Latest news with #Neighbors
Tom's Guide
2 days ago
- Business
- Tom's Guide
Ring backtracks, lets cops once again request video from your doorbell and security cameras
A year after removing the ability to police to request security camera and doorbell footage from Ring owners, Ring is backtracking partially due to a new partnership. Earlier this year, Axon, the maker of Taser, announced (spotted by Business Insider) that it was partnering with Ring to allow customers to share "relevant video with law enforcement to help solve crimes faster and safeguard neighborhoods. This will affect all of the best Ring video doorbells. It's a reversal of the video sharing policy introduced in January of 2024 when Ring removed the "Request for Assistance" button from the Neighbors app. This meant that public agencies could no longer request and receive video directly in the app except in emergencies. It was another step in scaling back law enforcement involvement by Ring due to privacy concerns. With the Axon partnership, police can now request footage from Ring users via Axon's digital evidence management system. As of this writing, it's unclear if police solicitations will appear in the Neighbors app. Tom's Guide has reached out to Ring for clarification on the Axon partnership and how new law enforcement requests will appear for customers. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. According to Axon, the once a request is made, Ring owners can decide to to send the footage or not. If they do it will be 'encrypted and securely added to the case file." This year, former CEO and founder of Ring, Jamie Siminoff, returned to Amazon, taking over Ring and several other smart home companies within Amazon's umbrella. Business Insider reports that he has made sweeping changes across the company with a desire to have Ring return "to its founding identity as a crime-prevention tool." Emails to employees read that Siminoff wants to return Blink to its original goal of making neighborhoods safer. Ring is not without controversy. In 2023, the FTC sued the company after reports that it enabled workers and hackers to spy on customers, as reported by The Verge. Motherboard reported in 2019 that the company was coaching police on how to get footage without a warrant from users. Currently, Ring has partnerships with over 2,000 police and fire departments across the country. Ring has partnerships with over 2,000 police and fire departments across every U.S. state. The last official number we could find came from a letter Ring sent to Senator Markey (via Wired) in 2022, which noted 2,161 partner "law enforcement agencies" and 455 fire departments. The company has an "Active Agency Map," which Ring claims is regularly updated. From that, we were able to find 113 "local government agencies," mostly animal services and emergency management, 2,678 "local law enforcement," and 622 fire departments. An additional 517 and 167 police and fire departments have been added since 2022. Ring makes some of the best video doorbells, and even takes up multiple slots in our picks. However, if the sudden turn to more of a law enforcement-enabling company makes you uncomfortable, there are alternatives, including the Eufy Video Doorbell Dual and the Nest doorbell. Again, this won't necessarily stop company's from sharing videos with cops without your consent, but other doorbells don't have quite the same privacy controversies as Ring. It should be noted that Siminoff is not only in charge of Ring but also the Amazon-owned company, Blink, which makes one of the best home security cameras in the Blink Outdoor 4. The Ring founder has combined teams for Ring, Blink, Key, and Amazon Sidewalk, but it's unclear if this Axon partnership will remain exclusive to Ring devices. But just in case, you could try alternatives like the Wyze Cam v4 and Arlo Ultra 2, both excellent choices.
