The Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Generation) is an affordable smart doorbell option with a good mix of features, but there are some considerations to keep in mind. Pros: 1. **Affordability**: This model is relatively inexpensive compared to other video doorbells, making it a great entry-level option for smart home security. 2. **1080p HD Video**: The doorbell offers 1080p video quality, which is a significant improvement over the original Ring doorbell. The video is generally clear, with decent color accuracy during the day. 3. **Night Vision**: The infrared night vision works well, providing a clear view in low-light conditions. This is crucial for security, especially at night. 4. **Motion Detection**: The customizable motion detection zones help reduce unnecessary ... MoreThe Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Generation) is an affordable smart doorbell option with a good mix of features, but there are some considerations to keep in mind. Pros: 1. **Affordability**: This model is relatively inexpensive compared to other video doorbells, making it a great entry-level option for smart home security. 2. **1080p HD Video**: The doorbell offers 1080p video quality, which is a significant improvement over the original Ring doorbell. The video is generally clear, with decent color accuracy during the day. 3. **Night Vision**: The infrared night vision works well, providing a clear view in low-light conditions. This is crucial for security, especially at night. 4. **Motion Detection**: The customizable motion detection zones help reduce unnecessary alerts. The doorbell can detect motion within a specified area, so you won’t be bothered by every passing car or pedestrian. 5. **Two-Way Audio**: The two-way audio feature allows you to talk to visitors through the Ring app, which can be handy for communication when you're not at home. 6. **Easy Installation**: It’s relatively easy to install, and it can be hardwired to an existing doorbell system or used with a rechargeable battery. 7. **Integration with Alexa**: It works well with Amazon Alexa, allowing you to see and talk to visitors through Echo devices with a screen. Cons: 1. **Subscription Costs**: To access recorded video footage and some advanced features, you need a Ring Protect Plan, which starts at around $3 per month or $30 per year. Without the subscription, the functionality is limited. 2. **Video Quality**: While the video is generally good, it might not be as sharp or detailed as some more expensive models, especially in challenging lighting conditions. 3. **Battery Life**: If you opt for battery operation, you may find yourself recharging it every few months, depending on usage. This can be a bit inconvenient if the doorbell is in a hard-to-reach location. 4. **Privacy Concerns**: Like all internet-connected devices, there are privacy concerns. It’s important to be aware of who has access to your data and to secure your account with strong passwords and two-factor authentication. 5. **Field of View**: The 155-degree horizontal field of view is good but not the best on the market. Some users may find the coverage slightly limited. Verdict: The Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Generation) is a solid choice for those looking to add basic video doorbell functionality to their home at a reasonable price.

The Ring Video Doorbell 2 is a standout product in the smart home security market, combining advanced features, ease of use, and reliability in a sleek, modern design. After using it for several months, I can confidently say it exceeds expectations on multiple fronts. Installing the Ring Video Doorbell 2 was remarkably straightforward. The package includes everything you need, from the mounting bracket to the tools required. Whether you choose the wired or battery-powered option, the setup process is simple, aided by the clear and concise instructions provided by Ring. The app walks you through each step, ensuring even those with limited technical skills can have it up and running in no time. The 1080p HD video quality is superb, providing clear and crisp images day ... MoreThe Ring Video Doorbell 2 is a standout product in the smart home security market, combining advanced features, ease of use, and reliability in a sleek, modern design. After using it for several months, I can confidently say it exceeds expectations on multiple fronts. Installing the Ring Video Doorbell 2 was remarkably straightforward. The package includes everything you need, from the mounting bracket to the tools required. Whether you choose the wired or battery-powered option, the setup process is simple, aided by the clear and concise instructions provided by Ring. The app walks you through each step, ensuring even those with limited technical skills can have it up and running in no time. The 1080p HD video quality is superb, providing clear and crisp images day and night. The infrared night vision works exceptionally well, allowing for clear visibility even in complete darkness. The wide-angle lens captures a broad field of view, ensuring you don't miss any activity at your doorstep. Audio quality is equally impressive, with the two-way talk feature allowing for clear communication without any noticeable lag or distortion. Ring's integration with other smart home devices is seamless. Connecting it with my Amazon Echo Show has been a game-changer, enabling me to view live footage and interact with visitors using voice commands. The Ring app is intuitive and user-friendly, offering a range of customization options to suit my needs. It is a comprehensive, reliable, and user-friendly security solution. Its high-definition video quality, efficient motion detection, and robust two-way audio system provide unparalleled peace of mind. Whether you're tech-savvy or a novice, this device is easy to install and operate, making it a must-have for anyone looking to enhance their home security.

