Ring, known for its doorbells that can stream live video to phones, has been purchased by Amazon. iPhone users afraid of getting locked out of the system needn’t fret, though, because Ring has promised that it’s still working on adding HomeKit support.
Amazon plans to turn its Echo smart speakers into hubs for smart homes. It’s already enjoying some success thanks its low prices, especially the Echo Dot. Apple is attempting to dominate the smart home market too with HomeKit, so it’s possible Amazon’s acquisition of Ring could spell the end of its support for a rival.
Ring was quick to promise via Twitter multiple times that its developers are still hard at work on adding HomeKit support to its products. One post said, “We’re testing HomeKit for the Ring Pro and the Floodlight Cam, and as soon as testing is completed, we’ll update everyone with a release date.”
The company originally hoped to offer HomeKit support early last year. It changed the launch to the end of 2017 but missed that goal, too. Ring’s statements on Twitter today are indicative of its current unwillingness to set a specific release date or even a time frame.
More HomeKit accessories coming
Even if Ring later breaks its promise, Apple fans won’t be left high and dry. Logitech and D-Link already offer HomeKit-enabled security cameras. And other video doorbells also promise to add HomeKit compatibility.
Neither Ring nor Amazon have revealed the financial details of this purchase, but Reuters estimates that the retail giant is paying over $1 billion. Ring is privately held, and is expected to remain a semi-independent subsidiary, not folded into Amazon.
Amazon didn’t explicitly say why it purchased Ring, but it’s likely for easy home deliveries of Amazon packages. Last year, Amazon launched a service called Amazon Key, which allows couriers to enter homes and leave packages inside. The service combines Amazon’s Cloud Cam and a compatible smart lock. Ring’s video doorbell could obviously complement the new service.