Business Insider
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Amazon's Ring goes full founder mode, taking the company back to its crime-fighting roots
Amazon 's Ring division is re-embracing founder mode, part of a broader cultural and operational crackdown by CEO Andy Jassy. In April, Ring founder Jamie Siminoff rejoined Amazon to run the internet-based doorbell company again. He replaced former CEO Liz Hamren. Just months into his return, Siminoff is making sweeping changes. One of his first moves: scrapping Ring's socially driven mission — "Keep people close to what's important" — which Amazon introduced last year. In its place, Siminoff reinstated Ring's original mission statement, "Make neighborhoods safer," which suggests the business is going back to its founding identity as a crime-prevention tool. "So excited to be back working on our mission to make neighborhoods safer!" Siminoff wrote in a companywide email on his second day back. A copy of the memo was viewed by Business Insider. The shift marks the beginning of a broader reset led by Siminoff, who returned after a two-year hiatus. Alongside the mission reboot, he's pushing for faster execution, greater efficiency, and a deeper reliance on AI, according to internal emails and conversations with current and former employees. These individuals asked not to be identified because they're not authorized to discuss internal matters. Ring's transformation reflects broader shifts within Amazon, where Jassy emphasizes productivity and cost-efficiency across the sprawling e-commerce and cloud giant. Other Big Tech companies, from Google and Meta to Microsoft, are making similar changes. "We are reimagining Ring from the ground up with AI first," Siminoff wrote in a recent email to staff. "It feels like the early days again — same energy and the same potential to revolutionize how we do our neighborhood safety." A Ring spokesperson declined to comment. A Return to Surveillance While Siminoff was away, Ring softened its public image under Hamren's leadership. The company leaned into a more community-focused brand and distanced itself from the surveillance tools that previously sparked privacy concerns. Hamren retired a controversial feature that allowed law enforcement to request footage from Ring users through the Neighbors app and introduced a more approachable mission statement last year. Now, Siminoff is rolling back much of that vision, steering Ring back to its original role as a neighborhood crime watchdog. As part of that pivot, Ring announced a partnership with Axon in April that effectively revives the video-request feature for police. The company is also exploring a new integration with Axon that would enable livestreaming from Ring devices for those who consent, according to a person familiar with the matter. Privacy and civil liberties groups have criticized Ring's video-sharing capabilities, citing a lack of transparency and concerns about unethical use. In 2023, Amazon agreed to a $5.8 million settlement with the Federal Trade Commission over allegations of privacy violations. Amazon denied wrongdoing. Several Ring employees told BI they remain uneasy about the partnership with Axon, which is famous for making Tasers, which are used by law enforcement to zap people with electric shocks. These Ring employees said customers may not don't fully understand what they're opting into, and it's unclear how video footage will ultimately be used. Data security also remains a concern, they added. Siminoff's influence is also showing up in Ring's product roadmap and internal policies. The long-delayed home surveillance drone, originally unveiled in 2020, is expected to launch soon, according to people familiar with the plans. Siminoff has been testing the drone in the office, though it's likely to debut in limited quantities, they said. In June, Ring introduced a new text alert feature that provides real-time updates about activity captured by its devices. According to a recent internal email, Siminoff told employees the alerts would soon be refined to notify users only when "something unusual happens." "My vision has always been that Ring would help super power our neighborhoods for good," Siminoff wrote in an April email. 'Bigger impact' Siminoff, who founded Ring in 2011, sold the company to Amazon in 2018 for about $1 billion. His official title now is VP of product, but he signs off his emails as Ring's "Chief Inventor and Founder." In practice, he oversees not only Ring but also Amazon's Blink security cameras, Key in-home delivery service, and the Sidewalk wireless network. Ring doesn't have a formal CEO anymore. When Siminoff returned, some staffers were apprehensive about changes he might make. That concern was reinforced when he introduced a new travel policy in April requiring employees to email the company about the purpose of each business trip. He cited high travel costs and said the emails would serve as documentation when "auditing things." After some employees