Unpacking the Discontinuation of Ring Car Cam

Ring’s decision to halt the sale of its Ring Car Cam has left customers frustrated and disappointed. The dashcam/security camera hybrid, which promised to record both the road and the driver’s actions, has faced ongoing delays since its launch at CES 2023. Customers who eagerly attempted to purchase the device in recent months have found their orders canceled without much explanation. These cancellations have sparked confusion and concern among those who were looking forward to adding the Car Cam to their automotive setup.

One of the main criticisms of the Ring Car Cam was its failure to meet the expectations of consumers looking for either a reliable dashcam or an efficient security device for their vehicles. The device struggled to strike a balance between these two functions, with low video quality and high monthly fees hindering its capabilities as a dedicated dashcam. Similarly, as a security camera, it seemed like overkill and failed to leverage its Ring and Alexa connections to provide valuable integrations and voice-enabled features. This lack of coherence in its functionality likely contributed to its underwhelming reception in the market.

Numerous reports of delays and cancellations have emerged from customers who pre-ordered the Ring Car Cam. Some individuals, who placed their orders as early as January, were informed that their devices would not be available until several months later. Others received vague explanations from Amazon regarding the ongoing delays in the device’s availability, leading to growing impatience and dissatisfaction among consumers. The lack of transparency from Ring and Amazon has only added to the frustration felt by those eagerly awaiting the Car Cam.

Despite initial shipments to some customers, the Ring Car Cam has been largely regarded as vaporware since its limited rollout. The discontinuation of sales and the increasing number of cancellations have reinforced this perception, casting doubt on the product’s viability and reliability. The disconnect between Ring’s promises of innovation in the automotive space and the reality of delays and cancellations has raised questions about the company’s ability to deliver on its ambitious plans.