Ring expands its camera world with a new app store

Ring, the company that owns many home‑security cameras, has launched an app store that lets developers add new functions to its devices. The move aims to turn ordinary cameras into tools for businesses, elder care and other areas that need real‑time monitoring. The idea was first revealed at a tech show in January, when Ring also announced it would sell cameras for offices and other commercial settings. The new store uses advances in artificial intelligence so the cameras can do more than just record footage; they can interpret what is happening and give useful alerts. One partner, Density, offers an app that watches seniors for falls or changes in routine and notifies family members. Another called QueueFlow helps restaurants, event venues and waiting rooms understand how long people wait and where crowds form. Minut’s app lets Airbnb hosts keep an eye on their rooms without extra sensors, using only the cameras. Ring’s CEO says that AI opens many “long‑tail” uses for its hardware, letting customers get more value from what they already own.However, the company is careful about privacy. It will not allow apps that use facial recognition or read license plates, after backlash over earlier features that could track pets or spot wildfires. Ring has also cut ties with a firm that would let police request footage from its doorbells, following criticism about data sharing. The store will appear inside the Ring app on iOS and Android, but developers must still publish their own apps in the regular phone stores. Ring will take a 10% commission on sales, though it welcomes other pricing models such as one‑time fees or free, ad‑supported apps. At launch there are about 15 apps available, with many more planned. Current options include a bird‑identification tool, a safety detection app for fires and leaks, a people‑counting alert system, lawn health monitoring, loitering detection for businesses and a package‑tracking helper. Amazon’s own “Cheer Chime” app rings when someone tips at checkout. Ring hopes to reach hundreds of apps across dozens of industries by year’s end, turning its camera network into a broader platform for useful services.