is stored. Not to panic, they cannot access them without being authorized.
2. Can I install a Ring camera myself?
Yes, you can. Go through the information on the Ring Help Centre page to learn how to install it.
