Ring’s new Video Doorbell Pro 2 captures a larger image and has improved motion detection

Ring has announced the latest model in its line of video doorbells, the Video Doorbell Pro 2. The Pro 2 is a new flagship model that comes with a number of improvements over its predecessor, including a larger field of view and improved motion detection capabilities. It’s available to pre-order starting today for $ 249.99, and shipping is expected to begin on March 31, 2021.

The most important update for the Pro 2 is the new square video recording. First popularized by Google’s Nest Hello and adopted by many other video doorbells, this field of view makes it possible to see from head to toe who’s at your door. It also makes it possible to see when packages are on the floor in front of the doorbell. The Pro 2 captures a 1536 x 1536 pixel image and is the first Ring model not to use the traditional 16: 9 widescreen display.

The second major upgrade is in the Pro 2. Ring’s motion detection feature calls this new feature “3D Motion Detection” and says it allows you to “determine the location and time of day a motion event begins.” In addition, a new Bird’s Eye View shows you a top-down view of the detected motion, so you can see where someone crossed your property from above. Ring says it’s possible to adjust the specific point where the new motion detection and video recording starts, thanks to new radar sensors on the Pro 2. You can also adjust other motion and privacy zones, just like you can do with Ring’s other cameras. .

Image: Ring

Image: Ring

Ring also says the Pro 2’s audio features have been improved with an array microphone and new preset answers can be set for when you’re away from home. Those who subscribe to a Ring Protect Plan can use Alexa Greetings, which offers a more advanced answering machine service.

Like the previous Video Doorbell Pro, the Pro 2 is a wired model and uses no battery. That means you must have the doorbell wiring in place or be willing to connect power to it if you want to install it near your door.

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