In a move that surprised many, Ring has announced the discontinuation of its Car Cam, a dashcam and security camera hybrid designed to record both the road and the driver's activities. This decision, attributed to "ongoing delays," marks a significant shift in the company's foray into the automotive space.
According to Ring spokesperson Andrea McDonald, the decision to halt sales of the Car Cam stemmed from persistent delays in production and distribution. Despite its initial debut at CES 2023, the product faced challenges in availability, leaving many potential customers frustrated with canceled orders and unmet expectations.
This is further backed up by the frustration of purchasers, with unclear and enormous delays, as noted on Reddit, and Ring Help Forums
The Car Cam, although innovative in concept, struggled to find its niche in the market. Reviews highlighted its shortcomings, including subpar video quality and high monthly fees, which deterred customers seeking a dedicated dashcam solution. Additionally, as a security device for parked vehicles, it failed to deliver substantial value, leaving users feeling underwhelmed by its capabilities.
Another critique of the Car Cam was its limited integration with Ring and Alexa ecosystems. Despite its potential for seamless connectivity and voice-enabled features, the device fell short in this aspect, failing to capitalize on the broader ecosystem of smart home technology.
We’ve been watching the Ring Dash Cam since the start, and seeing how it holds up against industry veterans since its release in January of last year with What We Think of the Ring Car Cam.
For an in-depth look at the shortcomings of this camera, check out our comparison: BlackVue DR970X-2CH LTE 4K Dash Cam vs. Ring Car Cam Review
Customer reports, shared on platforms like Reddit and Ring's support page, echoed the challenges of acquiring the Car Cam. Orders placed as early as January 2023 faced extensive delays, with some customers being informed of delivery dates as late as October. Ultimately, many of these orders were cancelled, disillusioning customers with the product's availability and reliability.
This can be seen in many community forums such as Reddit, and even documented in the following video.
While Ring remains committed to exploring opportunities in the automotive space, discontinuing the Car Cam raises questions about the company's future strategies. With ongoing advancements in automotive technology and the growing demand for connected car solutions, the decision to pull the plug on the Car Cam suggests that Ring may be reevaluating its approach to dash cams; it’s not as easy as we make it look!
While discontinuing the Ring Car Cam may leave some consumers searching for alternative options, several reputable brands in the dashcam market offer reliable solutions. At BlackboxMyCar, we specialize in premium dash cams from leading manufacturers such as Thinkware, Viofo, and BlackVue, providing customers with a wide range of choices to suit their needs.
One of the largest selling points of the Ring camera, was access to Ring’s cloud-based connection, offering live-updates on your vehicle. Cloud cameras aren’t new when it comes to dash cams, and many other brands have had years to perfect their services, ensuring reliability. BlackVue for example, has focused on innovating on their cloud plans over many years of service. We compare BlackVue cameras to the ring cam here.
If your needs are more basic, and you’re just looking for a very reliable camera with years of experience in the dash cam industry, look no further than VIOFO. Founded in 2011, VIOFO has grown to become one of the world's leading manufacturers of dashcams. Their exceptional performance, high-quality video resolution, discreet design, and smart functions without breaking the bank make VIOFO stand out. Check out their latest A229 Plus Duo model here.
At BlackboxMyCar, we are committed to helping our customers find the perfect dash cam solution to meet their needs. With our extensive selection of Thinkware, Viofo, and BlackVue dash cams, backed by our expert customer support and installation services, you can trust us to provide the ultimate in-car surveillance solution. Say goodbye to the limitations of the Ring Car Cam and discover the superior performance and reliability of our dash cam offerings today.
The demise of the Ring Car Cam serves as a cautionary tale in the realm of automotive innovation. Despite initial excitement and anticipation, the product's inability to overcome production challenges and meet consumer expectations ultimately led to its downfall. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, companies like Ring must adapt and innovate to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive landscape.
