Ring harnesses generative AI to power Ring Video Descriptions

Ring is bringing generative AI to its family of home security cameras and video doorbells with a new feature called Video Descriptions. Once this feature is enabled, the motion alerts triggered by Ring cameras will be accompanied by an AI-generated analysis of the motion that triggered the camera to record.

In a blog post earlier today, Ring founder Jamie Siminoff described how the push notifications Ring users receive on their smartphones when motion is detected will be enhanced with text descriptions of what that motion was. “This new generative AI feature,” Siminoff said, “helps you quickly distinguish between urgent and everyday activity with a quick glance at your phone.”

Ring

Once you’ve enabled the feature, Ring’s notifications will be accompanied by text descriptions of what triggered the camera to record a clip, along with whatever action the people in the camera’s view are taking. Ring provided two examples: “A person is walking up the steps with a black dog,” and “Two people are peering into a white car in the driveway.”

Siminoff says Ring “also designed the feature so the descriptions are intentionally concise, allowing you to quickly discern if something needs your attention.”

Ring aims to increase its use of generative AI to add more features designed to improve your home security profile, such as intelligently combining multiple motion activities happening around your home into a single alert.

Siminoff described another new feature in development—anomaly alerts—that are generated only when something that happens on your property is a deviation from the ordinary at your specific property. The AI will learn your home’s routines and alert you when something happens that doesn’t fit the usual pattern.  

This news is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best home security cameras.

“We are just starting to scratch the surface of AI,” said Siminoff. “I feel like we are back to the very early days of Ring again—I see unlimited potential for new experiences we can invent for our neighbors.”

Ring says Video Descriptions will be to roll out in beta today, but you’ll need to have an active Ring Home Premium subscription to receive them. Ring Home Premium plans cost $19.99 per month or $199.99 per year. Professional monitoring of a Ring Alarm or Ring Alarm Pro home security system costs an additional $10 per month.