Skip to main content

See visitors and open your front gate with the Ring Access Controller Pro

CES 2020 is in full swing, and that means product announcements — lots and lots of product announcements. Ring has joined the fray with six new products, including its first-ever access control product, the Ring Access Controller Pro. The Access Controller Pro is Ring’s first entry in this area and allows users to not only view who is at their gates but also open the gate remotely. The device can be paired with Key by Amazon to take packages securely inside the gate. The downside to this device is that it isn’t a DIY setup. You’ll have to shell out for professional installation.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

The next big announcement from Ring is the Ring Smart LED bulbs. Not only are these Ring’s first-ever smart lights, but they are also weather-resistant and designed for use outdoors. The Ring smart lights are available as both A19 bulbs and PAR38 bulbs. Users can control their smart lights from anywhere via their mobile devices, adjust the brightness, and schedule specific times for the lights to come on.

Recommended Videos

Continuing the trend of lighting announcements, Ring is also introducing three solar-powered lights. The first is the Ring Solar Floodlight, a motion-activated light perfect for entryways and driveways. It puts out 1,300 lumens and has a 45-foot motion detection range. The next is the Ring Solar Steplight. The Steplight is best used to light up steps, porches, and decks. Users can connect it to the Ring Bridge to gain more specific control over the light.

The final solar-powered light is the Ring Solar Pathlight. This motion-activated light is intended for use along pathways and driveways to create an easy-to-see path. It can also be connected to the Ring Bridge to control the brightness, set schedules, and control motion sensitivity.

If you’re interested in any of the new Ring smart lights, they will be available for purchase on April 1, 2020. The Ring Access Controller is available now for $300, although you can snag it in a bundle with the Stick Up Cam Battery for $390 on Amazon.

Ring wants to expand beyond doorbells to provide whole-home security. Ring’s track record of late with privacy and security hasn’t been the best, especially in light of the recent hacks and collaborations with local police authorities, which is why the company is also introducing Control Center — a new dashboard in the Ring app where users can manage their privacy and security settings. This makes it so that these settings are in plain view for users, rather than being hidden in some of the app’s menu settings. Ring plans to enhance and improve Control Center over time, so users will be informed into how their data is kept secure and private.

Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated how the function of the Control Center dashboard. It’s used to control privacy and security settings.

Follow our live blog for more CES news and announcements.

Patrick Hearn
Patrick Hearn writes about smart home technology like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, smart light bulbs, and more. If it's a…
Blink Mini 2 vs. Ring Stick Up Cam Plug-In: Which budget security camera is best for you?
The Blink Mini 2 placed on two books.

Blink and Ring are two of the best-known security companies, and they're responsible for many of the best security cameras on the market. The Blink Mini 2 and the Ring Stick Up Cam Plug-In are popular choices for frugal shoppers, as they carry reasonable price tags, yet offer most of the features you'd expect from a well-rounded camera. But if you only need one, which is right for you -- the Blink Mini 2 or the Ring Stick Up Cam Plug-In? Here's a look at both to help you decide.
Pricing and monthly fees

The Blink Mini 2 is one of the most affordable security cameras money can buy. It clocks in at just $40, though Blink often slashes its price to just $30. If you'd like to use the camera outside, you can bundle in the Weather Resistant Adapter for a total of $50.  The Ring Stick Up Cam Plug-In is more expensive at $100, though with the launch of the Stick Up Cam Pro, it's typically available for $70.

Read more
Yale Keypad Touch lets you control the front door with your fingerprints
The Yale Keypad Touch installed on wooden siding.

Yale released the Approach retrofit smart lock last month -- the first-ever retrofit lock from the popular company. This month it's following up with the Yale Keypad Touch, a wireless accessory that lets you control the Yale Approach with nothing more than your fingerprints.

Because the Yale Approach smart lock doesn't include a keypad, most shoppers will want to add one to their purchase. Without a keypad, you'll be left controlling it with your smartphone. Yale previously let you bundle in the Yale Keypad with the Approach, turning it into something more akin to a traditional smart lock.

Read more
Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam vs. Wyze Cam Pan v3: Which is the better pan-tilt camera?
The Pan-Tilt mounted on a wall.

An indoor camera capable of panning and tilting is one of the best ways to improve the security of your home. These devices make it easy to capture all corners of a room with a single device, making them a cost-effective way to keep tabs on a property. The Wyze Cam Pan v3 is one of the cheapest options on the market, but Ring has recently launched its own Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam that's quickly become popular with shoppers.

But is the expensive Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam better than the Wyze Cam Pan v3? Or should you save yourself a few bucks and opt for the cheaper security camera? Here's a look at both to help you decide.
Pricing and monthly fees

Read more