pushed back, Siminoff doubled down in a follow-up message, reaffirming the policy. That second time, he pointed to a recent Jassy annual shareholder letter, which emphasized building a culture that encourages employees to ask "why" as a path to smarter decision-making. "If we all keep doing this, I am certain we will be able to have such a bigger impact on the world," Siminoff wrote. Since his return, Siminoff has also made changes to Ring's leadership and operations. In late April, Chief Product Officer Mike Harris and Chief Technology Officer Mike Balog both exited. In their place, Siminoff brought back longtime lieutenant Jason Mitura to lead the product and technology teams across Ring, Blink, and Sidewalk, according to an internal email. Siminoff has also consolidated Rings office footprint for "speed" and "efficiency." Ring's Santa Monica office is shutting down, while Amazon's Hawthorne and Amsterdam locations have become headquarters for the combined Ring, Blink, Key, and Sidewalk teams. 'Double our output immediately' Internally, Siminoff has scrapped Ring's monthly all-hands meetings and replaced them with a steady stream of companywide emails. Many of these messages focus on eliminating bureaucracy and encouraging creativity with AI. In April, he launched a dedicated inbox where employees could submit new ideas (something Jassy has also done since becoming CEO of Amazon). While praising some of the more unconventional submissions, Siminoff also urged employees to vet their ideas through AI tools first to avoid duplication, and to consider the resources required and messaging clarity before pitching. Siminoff has made it clear that AI will be central to Ring's future. Starting in the third quarter, every promotion will have to prove that the employee used AI to improve operational efficiency or customer experiences, according to a recent email. They will also have to explain how they "accomplished more with less," the email said. In mid-June, Siminoff also encouraged employees to use AI at least once a day to improve productivity. The following day, he circulated a memo from Jassy that warned job cuts could result from AI-driven efficiencies. "If we all lean in on AI, could we launch 10% or 10 times more shit?" Siminoff asked in a recent email. "My guess is if we really all fully leaned in on AI and pushed ourselves hard to create constraints that only could be overcome with the use of AI, we could double our output immediately." Not all of Siminoff's communications focus on technology. In one instance, he addressed a cultural issue: the excessive use of acronyms in meetings. He noted that acronyms often obscure meaning and slow down decision-making. "The best thing we can do is use data and clear language," he wrote. "It allows for faster and more accurate decisions."
UPI
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- UPI
Look: 'Neighbours' wraps production ahead of show's end
The "Neighbors" revival has finished filming its final episodes. Photo courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios July 11 (UPI) -- The revival of Australian soap opera Neighbours has wrapped production for the last time. The show's official Instagram account announced Friday that filming has finished ahead of the show's final bow on Prime Video in December. "It's with a heavy heart that our incredible cast and crew wrap for the final time," the post's caption reads. "As sad as this day may be, we can't wait for you to see the amazing storylines that are about to unfold over the coming six months. Together we have been, and always will be, the perfect blend." Matt Wilson, who stars in the revival, commented on the post. "Oh man," he said. "I love this show and these people with all my heart." The revival is the "continuation of the long-running series" that premiered in 1985 and was canceled in 2022. The show was picked up by Amazon's Freevee that same year, before ultimately finding a home on Prime Video. According to an official synopsis, the show follows "the lives, loves and challenges of the residents on Ramsay Street in Erinsborough, Australia, a fictional suburb of Melbourne. The original soap featured such names as Margot Robbie, Kylie Minogue and Russell Crowe. The revival stars Alan Fletcher, Annie Jones, Candice Leask, Emerald Chan, Georgie Stone, Hannah Monson, Jackie Woodburne, Lloyd Will, Lucinda Armstrong Hall, Lucida Cowden, Majella Davis, Marley Williams, Wilson, Naomi Rukavina, Rebeka Elmaloglou, Riley Bryant, Ryan Moloney, Sara West, Shiv Palekar, Stefan Dennis, Takaya Honda, Tim Kano, Xavier Molyneux, April Rose Pengilly, Costa D'Angelo, Georgia Walters, Guy Pearce, Ian Smith, Jessica Muschamp, Jodi Gordon, Melissa Bell, Barton, Nathan Borg, Viva Bianca and Trevor the Dog. Executive producer Jason Herbison expressed hope for a future reboot. "Once again, we will be resting the residents of Ramsay Street on a hopeful note, with some tantalizing possibilities for a future chapter," he said, per Deadline.
