Alexa+ can now answer your door and chat with visitors
Amazon has launched Alexa+ Greetings, a feature enabling Alexa+ to answer Ring video doorbells and engage in conversations with visitors in the US and Canada using English.
The feature operates exclusively on certain newer Ring video doorbell models. Users require a Ring Premium Plan subscription and access to the Alexa+ early-access build. Amazon describes the capability as one that transforms the Ring doorbell into an intelligent assistant capable of determining who is at the door, understanding what they need, and responding conversationally. This functionality remains available whether the homeowner is present at home or away.
The underlying mechanism involves an AI algorithm that determines who is present based on what they are wearing, holding, or their actions. The system incorporates visual context, any information shared by the visitor, and the instructions provided to manage interactions on behalf of the homeowner. For example, Amazon states that the assistant can identify a person wearing a delivery uniform and instruct them to leave the package at the back door.
Amazon provides additional examples of practical applications. The assistant can collect messages from friends who visit when the homeowner is absent. It can politely direct door-to-door salespeople to leave. Visitors may receive directions to water and snacks that have been pre-arranged. During Halloween, the system handles interactions with children while dispensing treats from a designated setup.
All doorbell interactions undergo recording for later review through the Ring app. The app delivers context regarding individuals who have approached the porch, allowing homeowners to examine conversations and circumstances post-event.
The rollout of Alexa+ Greetings commenced today. Alexa+ represents Amazon’s updated chatbot, designed to support more conversational exchanges compared to the previous Alexa version. This enhancement aims to facilitate natural dialogue in various scenarios, including remote management of home entry points.
Eligibility confines the feature to specified hardware and subscription tiers, ensuring compatibility with recent Ring models equipped for advanced video processing and AI integration. The early-access build of Alexa+ grants participants preview functionality ahead of wider release. Geographic restriction to the US and Canada aligns with initial deployment phases, with language support limited to English for precise voice recognition and response generation.
Identification relies on multifaceted inputs: apparel such as uniforms signals delivery personnel; items held, like packages, reinforce categorization; actions, including approaching the door or speaking, contribute to context. Preset instructions from users customize responses, such as specific directions for package placement or visitor handling protocols.
Review capabilities in the Ring app include timestamps, video footage, audio transcripts, and AI-generated summaries of visitor intent. This transparency supports verification of instructions followed and identification accuracy.
Alexa+ builds upon foundational voice assistant technology by incorporating generative AI for fluid, context-aware replies, distinguishing it from the command-response structure of earlier Alexa iterations.