Amazon buys Ring because, well, why not?

Amazon is set to acquire smart doorbells venture, Ring, for more than $1 billion, as it steps up its Alexa-powered smart home push.

The deal is believed to be the e-commerce giant’s biggest after the $13.7 billion purchase of Whole Foods last year. “We are committed to our mission to reduce crime in neighbourhoods by providing effective yet affordable home security tools to our neighbours that make a positive impact on our homes, our communities, and the world,” a Ring spokesperson comments. “We’ll be able to achieve even more by partnering with an inventive, customer-centric company like Amazon.”

Amazon is looking to build on the popularity of its Echo smart speakers and Alexa virtual assistant by launching various connected devices and services, including home security monitoring (Cloud Cam) and in-home deliveries via the Amazon Key service. “Ring’s home security products and services have delighted customers since day one,” it says. “We’re excited to work with this talented team and help them in their mission to keep homes safe and secure.”