LOS ANGELES: Specialising in surveillance cameras and connected video doorbells, Amazon subsidiary Ring is poised to launch its first ever car alarm.
Two years after announcing its plans in this field, Ring has filed an application with the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which is necessary to market its new alarm.
The device is expected to take the form of a brick-like box that plugs into the car's OBD-II diagnostic connector.
At the slightest attempt to break into the car, or an impact from another vehicle, notifications will automatically be sent to the driver's phone. The driver will then be able to remotely activate an audible alarm, if desired.
Although it is not yet available, the upcoming car alarm does have an information page on the Ring website. This states that the device will be compatible with almost all the cars on the road (some 99% according to the manufacturer).
The system will be able to detect pulling on door handles, rim theft, towing and any suspicious movements inside the vehicle. The accompanying application will allow users to locate the alarm, and therefore the car, the device featuring a built-in GPS.
This alarm should not require a subscription to be effective all year round. Finally, note that it does not act as a tracking device and does not record the speed of the vehicle.
The alarm is expected to be marketed in the US for around US$60 (RM285) in 2023. By then, it must receive authorisation from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Later, Ring could release a surveillance camera specifically dedicated to cars, with the ability to record footage related to theft or accidents.
