Amazon investigating whether users want facial recognition in Ring doorbells

Amazon is investigating whether users need facial and license plate recognition in its Ring products such as video doorbells and security cameras. Those features aren’t there now, while some competing products do.

A reader sent Ars Technica screenshots of a user survey in which Amazon asks how useful users would find various features. In addition to facial and license plate recognition, Amazon also asks whether users want sliders to turn off cameras and microphones and whether users want to be able to turn them off via the app.

Amazon confirms the investigation to Ars Technica. “These features are not currently on Ring devices, but are available on similar devices from other manufacturers. Like many companies, we are in frequent contact with our customers to better understand what products and features they may find useful.”

It has been known for some time that Ring doorbells may receive facial recognition. Amazon said it was already thinking about this in November last year. It is not yet clear when and whether facial recognition will be in Ring doorbells.