Jamie Siminoff, founder of Ring, believes that artificial intelligence (AI) can significantly reduce crime rates in neighborhoods, a vision he elaborates on in his recent book.
Introduction to Jamie Siminoff and Ring
Today, I’m speaking with Jamie Siminoff, the founder of Ring, the innovative video doorbell and security company that has transformed home security. Interestingly, Jamie prefers the title of “chief inventor” over CEO, reflecting his hands-on approach to the company’s technology and mission. Recently, he published a book titled Ding-Dong: How Ring Went from Shark Tank Reject to Everyone’s Front Door, a fitting title for a company that has become synonymous with home security.
A Journey Through Time
The last time I interviewed Jamie was in 2018, shortly after he sold Ring to Amazon. At that time, we were experimenting with the Decoder podcast format on The Vergecast. Since then, Jamie has had quite a journey, leaving Ring and Amazon, starting and selling another company, and eventually returning to lead Ring once again. This conversation serves as an opportunity to explore his motivations for leaving and returning, as well as what lies ahead for Ring.
Mission for Safety
Jamie’s overarching mission with Ring has always been to enhance safety in communities. He has a broad vision for what safety entails, which includes the introduction of new AI-powered features. One such feature is Ring’s new AI-powered Search Party, designed to help locate lost pets. Jamie believes that with the right technology, Ring could potentially “zero out crime” in neighborhoods within the next year. This ambitious claim raises questions about the implications of such a vision, especially in light of growing concerns over privacy and surveillance.
Privacy Concerns and Surveillance
As the conversation unfolds, it becomes clear that Jamie’s vision for safety is not without its controversies. The integration of surveillance technology into everyday life has sparked debates about privacy and civil liberties. While Ring is a private entity, its data is often accessed by public agencies, including police and immigration enforcement. This has led to significant scrutiny, particularly in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, when Ring’s partnerships with law enforcement were heavily criticized.
Since Jamie’s departure from Amazon, the company has taken a step back from direct police collaborations. However, with his return, there is a renewed enthusiasm for these partnerships, raising concerns about the balance between public safety and individual privacy. In 2025, as surveillance technology continues to evolve, the implications of such partnerships are more contentious than ever.
Defining Safety
Throughout our discussion, I challenge Jamie on what safety truly means. He envisions a neighborhood where constant monitoring effectively eliminates crime, a model that contrasts sharply with my own views on privacy and community safety. We delve into the complexities of this vision, exploring how technology can both enhance and undermine personal freedoms.
Technological Innovations
Our conversation also touches on Ring’s technological advancements. I inquire about the company’s plans to support new smart home standards like Matter and Thread. Jamie acknowledges the importance of these technologies and expresses excitement about the potential for integration. The focus on innovation is evident, as Jamie shares his enthusiasm for AI and its applications in enhancing security.
Reflections on Leadership and Growth
Jamie reflects on his journey from a garage startup to a household name. He recounts the challenges he faced, including a lawsuit from ADT and the pressures of rapid growth. The transition from a small company to a market leader brought its own set of challenges, including managing expectations and navigating the complexities of a larger organization.
The Impact of Leaving and Returning
Jamie explains that his decision to leave was not made lightly. After five years of intense work, he felt burnt out and recognized that he could no longer be the best leader for the company. His time away allowed him to gain perspective on Ring’s impact and mission. Upon returning, he brought with him a renewed sense of purpose and a clearer vision for the future.
AI and Crime Reduction
One of the most intriguing aspects of our conversation is Jamie’s belief in the power of AI to reduce crime. He emphasizes that the technology has advanced significantly since he first left Ring, opening up new possibilities for enhancing security. The Search Party feature, which utilizes AI to locate lost pets, exemplifies this potential. Jamie envisions a future where AI can be leveraged to create safer neighborhoods, but this raises important ethical questions about surveillance and privacy.
Amazon’s Evolving Landscape
As Jamie discusses his return to Amazon, he notes the significant changes within the company. Leadership has shifted, with new figures like Panos Panay taking the helm of devices and services. Jamie expresses optimism about these changes, believing that they create a conducive environment for Ring’s growth and innovation. He highlights the importance of collaboration within Amazon’s ecosystem, particularly in leveraging AI to enhance customer experiences.
Integration Challenges
Despite the potential for collaboration, Jamie acknowledges the challenges of integrating different brands within Amazon. He points out that while Ring has been successful on its own, there is a need to balance independence with the benefits of being part of a larger ecosystem. The integration of Ring and Blink, another Amazon-owned brand, has been a topic of discussion for years, and Jamie assures me that efforts are underway to create a more cohesive experience for users.
Looking Ahead
As we conclude our conversation, Jamie shares his vision for the future of Ring. He emphasizes the importance of making neighborhoods safer through technology while being mindful of the ethical implications of surveillance. The integration of AI into Ring’s offerings is just the beginning, and Jamie is excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.
In a world where technology continues to evolve, the balance between safety and privacy remains a critical conversation. Jamie Siminoff’s vision for Ring reflects a commitment to innovation and a desire to create safer communities, but it also raises important questions about the implications of surveillance technology in our daily lives.
Source: Original report
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Last Modified: November 18, 2025 at 12:41 am
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