A useful and solid device!

In general, having security cameras is one of the ways to maintain a certain level of security at home. Having a doorbell with a camera that allows you to see who is outside before you open the door and be able to interact as if it were an intercom but from your cell phone, is something highly recommended.Ring has good quality products that work well and are durable, this device is no exception. In the box comes the doorbell with camera, a usb-a to usb-c charger cable, a plate to install the device as well as screws and plugs for that purpose, a sticker, a quick guide and warranty documentation. I like the design, it is minimalist, it comes in black with silver color with a ring that lights blue when pressing.The installation is simple, the first thing is to ... MoreIn general, having security cameras is one of the ways to maintain a certain level of security at home. Having a doorbell with a camera that allows you to see who is outside before you open the door and be able to interact as if it were an intercom but from your cell phone, is something highly recommended.Ring has good quality products that work well and are durable, this device is no exception. In the box comes the doorbell with camera, a usb-a to usb-c charger cable, a plate to install the device as well as screws and plugs for that purpose, a sticker, a quick guide and warranty documentation. I like the design, it is minimalist, it comes in black with silver color with a ring that lights blue when pressing.The installation is simple, the first thing is to download the app and connect the charger to the device, then in the app you must follow certain steps to install the doorbell (you can also connect it wired and this will avoid having to remove the doorbell to charge it every time, but it depends on the needs of each one). Then the same app will guide you to configure the doorbell (you will have to create an account to use and configure the device).Once installed and configured the doorbell will be ready to use. I think it is important to take a little time to configure the different functions to which we have access as well as the use of the device in combination with other devices and voice assistant as Alexa, you can create routines with different types of functions, modify the security modes for when we are at home or away from home. The device itself has a section where you can change the camera settings, video quality, audio, microphone volume, speaker, night mode, activity zones, etc. Undoubtedly the Ring app is so complete. You can get a great advantage with this device because there are many features and options available in the app.Regarding performance the camera has a very good 2K video quality, night mode pretty good too although the color night mode option falls short. The sound quality of the speaker and the quality of the microphone are outstanding, it is usually a section where other devices fail but this doorbell achieves it very well. Notifications despite having a slight delay are very effective, both with motion detection as well as when someone rings the doorbell. The battery lasts long enough, however, depending on which configuration we choose will be the duration we get, for example if it is installed in a place where many people pass and have activated the sensitivity levels to the maximum and notifications of each event, it may not last the battery. It is important to configure the device according to the desired result as well taking in account the area where it'll be installed.In conclusion, I think this doorbell with camera is very well designed, has very useful features, a very complete app that allows you to get the most out of the device and also at a reasonable price. If you are looking for a wireless doorbell with camera that gives you greater security and control in your home, this doorbell with camera is a highly recommended option.

An Upgrade to a Popular Product

This Ring doorbell is a slight upgrade from the one that’s familiar to most people, having a wider field of view than the previous model. However, for us it is our first “smart” doorbell and I am reviewing it from that standpoint.The first issue I had was the basic lack of documentation included in the package. This model is normally powered by an internal rechargeable battery but my understanding was that it could also be wired into a standard doorbell circuit. Since this was to replace the front doorbell that’s been on our house for the last 40 years, I wanted it to be able to ring that doorbell when the button was pressed as well as not have to recharge the battery. Nothing on the box mentioned this so I wasn't even sure that I had the right product. It turned ... MoreThis Ring doorbell is a slight upgrade from the one that’s familiar to most people, having a wider field of view than the previous model. However, for us it is our first “smart” doorbell and I am reviewing it from that standpoint.The first issue I had was the basic lack of documentation included in the package. This model is normally powered by an internal rechargeable battery but my understanding was that it could also be wired into a standard doorbell circuit. Since this was to replace the front doorbell that’s been on our house for the last 40 years, I wanted it to be able to ring that doorbell when the button was pressed as well as not have to recharge the battery. Nothing on the box mentioned this so I wasn't even sure that I had the right product. It turned out that this is all supported but it required a lot of looking around on Ring’s website as well as perusing Reddit to confirm it. In the end, installation was quite easy and took me about 15 minutes max including removing the old button.The Ring also requires installation of their smartphone app, which can actually guide you through the process, including instructions for connecting the existing bell wires. Once installed, the app can be used to confirm that the connection is working and gives you the option to ring the existing bell. So, exactly what I wanted but it wasn’t as easy to learn about as it could have been. We have no other “smart home” devices such as networked chimes, Alexa speakers, etc. and are unable to report on how well those features work. So events from the bell can only come in as smartphone notifications.Various other settings are available thru the app. I set it up with motion detection as well as a neat little feature that takes a photo once an hour and makes them available on the device history timeline. Both of these are working well and I’ve already been notified when a package from FedEx was left on our porch. It might have to be tuned in the future to avoid false alarms such as when we’re sitting on the front porch. Shortly after I installed it we left on a week-long trip and I used the photo timeline to occasionally look at what was happening within the camera’s view each hour and can confirm that, yes, it gets dark every night! :-)One issue that I’ll have to address is that many of these features – mainly the storage of photos and video – require a subscription at a monthly or annual rate. Frankly, I’m starting to suffer from subscription overload lately and will have to decide if this is really worth it. We’ve never had porch pirates and the like in my neighborhood and it might be enough for us just to have it operate as a doorbell, let us see who is there, and perhaps talk to them if necessary.

