Ring has launched its first-ever 4K cameras powered by a new Retinal Vision imaging system, and it’s using AI to help spot lost pets.
The vehicle-and-person detection suite is joined by a new feature called Search Party, turning your outdoor cams into helpers in reuniting pets with families.
The Retinal Vision tech isn’t just marketing fluff. Ring claims sharper video with up to 10× zoom and enhanced low-light performance. That means details like pet collars or subtle movements could become more visible, especially when cameras are covering a full yard or walkway.
On top of that, Ring is upgrading how cameras “think.” The Alexa Plus Greetings feature turns your Ring device into a semi-autonomous doorbell assistant that answers visitors, gives instructions, or repels solicitors. Familiar Faces recognition also helps cut down on unnecessary alerts, filtering out routine visitors from notable ones.
The marquee new feature here is Search Party for dogs. If someone reports a missing dog in the Ring app, nearby outdoor cams with AI will scan for possible matches in their footage. You’ll be notified if your camera spots the missing pet, complete with snapshots and video clips. It’s a clever way to crowdsource pet recovery without heavy setup.
Notably, Ring isn’t abandoning its 2K line, many existing models have already received a free 2K upgrade with vehicle detection enabled for compatible users. That means these new 4K cams inherit a legacy of smarter detection and sharper output.
How it compares
Ring has long been a major player in home security. Devices like the Outdoor Cam Plus were praised for improving image clarity while keeping the app experience simple. By comparison, the new 4K models and AI features aim to leapfrog the current norms and push the expectation for what smart security cams can do.
Ring’s new 4K hardware (which includes Wired Doorbell Pro, Spotlight Cam Pro, Floodlight Cam Pro, and Outdoor Cam Pro) and Search Party feature feel like meaningful upgrades, not incremental tweaks. If the AI reliably spots pets and the imaging lives up to the hype, these devices could shift the paradigm from security cams to community helpers. But as ever, the strength of the app, subscription model, and accuracy will make or break their appeal.
Amazon also used its latest event to launch a load of other new products, including the Kindle Scribe 2025 and a bunch of new Echo devices.
