Ring's new privacy and security features prove that hardware isn't the only important thing

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Smart home equipment makerRinghas been one of my biggest challenges as a product reviewer to date.

It certainly isn’t alone:Facebook, I’m looking at you.

Bottom line: It can’t be just about the hardware anymore.

I receive a product, try out the product – and then tell you all about it.

Withprivacy and security issuesnow the norm in consumer tech, there are new considerations.

Read more:Ring cameras come with privacy concerns.

What about the smart lights?

Its products work withAmazon Alexa smart speakers– anda variety of third-party devices.

In 2018, Ring filed two patents for facial recognition technology.

The company previouslygave police departments access to heat mapsindicating where Ring devices were installed.

In December 2019the personal informationof over 3,600 Ring users was exposed.

It wasn’t the hardware: Ring’s products still functioned the same as always.

It was the policies behind the hardware that gave us pause.

As customers ask more questions about gear privacy and security, so will we.