With its new app store, Ring bets on AI to go beyond home security

2026-03-31 · Source: AI News & Artificial Intelligence | TechCrunch · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Internet of Things (IoT) & Connected Devices, Cybersecurity & Data Privacy · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, short

Summary

Amazon-owned Ring has launched a new app store to expand the capabilities of its 100 million cameras, moving beyond traditional home security. Announced at CES, this initiative coincides with Ring's expansion into business security systems. The app store, leveraging advancements in AI, allows developers to create applications for diverse use cases such as elder care, workforce analytics, and rental management. Initial partners include Density with its "Routines" app for elder care, QueueFlow for wait time management, and Minut for Airbnb host monitoring. Ring founder Jamie Siminoff emphasizes the goal is to unlock "long tail use cases" and value for customers beyond security, with approximately 15 apps available at launch and a target of hundreds across dozens of verticals by year-end.

Key takeaway

For product managers evaluating smart home or business security platforms, your strategy should consider Ring's new app store as a significant expansion of its ecosystem. This move indicates a shift towards broader utility beyond security, driven by AI and third-party integrations. You should explore potential partnerships or develop applications that leverage Ring's camera footprint for specialized use cases like elder care or business operations, while carefully navigating privacy considerations.

Key insights

Ring's new app store expands camera utility beyond security via AI-powered third-party applications.

Principles

• AI enables diverse "long tail" use cases.
• Ecosystems can extend device functionality.

Method

Ring directs customers to partner apps, taking a 10% commission on sales, while avoiding platform fees by not directly distributing apps through in-app purchase systems.

In practice

• Develop apps for elder care monitoring.
• Create solutions for business queue management.
• Implement property monitoring for rentals.

Topics

• Ring App Store
• AI-Powered Cameras
• Home Security Expansion
• Privacy Concerns
• Elder Care Technology

Best for: Product Manager, AI Product Manager, Entrepreneur, Tech Journalist

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by AI News & Artificial Intelligence | TechCrunch.