Ring restricts free features of its connected security devices

Ring wants to charge alarm owners more. Some basic features that are free today will become paid.

Ring, Amazon’s home automation subsidiary, will begin charging users more features than before, features that were previously available for free. Starting March 29, you’ll need a Ring Protect subscription to use Home and Away modes for corporate cameras and doorbells. This feature allows users to switch to Live View and manage recordings in the Ring app, whether they are at home or away.

Ring wants to charge extra for alarm owners

Those who purchase the Ring Alarm system today or after March 29 will also have to pay to access several new features. You’ll need a subscription to turn the alarm on and off from the Ring app or Alexa-enabled device. Otherwise, you will only be able to do this with the ring keypad. Other features such as real-time app and email notifications and the ability to connect your cameras and doorbells to the system also come with a paid subscription. Those without a Protect subscription will also be limited to only 24 hours of alarm history, instead of 60 days.

Some basic features that are free today will become paid.

These changes do not apply to those who already have a Ring Alarm system. The Ring help page goes on to say that those who purchase the Ring Alarm before March 29 but don’t activate it by then will still have access to these features without a paid “life of the device”subscription.

Ring Protect plans start at $4/month or $40/year after last summer’s price increase. All now paid features will also be available in the base offer as specified by The Verge.

In any case, Ring Alarm buyers will need to subscribe after the end of March to take advantage of some very basic features. For example, the absence of notifications when you are not at home and the system works, contradicts the very interest of such a solution.