Khaleej Times
03-07-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
The rise of homegrown hospitality: Rashed Al Tayer and Outset lead the movement
In a city known for importing some of the world's most recognisable hospitality brands, Rashed Al Tayer is quietly building something different and far more personal. Through Outset, his hospitality group, he's cultivating a new generation of homegrown dining concepts that reflect the rhythm, tastes, and creative spirit of the communities they serve. For Rashed, 'homegrown' isn't just a buzzword . 'An experience made by local residents, for local residents,' he explains. 'Every Outset concept is built on that ethos. From our first project, Neighbors which was all about being your friendly neighbourhood bakery, to our latest restaurant, Oppidan, which literally means a 'resident of a town', we always want to create something that belongs to the community it serves.' That ethos extends beyond the food and into every layer of the guest experience, from the local artists featured on the walls to the design studios that shape each venue's unique aesthetic. As global imports continue to saturate the city's dining scene, Rashed sees a clear shift in appetite. 'Dubai is tired of constantly importing concepts. There's a move toward supporting ideas that are born here, by and for our own communities. It just feels more authentic,' he says. It's this sincerity found in the food, the service, and the intention that draws loyal regulars across Outset's portfolio, from the laid-back charm of Boston Lane to the nature-embraced tranquillity of Terra Eatery. Each venue under Outset shares a common thread: premium food and drink in a casual yet beautifully considered setting. 'They're places you can come to effortlessly,' Rashed says. 'Skip the city traffic, avoid the weekend chaos, and still expect a 10/10 experience.' The result is a new archetype of hospitality less flashy, more soulful. The group's latest opening, Oppidan, is set within a quiet villa on Al Wasl Road, and offers a fresh take on Italian home-style cooking, inspired by Rashed's own travels and favourite dishes. 'Italian food is my favourite! I always knew I wanted to open an Italian place, but I wanted it to feel approachable and real.' With a focus on quality ingredients and in-house pasta making, Oppidan delivers comfort without compromise. Looking ahead, Outset's ambitions continue to evolve. The launch of CMPLX, a lifestyle hub in Al Quoz marks a bold next step. And with revamps underway for Boston Lane and Neighbors, as well as a new coffee roastery and wellness initiatives, Outset is building more than just restaurants it's building cultural anchors. 'I think we'll see more crossover between hospitality and other industries,' Rashed says of the future. 'The goal is always to grow in ways that feel natural to our lifestyle, in respect to the things we love.'
CNET
02-07-2025
- CNET
I Asked Ring Home Security and Nextdoor About Tracking ICE Raids With Their Tech: Is It Allowed?
This year has seen a growing home security practice that was previously unheard of: Neighborhoods are using their security cameras and doorbells to track police activity in their area, like ICE raids in California, and share the information via apps such as Ring Neighbors. Law enforcement, which has grown accustomed to requesting home security videos for its own purposes, doesn't appear to be a fan of doorbells and security cameras being used against its activities. Security companies walk a tightrope when deciding what to allow and what to block while following the latest laws and court orders. Owners, meanwhile, wonder what this means for their privacy and safety, and their freedom when it comes to using the tech they paid for. I dug into the issue, asked Ring and Nextdoor where they stand on the subject, and found the rules everyone should know about using security tech to track official activities. Rules about reporting law enforcement activity on apps like Ring Neighbors Posts that name streets and other nearby locations are less likely to be removed. Tyler Lacoma/CNET When I reached out to Ring about its Neighbors app policies regarding recent events and police raids (as well as Reddit reports about posts being taken down), the company provided helpful information about its specific policies. I found out the reasons why Ring does tend to remove certain posts or stop them from going live on Neighbors. For one thing, posts about a general law enforcement presence can get nixed. So if someone said ICE was spotted in "Bell Gardens," their post would be denied because that's just too vague. Or if a post asked, "Hey, is there any ICE activity in town?" it wouldn't be allowed. Other posts get banned if they: Explicitly obstruct law enforcement Voice political opinions Assume immigration status, or other types of prejudice Don't pertain to local events Ring Neighbors does allow posts about specific law enforcement activity Ring posts generally allow for specific information, but not broad discussion or accusations. Tyler Lacoma/CNET Posts that cite an exact location, or images showing agents directly connected to an event, tend to be fine. If someone said, "I saw ICE knocking on doors at the IHOP on Florence and Pico," that would be allowed, according to Ring's guidelines. Other allowed posts provide info on the exact cross streets, addresses, complexes, blocks and so on. Bans aren't always immediate. Sometimes posts that violate guidelines are taken down after the fact, either as a result of