Smart video intercom that finally makes sense in Spain

For years we lived with the idea that opening the front door to our house was one of those “just so” things. It’s an everyday mechanical gesture that no one has really tried to update. Meanwhile, in Spain, more than 65% of the population still lives in apartments, with intercoms installed decades ago, and without the slightest option to manage the entrance in a more comfortable way.

he Video intercom ring It’s just about changing this ingrained habit: it turns the traditional video intercom into a smart solution with control from your mobile phone and remote opening. An update that was frankly overdue.

The ring itself recognizes him. In my interview with Dave Ward, the brand’s international president, he told me something that stuck with me: “If we had built Ring from scratch in Europe, this would have been the number one product.” And yes, they fit perfectly. It’s a device designed for buildings like ours, where the majority of homes are not single-family homes — as they are in the United States — but apartments with community doormen that have been asking for upgrades for years.

It doesn’t replace your goalkeeper: it is Updates to the 21st century.

After several weeks of using it at home, this is my experience.

Design: Discreet, modern and surprisingly easy to install

Before talking about functionality, it is worth stopping at the design, because it is one of those points that goes unnoticed… and it should not. Ring Intercom video is discreetdoes not attract attention and has a specific size that always fits well into the space available next to the traditional goalkeeper. It’s not bulky and doesn’t invade the wall: it’s designed well enough not to disturb the sight.

It also includes a A small functional light makes it easy to determine if it is active or in use. It is not a decorative item nor is it intended to be, it simply helps you know at a glance that the device is working as it should. On a day-to-day basis, it’s appreciated that Ring has chosen a design that integrates without fuss and respects the aesthetics of the buildings, which isn’t always easy.

Installation: Simple in concept, demanding in practice

Ring guarantees that the installation can be done in less than an hour and without work. And it’s true: you don’t have to break anything, change the build system, or touch the installation outside of your own machine. However, it is a process that requires patience and following step-by-step instructions. In my case I installed it between two people and it was appreciated to have an extra hand to hold the video intercom while connecting the cables.

It is important to clarify a basic point: You can install this device only if you already have a video intercom with video. If your system is audio only, no compatibility is possible. It is a relevant restriction that should be checked before considering a purchase, as it affects many older buildings.

Once you get through this initial process, everything else becomes very easy. the program It’s intuitive and there’s no learning curve. It is designed so that anyone, even without technical knowledge, can use it without complications.

User Experience: Real comfort that is noticeable from day one

I’ve been using it for several weeks and the overall feeling is that it solves a problem we didn’t know it could solve. In my case, when I’m home in the morning — which is when the doorbell gets busier — it’s because I’m working remotely. I do this from an office at the end of a long hallway. Before, every time they called me, I had to cross the entire house to get to the doorman quickly. Now I get a notification on my mobile phone, I see who is in the portal and I can open it without moving. I only go to the front door when I need to. It’s a small change in appearance, but a big change in comfort.

If you’re not home, it works too.. You can open the gate to leave a package at the door or allow door delivery if your building has a package, like mine did. It’s true that delivery people often call on their cell phones, but with Ring you can cut out the middlemen and manage everything from one place.

For me there is a very important additional benefit: living with pets. My dog ​​gets nervous when the doorbell rings, so being able to silence the doorman and manage everything from my phone is convenient. The house is quieter and doesn’t jump every time someone calls.

Another useful detail is the option to provide shared access. You can let a family member or someone you trust in without being dependent on you.

Plus, the integration with Alexa and Echo Show is great. If you have a device with a screen, you can see who is calling right from there and talk to them without having to pick up your cell phone. At home where you already use the Amazon ecosystem, the experience is more fluid.

Security and Privacy: The most sensitive part, and it is solved well

Ring places a lot of emphasis on security, which makes sense when it comes to a device that shows building access. The system uses end-to-end encryption and Allows you to set privacy zones to avoid recording sensitive areas. You can also turn the sound on or off whenever you want, giving control to those who are more sensitive about data management.

AI is already being used in other products of the brand to detect people, packages or cars and avoid unnecessary notifications. In this intercom video, this part isn’t featured prominently yet, but it gives a glimpse of where the line will evolve in the future.

summary

Ring Intercom Video is not a technological fad: it is a real update to the daily routine that has been in need of updating for a long time. Its value is that it precisely adapts to the housing type of the majority in Spain and naturally solves the problem of lack of comfort, visibility and control that we had when managing the portal.

It works well, is stable, provides safety and comfort, and integrates very naturally into everyday life. If you have a compatible video intercom and want to make the leap towards a more modern, functional and connected home, this is one device that’s really worth it.