The best video doorbells are great for being able to screen your visitors; if someone rings the bell, you can see who's there without having to open your door. However, there's still the matter of interacting with them. But what if you don't want to deal with the hassle of a persistent solicitor?
Ring is introducing a new feature to some of its video doorbells called Alexa+ Greetings, which will use Amazon's AI to talk to the person who's at your door and give them appropriate instructions based on the conversation. It's a step beyond the current Smart Responses, which gives a one-time reply, to an ongoing dialogue.
If someone comes up to your door offering to sell timeshares or solar panels or whatever, Alexa+ can talk to them to give them a polite but firm "no thanks."
If however, the visitor is dropping off a package, you can have Alexa+ give them more detailed instructions on where to place the delivery or ask if you need to sign for the package.
And, if a friend or family member drops by and you're not home, Alexa+ can chat with them and ask if they'd like to leave a message, which will then be delivered to you.
According to Ring, Alexa+'s interactions with visitors will vary based on a bunch of factors, such as the person's responses, if they're wearing a delivery person's uniform, carrying a package, and more.
Within the Ring app, homeowners will be able to personalize their greetings and Alexa+'s responses within the AI Features tab. From there, you can use any Alexa+-enabled smart speaker or display to further customize its actions. For example, you could tell Alexa+ that if any deliveries come over the weekend to tell the delivery person to drop the packages off at your side door.
Alexa+ Greetings is currently rolling out to Early Access customers, and it won't work with just any of the best Ring doorbells — you'll also need a Ring Wired Doorbell Pro (3rd Gen) or Ring Wired Doorbell Plus (2nd Gen), as well as a Ring Premium Plan, which costs $19/month.
While your family members may be miffed that you're using AI to talk to them, I can see how Alexa+ Greetings could make things easier — for you, at least — when it comes to dealing with everyone else who comes to your door.
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