Alexa can be the first to notify you the next time one of your security cameras detects a visitor at your door or a package being delivered.
According to Amazon, Alexa person and package detection announcements are now rolling out, and the feature will include the opportunity to view a live video feed on your Echo Show, Fire TV, or Fire Tablet anytime a person or item is identified. The Alexa app will also send you notifications on your phone.
Ring video doorbells and security cameras aren’t the only devices that can take advantage of the new capability.
Alexa’s spoken camera notifications are now compatible with other Alexa-compatible cameras, including those from Google (it’s easy to forget that there is a Google skill for Alexa).
The 2020 Ring Video Doorbell and the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 have Alexa person plus package announcements out now, while Abode’s Iota and Outdoor cams will have it “soon.”
Meanwhile, all other Ring Video Doorbells and cameras support Alexa person-only announcements.
The Google Nest Cam (both the outdoor and both wired and battery-powered interior variants), the Nest Cam with floodlight, and the battery-powered Nest Doorbell will all be activated later.
Other manufacturers, in addition to Abode and Google, will be able to use the new API to bake in Alexa camera announcements, as long as their Alexa-enabled cameras support the H.264 video codec and offer at least 720p video resolution.
Your camera may require a subscription that includes person/people detection in order to receive Alexa person and package notifications.
For Ring, this means signing up for Ring Protect, which starts at $3 per month or $30 per year and includes person and package detection, whereas Abode’s services start at $7 per month.
Google doesn’t charge for basic people detection, but to use the company’s more advanced algorithms, you’ll need a Nest Aware membership.
To read our blog on “Alexa can now plant a tree for you”” click here
