Amazon's voice assistant can provide smart assistance when responding through a Ring Video Doorbell Pro. Alexa can now answer the door with a greeting, send instructions for package deliveries, and take a message if someone chooses.

The feature is part of a new update to Ring, included in their Smart Responses, which expands the way the smart doorbell can interact with visitors or even alerts with pre-recorded responses or actions.

Amazon's voice assistant can ask questions and give directionsRing

The new Alexa Greetings feature works by appearing to listen for keywords in what someone says and then asking additional questions. For example, when someone presses the Ring Video Doorbell, the smart assistant will greet that person by saying, "Hi this is Alexa. May I know the purpose of your visit?"

Depending on how someone answers, the voice assistant says further instructions or options aloud. These can include, among others,:

• "Do you want to leave a message?"
• "What is your message?
• "What is your name and phone number?"
• "Do the packages require a signature?"
• "Thanks for dropping by."

Alexa can also give personalized details that Ring Video Doorbell owners can tailor to their needs, such as telling a delivery person to leave packages on the front porch or by a back gate.

If someone leaves a message, that can be seen in the Ring app under event history. Messages are also saved as audio recordings and video and can be viewed later by someone through the Ring app.

Video messages left can be viewed in the Ring appRing

Ring has been adding some high profile links ups to not only its video doorbells but also to its app. In early February 2021, Ring announced a new partnership with Lennar, where smart devices installed in new homes built by the builder can be operated within the Ring app. That feature is already available to existing Ring users. But Ring, owned by Amazon, certainly appears to encourage people to use the device's app as a central controller for their smart home, whether that includes operating smart products inside the home or managing needs outside.

The new feature works for Ring Protect subscribers, a service that adds video recording to Ring devices for an additional monthly or annual fee. If someone is a Ring Protect subscriber, here is how to set up this new feature:

• In the Ring app, click on the Smart Responses tile
• Enable Alexa Greetings
• You can select some customizations now, including how long you want Alexa to wait before it responds. You can also add where package deliveries should be left, which Alexa will read in its voice.

Ring Protect subscribers can add this feature now if they have a Ring Video Doorbell Pro purchased after 2017.

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Check out The GearBrain, our smart home compatibility find engine, to see the other compatible products that work with Ring devices.

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