Ring Rolls Out AI-Powered Security Tools and Hub-Free Sensors at CES 2026

Ring just turned your front porch into a much smarter neighbor.

At CES 2026, the Amazon-owned security company introduced a massive expansion of its ecosystem, moving beyond simple motion pings to artificial intelligence that can actually recognize when your routine is “off.” 

The biggest change coming to your smartphone is a feature called AI Unusual Event Alert. Instead of buzzing every time a car drives by, the system learns the daily routine patterns of your property. If something happens that doesn’t fit that pattern, you get a specific alert.

Taking it a step further, Active Warnings will now allow your cameras to speak. Using computer vision, the camera can analyze a person’s actions and location to deliver a tailored audio message. For those using the Virtual Security Guard service, Ring says this offers a “speedy deterrent message” while a live agent reviews the footage.

“AI Unusual Event Alert identifies and alerts you to activity around your home that may be out of the ordinary,” the company stated in its announcement. “By using Ring Video Descriptions, this new feature learns and adapts to everyday routine patterns at your property.”

New app store and community fire watch

Ring is also opening its ecosystem. The new Ring Appstore, housed within the Ring app, will enable third-party developers to create apps that integrate with Ring camera feeds for specific tasks, such as pool safety monitoring or pet behavior analysis.

In a notable community-focused move, Ring is partnering with the non-profit Watch Duty to launch Fire Watch. This feature in the Ring Neighbors app will provide early warnings and real-time information during wildfires. Ring camera owners can contribute snapshots, and the system’s AI will even scan video for visual signs of smoke or fire to aid the community and responders.

The hub-free revolution

Ring is also ditching Wi-Fi and bulky hubs for its new hardware line. A new generation of Ring Sensors, including door/window sensors, glass break detectors, and even sump pump monitors, now runs on Amazon Sidewalk.

This low-power, long-range network utilizes a sliver of bandwidth from existing Echo and Ring devices to create a mesh that covers your entire yard, even where your Wi-Fi signal dies. Because they don’t need a central hub, Ring claims setup is now as simple as turning the device on.

The new sensor lineup includes:

• Security: Door and window sensors, motion detectors, and panic buttons.
• Safety: Smoke/CO listeners, flood and freeze sensors, and air quality monitors.
• Control: Smart plugs and light switches to automate your home’s routine.

Ring car alarm and mobile security expand coverage

Ring is also pushing security beyond the home. The new Ring Car Alarm, developed in partnership with Cambridge Mobile Telematics, includes built-in GPS and always-on Sidewalk connectivity. It allows users to monitor their vehicle’s location and movement in real time, even when parked far from home. 

For businesses and large sites, Ring introduced the Ring Mobile Security Trailer, a portable system featuring Ring Elite 360° cameras with 4K video, battery backup, solar support, and built-in LTE. Designed for construction sites, events, and remote locations, the trailer can operate without external infrastructure and supports professional monitoring with a compatible subscription. It is expected to launch this spring.

Also read: Microsoft’s outlook on AI trends highlights how “agentic” tools are pushing security and trust to the forefront in 2026.

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