Definitely a "Smart" Buy

The Amazon Ring Smart Battery Doorbell should be an essential part of your Ring home security system. This 3rd generation doorbell is very similar in both appearance and size to the previous version. It is 4.98 inches tall x 2.4 inches wide x 1 inch deep weighing 0.45 lbs. and is available in a Venetian Bronze or Satin Nickel finish. It has 2 way wireless audio and video monitoring, including Night Vision with a distance of up to 19 feet, via your home Wi-Fi connection and works with Alexa. Both the picture and the sound are extremely clear when viewed on both my cellphone and my Echo Show. However I occasionally experienced a bit of a lag while the live view was loading. Its 2K (1440p) imaging is an improvement on the Full HD imaging of the 2nd generation Ring ... MoreThe Amazon Ring Smart Battery Doorbell should be an essential part of your Ring home security system. This 3rd generation doorbell is very similar in both appearance and size to the previous version. It is 4.98 inches tall x 2.4 inches wide x 1 inch deep weighing 0.45 lbs. and is available in a Venetian Bronze or Satin Nickel finish. It has 2 way wireless audio and video monitoring, including Night Vision with a distance of up to 19 feet, via your home Wi-Fi connection and works with Alexa. Both the picture and the sound are extremely clear when viewed on both my cellphone and my Echo Show. However I occasionally experienced a bit of a lag while the live view was loading. Its 2K (1440p) imaging is an improvement on the Full HD imaging of the 2nd generation Ring doorbell and the camera allows for a 66% taller image that allows you to see visitors from head-to-toe.In order to monitor the doorbell you must download the Ring App, which is available for both Apple iOS and Android operating systems. Once installed, the app walks you through setting up an account and adding the doorbell to it. It has numerous settings that allow you to personalize your field of view, the notifications that you receive, etc. Only Cloud storage (which requires a yearly or monthly subscription) is available with this doorbell-no local storage using a USB. So while you can view live images via real-time video, use two-way talk, answer doorbell notifications, and receive alerts without having a subscription, you cannot save, review, or share your video.It’s very easy to install and no wiring is needed. Ring provides instructions and tips for installation at ring.com/battery-doorbell-guide.1. Install the mounting plate with the included screws. Flat surfaces work best and it can be installed on siding. You want to make sure the camera will have an unobstructed view of whatever you want in your field of view as well as good Wi-Fi reception in your location.2. Fully charge the doorbell’s built-in rechargeable Lithium-ion battery using the microUSB to USB-C charging cord included. Initial charge of the doorbell may take 6-8 hours and the circular LED light on the front of the device will illuminate when it’s fully charged3. Finally, snap the doorbell into place on the mounting plate. You will need to monitor the battery life and unsnap the doorbell from its mount using the included curved removal tool to recharge it using the USB cord when needed.Ring products, and this doorbell specifically, are high quality, dependable, and easy to operate. The peace of mind that comes with being able to screen and communicate with visitors, be notified of package deliveries and be able to monitor them, and to be able to share stored videos is definitely worth the price of this doorbell. I give it 5 stars and recommend this as a great gifting idea.

