How Ring and Other Home Security Apps Protect Users

Amazon’s Ring is a video surveillance doorbell that has continued to grow in popularity. In fact, shipments are expected to increase by about 21% consistently through 2023. This popularity is likely due to the trustworthiness of the Amazon brand, the ease of use of the device, and the price. Home security devices like Ring and Nest connect to apps on your phone to give you real-time footage of what’s going on at home when you’re not there.

Apps have completely changed the way people live, and home security apps are no exception. We’ve started to see the impact of these programs through things like VR apps that can be used as entertainment. The technology behind home security apps allows you to feel more in control and secure in your own house without having to splurge on an expensive home security system, which can cost hundreds of dollars a month with service and equipment.

So how do these devices and apps really work? Is a home security app a “must-have” on your phone? Let’s learn more about what you can expect, what you should be aware of, and how you can come up with original ideas to use along with Ring or Nest to keep your home safe.

How Do Home Security Apps Work?

Home security devices and apps like Ring are designed to be video doorbells that connect to an app on your phone. Ring also keeps watch over what’s going on just outside your home as far as the camera can see. It uses contact and motion sensors to detect any presence that might show up. If it does, you’ll get an alert sent immediately to your phone so you can review the video footage and take action if necessary.

Devices like Ring are meant to reduce theft, especially when it comes to stolen packages. About 1.7 million packages are stolen or lost every day in the U.S., so these apps can help to prevent theft or at least help to catch the thief by getting a clear visual of who they are.

When you install Ring, you’ll also automatically be enrolled in the social media app Neighbors. The Neighbors app allows people within a 5-mile radius to post suspicious activity, stolen packages, and more. It’s essentially a group forum for “somethin’ strange in your neighborhood…” (though we don’t think anyone is calling Ghostbusters about package theft).

Home security devices like Ring are a growing part of the already burgeoning smart home market which ties in things like:

• Smoke detectors
• Carbon monoxide detectors
• Door locks
• Smart lights

Nest has already gone a step beyond home security, with smart home devices like the Nest Learning Thermostat, that learns your behavior and patterns and develops a custom heating/cooling schedule for your home. Ultimately, the goal of both Ring, Nest, and similar programs is to make it easier to control most aspects of your home from your phone, even when you’re not there.

What Are the Drawbacks?

There are many benefits to home security apps, but they’re not perfect. Ring has received negative press on multiple occasions due to high-profile hacks, including one chilling story that showed an experienced male hacker talk to and harass an eight-year-old girl in her bedroom. The susceptibility to these hacks has led to several class-action lawsuits against the company from consumers who feel their privacy was violated.

Ring is also only as good as your home WiFi signal. If that signal is weak, the video could lag or cut out, and the quality won’t be crisp. For most people, that isn’t a problem, but if you’re trying to see the details of someone’s face or the video freezes when something important is happening, it can defeat the purpose of the device.

Finally, no home security app is a foolproof way to protect your home. They are mostly used for surveillance and to contact the authorities if necessary. While they’re inexpensive and can alert you to suspicious activity, you should invest in supplemental ways to keep your home secure if you’re trying to avoid break-ins.

Supplemental Ways to Secure Your Home

So, what else can you do to boost your home security without having to install an expensive system? Two of the most effective ways to ward off crime are:

• Changing the locks on your windows and doors
• Installing motion sensor outdoor lighting

Changing out your locks is a great way to prevent “easy access” into your home, especially if you install a deadbolt. Many of today’s best security door locks are mart locks or keyless entries.

You may not think that motion sensor lighting would keep people away, but it’s an effective tool that has been used for decades. People trying to commit a crime don’t want to be seen, and they definitely don’t want attention drawn to themselves. When a motion sensor light turns on, it could alert you or your neighbors, and that’s the last thing a burglar wants. Additionally, motion sensor lights outside usually indicate that there are more security measures inside. Most burglars don’t want to risk getting caught up in that, so they’ll leave.

Installing a home security device and app can help to give you peace of mind when you’re not home by alerting you to any movements or activity. If you’ve had packages stolen or you just want to make sure your home is secure, these apps and devices are affordable and easy to use. But, they should only be one piece of the puzzle when it comes to keeping your home protected from crime.

About The Author: Luke Smith is a writer and researcher turned blogger. Since finishing college he is trying his hand at being a freelance writer. He enjoys writing on a variety of topics but lifestyle and home improvement topics are his favorite. When he isn’t writing you can find him traveling, hiking, or gaming.

 
Image by Holger Kraft from Pixabay