When AI is really useful: Amazon launches a solution that automatically sends unwanted guests away
Amazon Ring doorbell from an older generation, installed at the entrance of a home, PHOTO: Jessica Hill / AP / Profimedia Images
Amazon is adding new functionality to Alexa+ that integrates conversational AI with the Ring doorbells it makes, allowing customers to manage deliveries that arrive at their door, refuse unwanted salespeople, or allow family members and friends to leave a message when they're not home, TechCrunch reports.
Called Greetings, the feature helps Ring determine who the visitor is based on their clothing, actions, and what they're carrying, and respond accordingly. For example, if the system sees a person in a deliveryman's uniform dropping off a package, it will respond according to the instructions previously set by the customer.
The functionality also comes with settings that allow the user to specify where couriers can leave packages. If a courier needs a signature, Alexa can also ask when they might be back, then relay the message to the homeowner.
In addition, it may “manage” sales agents or service providers. Doorbell owners can set an instruction like, “If someone comes to the door trying to sell something, politely let them know we're not interested.”
And if owners are busy or away, Alexa can greet friends or family members when they visit and ask them to leave a message.
The new functionality launched by Amazon comes after a controversial one
The launch of the new feature comes on the heels of a controversial facial recognition feature for Ring called Familiar Faces, which allows the creation of a catalog of the faces of up to 50 people who regularly visit owners' homes. Once tagged, these people will be named in your Ring app timeline and notifications when they visit.
Amazon says Greetings uses Ring's video descriptions to determine who the main subject in front of the camera is to generate responses, and doesn't track the person's identification.
The feature is compatible with Ring Wired Doorbell Pro (3rd generation) and Ring Wired Doorbell Plus (2nd generation) and is available to Ring Premium Plan subscription users who have enabled video descriptions.
For now, the release is only for Alexa+ customers in the Early Access program in the US and Canada.