Easy to install, clear video and audio

This is my second video doorbell from Ring. This latest model has an internal battery and can be used wirelessly or hardwired versus my hardwire-only unit. The unit comes with a USB-C charging cable, release tool, wall mounting bracket, security sticker and installation hardware.Note that it doesn’t come with a USB wall adapter, but you can plug it into any powered USB port for charging. There are screw terminals adjacent to the charging port giving you the option to hardwire the doorbell for permanent power instead. This is convenient if you already have existing wiring and a compatible transformer, so you won’t have to take the doorbell down to charge it. The doorbell unhooks from its mount with a simple press of the tab on the underside, which doesn’t ... MoreThis is my second video doorbell from Ring. This latest model has an internal battery and can be used wirelessly or hardwired versus my hardwire-only unit. The unit comes with a USB-C charging cable, release tool, wall mounting bracket, security sticker and installation hardware.Note that it doesn’t come with a USB wall adapter, but you can plug it into any powered USB port for charging. There are screw terminals adjacent to the charging port giving you the option to hardwire the doorbell for permanent power instead. This is convenient if you already have existing wiring and a compatible transformer, so you won’t have to take the doorbell down to charge it. The doorbell unhooks from its mount with a simple press of the tab on the underside, which doesn’t specifically require the included release tool; a flathead screwdriver would work just fine, but that means it isn’t secured well against theft or tampering. The amount of time the batteries last will depend on your settings, ambient temperature, and how often video is recorded or the camera is accessed and for how long; on average the battery life of mine decreases by about 2% each day.You’ll need to download and install the Ring mobile app to a smart device in order to setup the doorbell. App setup takes around 5 minutes and requires you to create or log in to a Ring account, while installing and mounting of the camera took me an additional 5 minutes to complete. You can optionally link your Ring and Amazon accounts, which enables features like Alexa voice commands and Amazon Key In-Garage Delivery.The purchase and setup of a new Ring camera includes a 30-day free trial of a Ring Protect Plan, regardless of whether or not you’ve had a trial in the past (current subscribers excluded). The plan offers video history up to 180 days for every Ring camera in your home, 24-hour event summaries, discounts on other Ring products, and multi-cam live view. You’ll also be able to enable smart alerts that detect people, packages, or general motion with the option to record and/or send an alert for these events; every live view session will also automatically be recorded. Videos and snapshots within your history interval will be stored on the cloud where you can download them at any time while you have an active subscription. Without a plan, you’ll only be able to watch live view of the doorbell and respond to motion and doorbell notifications when they happen in real-time, but video is not recorded or saved.The integrated camera features a head-to-toe, wide field of view with 1440p HD video, color night vision, and 2-way talk. The video is square and its frame size is 1440 x 1440 pixels. The visible image is circular with vignetting of the corners (blacked out) and a slight fisheye effect that causes distortion of proportions as you move outward from the center of the image. This, however, is an acceptable trade-off in order to view nearly straight down to the area beneath the doorbell, making it more likely that packages placed there will be visible on camera. There are wedges for the mount, sold separately, that you can use to tilt the camera to face a different angle, if needed.When someone is standing in front of the doorbell camera, in live view you can use 2-way talk to communicate through the app and the unit’s built-in microphone. Audio quality is good, and you can generally hear and understand conversations in front of and directed at the doorbell. The speaker quality on the doorbell is also pretty loud and clear so your visitor should have no trouble hearing you.When the doorbell button is pressed, I receive push notifications on my phone, and the Alexa speakers throughout my home "ring" and make an announcement. Announcements can be enabled for person or motion detection, though you can customize detection zones separately for motion, people, and packages to lower the incidence of nuisance alerts. At night, the night vision infrared lights create a black and white image that is as bright, detailed, and clear as daytime footage. Optionally, you can enable color night vision which adds color to the image, though note that this will not retroactively add color to previously recorded nighttime video with the setting turned off.Overall, the Ring Battery Doorbell (2024) is a decent smart doorbell camera with good audio and video quality but requires a subscription to get the most out of it. As a doorbell, all of my Alexa speakers become chimes, and I don’t have to run any wires. However, I can always convert it to be permanently powered by wire if I don’t want to keep taking the doorbell down to charge the battery every few months. With a subscription I can rest assured that I'll be notified of events like motion, people, and packages and have recordings going back 6 months.

