Amazon right now introduced the addition of Ring Intercom to its listing of smartphone choices. The product is designed to be an add-on to current condo intercom techniques. The corporate has created a fast on-line questionnaire to decide whether or not your current system will work with the brand new product.

It’s a uncommon addition focused particularly at condo dwellers for a line that’s historically gone after householders. The corporate describes its performance thusly:

Ring Intercom makes use of the present suitable intercom system to set off encrypted Two-Means Discuss through the Ring app, that means customers can solely reply calls from somebody buzzing their condo constructing door. The Ring app makes it straightforward to tailor particular privateness and safety settings, with the power to handle Shared Customers, and allow and revoke entry at any time.

Working over Wi-Fi, the system fills a bunch of roles, brining Distant Unlock for trusted customers, together with the power to create a roster of “shared customers,” who can be ready to buzz themselves into the constructing, through the app.

The Auto-Verified Visitors function gained’t be accessible at launch, however when it arrives, will probably be doable to assign “keys” to approved guests, which may be revoked every time. It’s straightforward seeing that being a huge hit for Airbnb leases. It’s additionally, naturally, suitable with Amazon Supply companies, permitting customers to let drivers in routinely.

It’s a intelligent addition to the road — and one thing I positively need to check out, as an condo dweller myself (looks as if my buzzer is damaged roughly half the time). Although I’ve some misgivings with Ring merchandise, and it’s in all probability finest to get the constructing proprietor’s permission earlier than utilizing certainly one of these with their system.

Ring Intercom arrives within the U.Ok. on October 26 for £180 ($209). It should arrive within the U.S. subsequent 12 months — so I in all probability ought to have been writing “flat” this complete time. It ships with a battery charging station and spare battery.