Find Lost Pets by Tapping Ring Doorbells
▼ Summary
– Ring’s Search Party pet finder service is now available to non-Ring owners via the free Ring Neighbors app.
– The service allows any US user to post a photo of a missing pet and receive alerts if a neighbor’s AI-enabled Ring camera detects it.
– Ring claims the feature has successfully reunited owners with more than one lost dog per day since its launch in September.
– The company is committing $1 million to provide camera systems to animal shelters across the United States.
– Despite privacy and law enforcement concerns, Ring is promoting the service with a Super Bowl commercial following its launch.
Finding a lost pet can be a frantic and heartbreaking experience for any owner. Ring is expanding its Search Party pet finder service, making it accessible to everyone in the United States through its free Ring Neighbors app, regardless of whether they own a Ring device. This move aims to leverage the power of community and smart technology to help more families reunite with their furry companions. According to the company, the service has already proven successful, reportedly helping to reunite owners with more than one lost dog every single day since its initial launch.
The process is straightforward for pet owners. After downloading the Ring Neighbors app and registering, anyone can share a photo and details of their missing pet. The network then goes to work. If a neighbor’s AI-powered Ring camera identifies an animal that matches the description, the system can generate an alert to notify the pet’s owner of a potential sighting. This creates a vast, interconnected web of digital lookouts, significantly increasing the chances of locating a lost animal quickly.
Beyond opening the service to the public, Ring is also making a substantial financial commitment to animal welfare organizations. The company has pledged $1 million to equip animal shelters nationwide with its camera systems. This initiative will not only help shelters monitor their facilities but could also integrate them into the broader Search Party network, potentially aiding in the identification and recovery of lost pets that end up in shelters.
The Search Party feature itself debuted last September. While it has faced scrutiny—including initial concerns about being enabled by default for users and broader questions about privacy and the company’s partnerships with police departments—Ring is highlighting its positive impact. The company is celebrating the service’s achievements with a high-profile Super Bowl commercial, signaling a confident step forward in its mission to position its technology as a tool for community safety and connection, extending now to our four-legged family members.
(Source: The Verge)
