Ring’s new Video Doorbell Pro 2 captures a higher image and features improved motion detection

Ring has announced the latest model in its video doorbell line, the Video Doorbell Pro 2. The Pro 2 is a new top-of-the-line model with a number of improvements over its predecessor, including a field of view. bigger. and improved motion detection capabilities. It’s available for pre-order for $ 249.99 starting today, with shipments scheduled to begin March 31, 2021.

The most important update for the Pro 2 is its new square video capture. First popularized by Google’s Nest Hello and adopted by many other video doorbells, this field of view lets you see who’s at your door from head to toe. It also allows you to see when the packages are left on the ground in front of the doorbell. The Pro 2 captures an image of 1536 x 1536 pixels and is the first Ring model not to use the traditional 16: 9 wide view.

The second big update is for the motion detection of Pro 2. Ring calls this new feature “3D motion detection” and says it allows you to “locate the location and start time of an event from movement”. Plus, a new bird’s-eye view shows you a top-down image of detected motion, letting you see where someone has passed through your property from above. Ring says it’s possible to customize the exact point where the new motion detection and video recording begins, thanks to the new radar sensors on the Pro 2. You can also customize other motion and privacy areas, all as you can with other Ring cameras.

Ring also says the Pro 2’s audio features have been enhanced with a matrix microphone, and new preset responses can be set when you’re away from home. Those who subscribe to a Ring Protect plan can use Alexa Greetings, which offers a more advanced answering service.

Like the previous Video Doorbell Pro, the Pro 2 is a wired model and does not use a battery. This means that you must have the doorbell wiring in place or be prepared to wire power to it if you want to install it at your door.

Competition in the video doorbell space has heated up a bit over the past few years, with a number of new entrants bringing innovative features to the space. Ring, who can be credited with popularizing the idea of ​​a video doorbell, has mostly been criticized for its privacy policies and partnerships with the police in recent years. That hasn’t stopped it from being the most common video doorbell and de facto brand when people think of this product category. The Pro 2 is Ring’s answer to many of these new competitors, and it will be interesting to see how it performs once we get a chance to test it.