Enhanced vertical view & USB-C charging doorbell

The All-new Ring battery doorbell (2024 release) brings some solid improvements to an already reliable product. This version now offers 66% more vertical coverage with its head-to-toe video feature, providing a better view of visitors and packages. The wider field of view is especially helpful for capturing everything from top to bottom, so nothing is missed.One of the most notable updates is the built-in battery with a USB-C charging port, making recharging easier and quicker than previous models. Removing the doorbell to charge is simple, due to the new plastic tool that pops off the security clip — a handy feature, though it feels like a slight trade-off in security.Installation is incredibly easy, taking just a few minutes to mount and connect through the ... MoreThe All-new Ring battery doorbell (2024 release) brings some solid improvements to an already reliable product. This version now offers 66% more vertical coverage with its head-to-toe video feature, providing a better view of visitors and packages. The wider field of view is especially helpful for capturing everything from top to bottom, so nothing is missed.One of the most notable updates is the built-in battery with a USB-C charging port, making recharging easier and quicker than previous models. Removing the doorbell to charge is simple, due to the new plastic tool that pops off the security clip — a handy feature, though it feels like a slight trade-off in security.Installation is incredibly easy, taking just a few minutes to mount and connect through the Ring app. I was able to seamlessly integrate it with my existing Ring devices, including the Ring Pro Chime, and it works flawlessly. The app offers a variety of customization options, including motion zones, sensitivity adjustments, and real-time alerts for both people and packages, with notifications that are super reliable. Two-Way Talk makes it easy to communicate with even when I'm not home.While the updates, such as USB-C charging and enhanced vertical coverage, are welcome additions, this iteration feels like a minor evolution rather than a major overhaul. It’s a great option for anyone new to Ring, or for those looking for a smoother, more comprehensive field of vision. However, if you already own a previous version, the improvements may not be compelling enough to upgrade unless you specifically need the expanded vertical view.Pros:66% more vertical coverageUSB-C charging portEasy installation and integration with existing Ring devicesCustomizable motion zones and notificationsAlexa compatibility and Quick Replies featureCons:Minimal security downgrade with the new pop-out security clipMostly incremental improvements over previous modelsOverall, the 2024 Ring battery doorbell is a well-designed, reliable doorbell with practical enhancements, perfect for both new users and those looking to enhance their existing setup.

Good video quality, poor battery life

I’ve been a Ring customer for many years now, and have found their products and ecosystem to be very reliable and affordable. This is the first time I have tried a battery powered camera, the rest of my collection are all wired. I have to say that while the overall performance of this new battery doorbell is good, it pales in comparison to the wired counterparts I have installed in other locations at my home. I installed this on a secondary entrance to my house that does not have any way to hardwire a doorbell, and it is very close to a mesh unit for my wifi. However, in spite of the nearby WiFi it regularly disconnects, and when it doesn’t have internet issues it simply misses motion entirely. I have exited my house from this particular door a few times since ... MoreI’ve been a Ring customer for many years now, and have found their products and ecosystem to be very reliable and affordable. This is the first time I have tried a battery powered camera, the rest of my collection are all wired. I have to say that while the overall performance of this new battery doorbell is good, it pales in comparison to the wired counterparts I have installed in other locations at my home. I installed this on a secondary entrance to my house that does not have any way to hardwire a doorbell, and it is very close to a mesh unit for my wifi. However, in spite of the nearby WiFi it regularly disconnects, and when it doesn’t have internet issues it simply misses motion entirely. I have exited my house from this particular door a few times since installing it and it has completely missed me passing right in front of it more than once. The motion sensitivity setting is even set to be at a higher level than my other cameras that never miss a beat. It just feels a lot less reliable than what I’m used to from years of experience with my other Ring devices.Its not all bad however, as the build quality and video quality are both excellent. It feels premium and the head-to-toe video is a nice thing to have matching up with my other doorbell which is the pro model that also shares that feature. It charges with USB-C on the backside which requires removing it from the mounting plate when needed. It does not include any sort of wedge to change the angle at the install location so I had to buy an adapter separately to get the angle I needed which is also unfortunate. Setup was simple and quick and installing it including mounting my adapter was easy. You can hardwire this doorbell optionally if you have the ability to do so, and I would recommend that if you can. But for those who cannot, the battery life appears to be less than stellar as mine is at 64% after less than a week of being installed having put a full charge on it first and only having recorded half a dozen motion events in that time. Motion detection is spotty, and it can take quite a while longer to wake it up for a live view than on the wired one I have. It is overall better than other video doorbells I have used from competitors, but not as good as Ring’s own offerings from higher up on the ladder which makes sense. My own experience may be slightly skewed due to the hardwired nature of my other devices making this one feel like it’s hampered in comparison, but I also feel like there are certainly worse options out there which is why I’d still recommend this doorbell depending on your individual situation. What this proves to me is that hard wiring is still king but given no other options it’ll still do a decent job with a few drawbacks.