postpublication moderation, user flagging or user deletion. And customers can usually appeal moderation decisions for the sake of consistency. When I turned to Nextdoor, another popular neighborhood app used for discussing events, a company spokesperson said something similar: "Our platform fosters discussions of local issues and, as such, our Community Guidelines prohibit broad commentary or personal opinions on national political topics." As long as it's a local issue and users follow the basic community guidelines (be respectful, don't discriminate, use your true identity, and so on), then posts should be fine. Guidelines for posting on Ring Neighbors and more App users need to give details in their posts, and thorough descriptions, especially if they're including a picture. Tyler Lacoma/CNET When I visit my own Neighbors app, I see -- contrary to some reports -- that users frequently post about hearing sirens or police activity in their own neighborhoods, ask about masked strangers or raise questions about law enforcement. Posts like these make it clear: You can still post about security concerns on Ring Neighbors and other apps, even and especially when they involve police activity. You can also post about people you don't recognize and strangers knocking, which opens the door (not literally) to talking about masked federal ICE agents that aren't wearing any identifiers. In other words, it looks like what Ring said holds true. Explicit information citing current, local events, preferably with address data, is allowed. "Focus on the behavior that raised your suspicion," Nextdoor recommends. "Describe the potentially criminal or dangerous activity you observed or experienced -- what the person was doing, what they said (if they spoke to you). Include the direction they were last headed." If you post with an eye toward the safety of your neighborhood, your post is less likely to be removed. Finally, avoid posts that include gruesome content, or that violate someone's privacy, which are also red flags likely to lead to a block. Can users coordinate with one another on apps like Ring Neighbors? Ring tends to allow conversations about what people can share concerning ongoing police events. Tyler Lacoma/CNET This is a gray area and it's difficult to know if discussions will get removed. In my experience on the Neighbors app, many discussions about sirens and unexplained police presence were left up, allowing people to provide additional information from their own perspectives, what they heard on police scanners, and so on. It's possible that the more these posts mention ICE or federal enforcement, the more likely they'll be removed, and if conversations move into discussions about national issues or general legal advice, they may be taken down. But many people have reported that they've successfully used apps like Neighbors to talk about nearby law enforcement raids, so I don't see any evidence of a blanket ban. Groups using the Neighbors app to communicate important information or provide help should also be aware of the Neighbors Verified tag, which is available to both public safety agencies and community organizations. This tag makes it easier for users of Neighbors to trust information and announcements from specific accounts. Verified accounts don't have access to any additional information about users. Reports of law enforcement covering up home doorbells and cameras An NBC affiliate in Denver, 9News, published footage of what it reported were federal agents covering up a video doorbell during a raid. (The Independent reported that ICE said it "does not comment on specific tactics, capabilities, or operational details.") It's unclear if a move like this is illegal under protections against unreasonable searches and seizures, but civil rights attorneys have said it is. If anything like this happens, it's best to immediately save the recording -- and remember that agents almost always need a warrant to enter your home. A few final rules to follow Often the best response to a federal raid is no response at all, as well as remembering your rights. Westend61/Getty Images Whether you're worried about federal raids, curious about what law enforcement is doing in your area, or just want clarification about worrying events, remember a few basic rules as outlined by the National Immigrant Justice Center and the American Civil Liberties Union: Don't escalate: In cases where federal agents or people appearing to be agents have knocked on doors, people have done nothing and simply waited for agents to leave. Remember, without a warrant, they usually can't enter a house, and if you have a video doorbell, it can still record everything that happens. Avoid confrontation when possible, and don't give law enforcement anything to act on. Remember, everyone still has the right to remain silent. If you feel your safety is endangered, call 911 or seek help from a nonprofit: Calling 911 is very helpful if you feel unsafe because of nearby events. You can explain the situation and have a record of the call. 911 is an emergency response service and isn't in the business of reporting to federal agents. There are also local immigrant rights agencies you can contact to report ICE, and groups like the ACLU can usually point you in the right direction. For more information, take a look at the latest news on what Ring is letting the police see (it's good news for privacy fans), the legal ramifications of recording video or audio in your home, and what you and landlords can legally do with security cameras.
