5 - Surveillance or Law Enforcement

Long gone are the days of using a simple deadbolt for the best home security. We are in an era of advanced technology and there are multiple individuals who are home owners that are choosing a more intelligent alternative for their home security. This alternative possesses the ability to capture footage, send alerts, and even engage in conversation with individuals standing at the entrance. 

You have probably already heard the name, the Ring Camera. It's no surprise this security device has become one of the most popular, considering its wide range of features. In just one camera, you get a video doorbell, motion detector, and a two-way audio. All that is supplemented by the fact that it runs on cloud storage and offers user-friendly mobile access from anywhere. 

What is a ring camera? A Ring Camera, part of the product line by the company Ring, is a type of smart home security camera. It's designed to provide homeowners with real-time video footage of their property and alert them to potential security threats. These cameras come in various models, including doorbell cameras, floodlight cameras, and standalone outdoor and indoor cameras. They are equipped with features such as motion detection, two-way audio, and night vision. One of the key features of a Ring Camera is its integration with a smartphone app. This allows homeowners to view live footage from anywhere, receive alerts when motion is detected, and even communicate with people at their door through the camera. Ring Cameras can also integrate with other smart home devices for a more seamless home security setup. They offer both wired and battery-powered options depending on your installation preferences. 

In the past few years, Ring Cameras have seen an explosive growth in popularity. In the month of December 2019 alone, an incredible 400,000 cameras were sold. As more and more users discover the convenience of these security devices, the demand for Ring Cameras has only been increasing. This is especially true since Ring Camera systems are relatively easy to install and can be used with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, which is a fresh breath of air compared to traditional cameras.

Despite providing much of the functionality of a full-blown surveillance camera, Ring Cameras are sleek and hardly noticeable. However, the ease and efficiency of using these cameras have garnered some negative attention, most notably concerns from experts over privacy risks.  

In a letter by Amazon engineer Max Eliaser, he argued that Ring doorbell cameras are "simply not compatible with a free society", citing the fact that law enforcement can access Ring Camera feeds without a warrant. Nevertheless, these cameras continue to explode in popularity, and the majority of users applauded the product for making their lives safer. 

I don't own a Ring Camera but I think if I had my own house I would definitely buy one. It seems like a very smart surveillance camera that would keep me safe and able to see what's happening around my house.