Ring and Kidde launch first battery-powered smart smoke and CO alarm

Kidde launches battery smart alarm

Kidde released the Ring Smart Smoke + CO Alarm today, marking the brand's first battery-powered smart detector. This launch ends the preorder period that began after the device’s debut at CES in January. The unit is now fully available for purchase and shipping to consumers. This new model provides a battery-only alternative to Kidde's existing hardwired smart alarms. Previously, users who wanted Ring integration through Kidde had to rely on professional electrical installation. This release targets renters and homeowners who lack the wiring for traditional hardwired sensors. The device detects both smoke and carbon monoxide through a single unit. It represents a significant expansion of the Ring ecosystem into the fire safety category. Amazon and Kidde designed the hardware to bridge the gap left by discontinued competitors in the smart home market.

Ring app integration requires Wi-Fi

The Ring Smart Smoke + CO Alarm connects directly to home networks via Wi-Fi. Users do not need a separate smart home hub or a Ring Alarm base station to operate the device. While many Alexa speakers now include built-in hubs, this detector bypasses that requirement entirely. Owners manage the device through the Ring app on iOS or Android. The app sends real-time notifications to smartphones when the sensor detects smoke or carbon monoxide. This mobile connectivity allows users to monitor their home safety while they are away from the property. Setting up the device requires a Ring account and the latest version of the mobile application. Users who already own Ring cameras or doorbells can add the smoke alarm to their existing dashboard. This integration allows for a unified view of home security and safety sensors in one interface.

Battery power simplifies smart safety

The unit operates on two AA batteries, which Kidde includes in the retail packaging. This power configuration matches the flexibility of the now-discontinued Google Nest Protect. Users can install the device in any room without hiring an electrician or cutting into walls for high-voltage lines. Kidde includes a standard mounting bracket with every unit. The bracket attaches to ceilings or walls using basic hardware. This design allows for quick replacement of older, "dumb" smoke detectors with the new smart model. Battery-only operation removes the dependency on the home's electrical grid during a fire. The device continues to monitor the air and sound its local siren even if the power fails. Users receive low-battery alerts through the Ring app to ensure the device remains functional over time.

Proper placement ensures maximum safety

Kidde provides specific requirements for where users should and should not install these sensors. Proper placement prevents false alarms and ensures the sensors detect smoke or gas as quickly as possible. The company highlights several critical distance requirements for the installation process:

• Install the unit at least six feet away from all heating appliances.
• Keep the detector at least four inches away from the peak of A-frame ceilings.
• Avoid installation in unheated garages or crawl spaces.
• Keep the device away from forced-air vents, ceiling fans, and windows.
• Ensure the sensor remains protected from direct weather exposure.

Installing sensors too close to kitchens or bathrooms often triggers nuisance alarms from steam or cooking smoke. Kidde warns that placing the unit near fans or vents can blow smoke away from the sensor, delaying its response time. Following these measurements ensures the Ring app receives accurate data during an actual emergency.

Tech giants favor hardware partnerships

The release of this Kidde model highlights a shift in how Amazon and Google handle smart home safety. Neither company currently manufactures its own branded smoke detector hardware. They have instead chosen to partner with established fire safety brands to fill their product catalogs. Google recently killed the Nest Protect and replaced it with a partnership with First Alert. Amazon follows a similar path by collaborating with Kidde for the Ring ecosystem. This strategy allows the tech giants to provide software integration while leaving the specialized hardware engineering to legacy safety companies. Ring users now have multiple options for smart fire protection. They can choose this new Wi-Fi Kidde model or opt for Z-Wave models from First Alert. The Z-Wave versions require a Ring Alarm hub, whereas the new Kidde model works as a standalone Wi-Fi device.

Smart features for Alexa households

This detector functions as a primary entry point for users building an Alexa-powered smart home. Because it does not require a hub, it lowers the cost of entry for smart fire monitoring. The Ring integration ensures that the device plays well with other Amazon hardware. The collaboration between Kidde and Ring provides features that standard detectors lack. These include:

• Remote silence features through the mobile app.
• Automatic battery health checks and mobile status reports.
• Integration with Ring cameras to record video when an alarm sounds.
• Shared access so multiple family members receive emergency alerts.

These digital features supplement the 85-decibel siren built into the physical hardware. The siren provides the immediate local warning required by safety codes, while the Wi-Fi chip handles the long-range communication. This dual-layered approach addresses both the people inside the house and those who are away.

The shift in smart home strategy

Amazon typically manufactures a wide range of its own hardware, from tablets to thermostats. The decision to partner with Kidde instead of building a Ring-branded smoke detector suggests a change in investment strategy. Fire safety devices require rigorous testing and certification that may be outside Amazon's core hardware expertise. By leveraging Kidde’s technology, Amazon avoids the liabilities and R&D costs associated with life-safety equipment. Kidde has dominated the smoke detector market for decades, making them a logical choice for this partnership. This move mirrors Google’s retreat from the Nest Protect in favor of First Alert hardware. For the consumer, this partnership provides the reliability of a legacy brand with the modern interface of a tech company. The Ring Smart Smoke + CO Alarm fills a specific niche for users who want smart features without the complexity of a hardwired installation. It is now the primary recommendation for anyone looking to add battery-powered fire safety to a Ring or Alexa system.