Ring confirms its camera drone won’t have manual controls after crashing on CBS News
When (or if) Ring's security camera drone flies into our homes in January, you won't get the option to pilot it yourself. The Ring Drone Cam relies entirely on an "AI Pilot" system to follow pre-programmed routes and navigate autonomously around obstacles, with no manual control option available - a
The decision to forgo manual controls on Ring's drone emphasizes a growing trend in technology: prioritizing convenience and ease of use over user flexibility and control. While the AI Pilot aims to make the drone user-friendly, it also strips away the tactile satisfaction and customization that many tech enthusiasts crave, highlighting a potential trade-off in the design of autonomous devices.
Panel script
A backyard patio with a Ring Drone Cam hovering over a lawn chair, a homeowner holding a remote control with a confused expression, pressing buttons that do nothing.
The drone that won't even let you push its buttons.
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Script
Panel 1
EXT. BACKYARD - DAY JIM, a middle-aged tech enthusiast, stands in his backyard, a worried look on his face. He clutches a remote control and a small drone, both of which look nothing like the Ring Drone Cam.
muttering to himself: I can't believe they're launching this thing without manual controls. How am I supposed to adjust the flight path in my garden?
Panel 2
INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY Jim sits on the couch, staring at his tablet screen, which displays the Ring Drone Cam's app interface. The screen shows an AI-controlled flight path with no manual override options.
sighing: Why did they even bother making a drone if I can't take the wheel? It's like a fancy toy that won't let me play.
Panel 3
INT. GARAGE - NIGHT Jim is tinkering with a small model airplane in the dimly lit garage, a look of determination on his face. He holds a DIY remote control and an open manual.
to the model plane: You may not be a Ring Drone Cam, but you’re my version of autonomy, and I’ll pilot you, damn it.
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