Amazon has introduced a new feature to Alexa+ that integrates conversational AI with Ring doorbells. This innovative feature, called Greetings, allows users to manage deliveries, turn away salespeople, and even allow friends or family to leave messages when they are not at home.
With Greetings, Ring doorbells can now identify visitors based on their attire, actions, and items they are carrying, and respond accordingly. For instance, if a delivery person is spotted dropping off a package, the system will act according to the user’s instructions.
This feature also includes settings that enable users to specify where deliveries should be left and even guide delivery personnel towards any water or snacks that may be available. If a signature is required, Alexa can communicate with the delivery person to arrange for a suitable time for the user to be present.
In addition to managing deliveries, Greetings can also handle interactions with sales representatives or service providers. Users can set preferences such as instructing Alexa to politely decline any sales pitches from visitors.
Furthermore, if users are unavailable or occupied, Alexa can greet friends or family members who come to the door and request them to leave a message for the user.
Despite its convenience, there is a potential risk of misidentification with this technology. For instance, if a friend who works in logistics visits in their delivery uniform, the system may mistakenly ask them to leave a package instead of taking a message.
This new feature follows the introduction of a controversial facial recognition feature for Ring called “Familiar Faces,” which allows users to create a catalog of up to 50 familiar faces who regularly visit their home. These individuals will be identified in the Ring app’s timeline and notifications when they visit.
Amazon assures users that Greetings utilizes Ring’s video descriptions to determine the main subject in front of the camera for generating responses, without actually identifying the individual.
Greetings is compatible with Ring Wired Doorbell Pro (3rd Gen) and Ring Wired Doorbell Plus (2nd Gen) and is available to users on the Ring Premium Plan who have enabled video descriptions. The feature is currently being rolled out to Alexa+ Early access customers in the U.S. and Canada.