Great addition to any home

This Ring Battery Doorbell is the latest refresh of Ring's Smart Video Doorbells, which have become almost a must-have for anyone. Having that peace of mind that you can always check in on any package delivery and knowing that it will be there waiting for you to get home or knowing when people stop by or having the option to talk through the speaker to them in real time add that additional level of security that make it well worth having. The new refresh brings better battery life and wider "head to toe" viewing angles, both of which seem to be accurate from what I can tell from my use.Ring has made set up super simple to follow along with in the app and they always have sales going on too, so you can always wait and get one at a lower price, but they are well ... MoreThis Ring Battery Doorbell is the latest refresh of Ring's Smart Video Doorbells, which have become almost a must-have for anyone. Having that peace of mind that you can always check in on any package delivery and knowing that it will be there waiting for you to get home or knowing when people stop by or having the option to talk through the speaker to them in real time add that additional level of security that make it well worth having. The new refresh brings better battery life and wider "head to toe" viewing angles, both of which seem to be accurate from what I can tell from my use.Ring has made set up super simple to follow along with in the app and they always have sales going on too, so you can always wait and get one at a lower price, but they are well worth the regular price anyway. The previous owners of my house had left behind a bracket for their ring camera, so I had been looking to get one anyway. I was happy to see that the new bracket lined up perfectly to the pre-existing mounting holes, so I used the same screws that were already in the front wall and didn't have to drill any new ones. I charged the new doorbell and popped it right on and followed the rest of the set-up through the ring app. The app has tons of information available about the doorbell and you can configure away to your liking on what you want to receive notifications for and the area you want to monitor, etc. I have it set up to get alerts when someone is near or of course pushes the button and it also records those moments in the ring app. I like being able to check in and watch live from work if I want to. I even got a notification about it picking up a person on my porch and when I went to watch it, it was 3 little kittens running around playing. It was a nice break to sit there and watch them play before running off. Other than that one time though, the software has been very good at detecting actual humans and not picking up cars or people walking down the sidewalk or anything like that as people approaching the door. I live on a busy street so I had wondered about how it might affect that, but it has done a great job so far.In conclusion, I think these Ring Doorbell cameras have become kind of a no brainer to have for anyone. It is a small expense that over the long run becomes very useful to have. The doorbell comes with a free trial of "Ring Protect", but even without the subscription, I think it;s still worth having.

I love Ring products

As a long-time Ring user, I was excited to get the newest Ring doorbell to replace my older rechargeable model. The older doorbell was also hard-wired but would still require a recharge every couple months. (I had a spare rechargeable battery that I could swap out with my previous doorbell, so I was never without a doorbell. The batteries were also interchangeable with my Stick-up cameras.) I found that with the new design, you actually remove the entire unit from the wall in order to charge the battery, leaving you without a doorbell while you're charging. Unfortunately I'm not as excited as I thought I was going to be. Although the new design can also be hard-wired, you would have to remove 2 screws from the back of the unit (leaving wires exposed) every time you ... MoreAs a long-time Ring user, I was excited to get the newest Ring doorbell to replace my older rechargeable model. The older doorbell was also hard-wired but would still require a recharge every couple months. (I had a spare rechargeable battery that I could swap out with my previous doorbell, so I was never without a doorbell. The batteries were also interchangeable with my Stick-up cameras.) I found that with the new design, you actually remove the entire unit from the wall in order to charge the battery, leaving you without a doorbell while you're charging. Unfortunately I'm not as excited as I thought I was going to be. Although the new design can also be hard-wired, you would have to remove 2 screws from the back of the unit (leaving wires exposed) every time you needed to recharge. Previously, I would simply remove the cover, swap batteries, and I was ready to go within minutes.Other than that, installation is pretty straight-forward - mount the plate on the wall using the 4 included screws (hard-wire if you want to), and attach the doorbell. Scan the QR code on the device, add it to your Ring app, and you're ready to go. I really like the simplicity of the Ring system in adding items and how easily everything works together.The new design offers up to 66% more coverage including head-to-toe video. As with other Ring doorbells, you can receive smart alerts on your phone when motion is detected and can respond to activity with two-way talk and live-view. It also works with the Alexa phone app so you can simply "ask Alexa" to show you who's at the door!When paired with the Ring Protect Plan (subscription required) you can record all of your videos, share them with others, and store them for up to six months.I'm a big fan of Ring products and the Battery Doorbell works great and does a super job. I'm still not sure about removing the unit every time I need to charge but it works great!