Ring says its indoor Drone Cam will ship January 27 for $249.99

In short: Ring says it will start shipping a flying indoor security camera, the Ring Drone Cam, on January 27, 2027, for $249.99.

What happened

Ring founder Jamie Siminoff announced the Ring Drone Cam at a launch event in New York City. Ring says the device is designed to patrol inside your home when you are away. It can fly along routes you set up in the Ring app, then livestream and record video.

Ring says the Drone Cam can react when other Ring devices detect something. Examples include motion, a door opening, a water leak, or an alarm. You can also schedule patrols or send it out on demand.

The Drone Cam is meant for indoor use only. Ring says it only records while it is flying, and the camera is covered when it is docked. The company also says it is loud while flying, so it is hard for it to move unnoticed.

Ring says the drone flies for about 5 to 8 minutes per charge. Charging is slow, about eight minutes of charging for each minute of flight. The Verge notes this likely makes it better for quick check-ins than constant monitoring.

Ring says video from the Drone Cam uses its TAKE encryption system. Encryption is like putting video in a locked box, and Ring says the “keys” change every five minutes and Ring deletes its own copies after 24 hours.

Why it matters

A single flying camera could reduce the need for multiple fixed cameras, but it also raises new privacy questions because it can map your home and move room to room. Ring also says the drone relies on an internet connection to operate, and without Wi-Fi it can only land.

Source: The Verge AI