ByDacia J. Ferris on Teslarati.com
Ring, the security doorbell camera company known for its comedic and celebrity-driven commercials, has developed a device that has the potential to expand the capabilities of Tesla’s Sentry Mode. Using the software API for Ring’s new line of car products, Tesla owners will be able to install a device that taps into their Model S, 3, X, or Y’s cameras and gives them expanded security capabilities that can be used in real-time.
Currently, Tesla owners with Sentry Mode are alerted when a significant event is detected, such as a bump or break-in on the vehicle. The owner then receives an alert on their phone with the option to record and save the relevant video beginning from about 10 minutes prior to the alert being sent. It seems that with the new Ring device, Tesla owners will be able to check on their car immediately with a live view.
Own a @Tesla? We’ve created a way to view recorded footage from Tesla’s built-in cameras so you can keep an eye out directly from the Ring App with an optional connectivity plan.
Learn more about Ring Car Connect here: https://t.co/A62pZUuYDa [US Only] pic.twitter.com/u2RxxHrwMe
Interestingly, Ring’s car security software also has a feature that may integrate with the interior camera included on the Model 3 rearview mirror intended for future Robotaxis. When pulled over by police, a driver can use the phrase “Alexa, I’m being pulled over” to trigger the cameras to begin recording, save the interaction to the cloud, and notify loved ones of the event. However, specifics of the Tesla-Ring software were not provided in Ring’s announcement. Ring has also announced that its new product will be compatible with any car manufacturer. Tesla is simply the first automaker whose vehicles support the accessory.
Tesla’s Sentry Mode is designed to be quite sensitive, with the vehicles’ eight cameras recording events that transpire around the car. Tesla’s integrated vehicle cameras, primarily meant for Autopilot functionality, can be a huge boon to owners, and the feature has been credited with helping solve several headline-making crimes along with assisting with a few neighbor disputes. It looks to be a win-win for the two companies to join forces to enhance vehicle security rather than compete directly.
The relevant part of Ring’s product announcement can be read below:
Ring Car Connect
Newer cars are automatically integrating interior and exterior cameras into their design to bring customers peace of mind for things like back-up assist, blind spot notification and more. With Ring Car Connect, an API for car manufacturers, we’re bringing customers this information right to their Ring app, by offering a way to integrate cars with the Ring experience. Starting today, we will be working with car manufacturers to use this API, making it easy for customers to check in on what’s going on in and around their car from anywhere.
Ring Car Connect for Tesla
Building off the Ring Car Connect API, we created an aftermarket device specifically designed for Tesla models 3, X, S, and Y. With this, we’ve created a way to view Tesla Sentry Mode and recorded driving footage directly in the Ring App over WiFi or LTE.
4 thoughts on “Tesla Sentry Mode becomes more convenient with Ring’s new Car Connect feature”
Has someone different sending out email announcements. I haven’t gotten anything in quite a. While since any new email source goes to my spam and I never heard about the electrified garage event etc. please hook me back up. Thanks
You have an Earthlink email Robert. When an unknown entity sends you the first email, Earthlink requests a verification. Naturally an automated email system can’t respond to that. You need to add “admin@villagestesla.com” to your email whitelist.
Thanks, I followed your directions. Hopefully they will get through now. On another subject , do you know how to increase WiFi to a garage, because I have trouble gettin software updates that require WiFi, even wth an extender which I purchased; and fast food WiFi won’t work either.
I’m not an expert on WiFi, but :
[1] It’s possibly an issue with your car. Check with the guys at Electrified Garage.
[2] It may be the location of your extender. I was having connection issues with my outdoor security cameras so I upgraded my system to Netgear’s new Orbi Mesh system, which means you can add more nodes to the “mesh” in strategic locations to extend range.
[3] Your internet connection may be too slow.
That’s all I got!