Could YOU be the voice of the next Ring doorbell? Amazon is auditioning for people with a Scottish accent — here’s how to apply
From the accessible Glasgow dialect to the instantly recognisable Edinburgh melody, Scotland is home to some of the UK’s most distinctive accents.
Now, Ring has revealed that it’s so taken with Scottish accents that it plans to use one in its video doorbells.
The tech giant has launched a search for the first ever Scottish voice, which will be used in a series of customised audio messages known as ‘Quick Replies’.
Ring describes it as an ‘exciting opportunity to represent Scotland and share the country’s beautiful accent with households across the country.’
So, do you think you have the voice for it? Here’s how to apply.
Ring has revealed that it is so enamored of Scottish accents, it plans to use one in its Video Doorbells
Ring describes Quick Replies as a “beloved feature” of its video doorbells.
“Many customers use them to let delivery drivers know where to leave their parcels, or to let visitors know they need more time to open the door,” explains Dave Ward, Managing Director EU & International at Ring.
‘Given the importance of these messages, we wanted to ensure our quick replies included familiar and local accents and popular regional dialects around the world.
“We’re really excited to launch in Scotland and can’t wait to hear from a Scot about video doorbells across the country.”
To apply you must be 18 or over, have permanent residency in Scotland and be ‘clear, energetic and enthusiastic’.
There are three ways to apply.
If you would like to apply in person, you can attend the pop-up auditions in St James Quarter in Edinburgh on Saturday 31 August and Sunday 1 September from 10am to 6pm, in Union Square in Aberdeen on Saturday 7 September and Sunday 8 September from 10am to 4pm and in Silverburn Shopping Centre in Glasgow on Saturday 14 September and Sunday 15 September from 10am to 4pm.
During the audition you will be asked to say the following sentence: ‘We can’t open the door right now, but if you would like to leave a message, you can do so now.’
If you can’t make it to one of the physical events, you can also post a video of yourself saying this phrase on TikTok or Instagram using the hashtag #ringvoiceofthenation.
If you own a Ring device, you can use the app by filming the greeting on the device, pressing “Share” in the Ring app, and choosing “Share with Ring.”
While you would think that such a prestigious position would come with an impressive salary, unfortunately that is not the case.
The winner will receive a Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus (worth £99.99) and have their travel expenses to the shoot reimbursed (up to a value of £150).
The search begins shortly after Amazon warned that millions of Ring owners are misplacing their devices.
“One of the biggest mistakes people make is mounting their Ring Video Doorbell too high, mistakenly thinking they need to do so to capture people’s faces,” Amazon explains.
The doorbells have an impressively wide field of view, allowing them to register faces from both above and below.
“When mounted at the correct height, the Ring Video Doorbell can see faces without a problem,” Amazon says.
In addition to the main camera, Ring Doorbells feature a network of passive infrared (PIR) motion sensors. These are heat sensors that detect movement by looking for infrared heat.
“The motion sensors in your Ring Video Doorbell are designed to detect motion up to 180 degrees horizontally and from 5 to 16 feet (1.5 to 5 meters) away from the fixture,” Amazon explains.
‘They are also more sensitive to horizontal movements in the detection area than to vertical ones.
“If you mount your Ring Video Doorbell too high, you’re more likely to be bothered by the heat from passing cars than from incoming visitors.”
Based on these factors, Amazon recommends that owners mount their Ring doorbells 1.2 meters (48 inches) off the ground.
WHAT IS RING AND WHY DID AMAZON BOUGHT IT?
Amazon acquired home security startup Ring for a reported £700 million ($1 billion).
This home security startup sells doorbells that capture video and audio.
Clips can be streamed on smartphones and other devices, while the doorbell allows homeowners to chat remotely with people at their door.
Ring sells doorbells (left) that capture video and audio. Clips can be streamed to smartphones and other devices, while the doorbell even allows homeowners to chat remotely with those at their door
Ring promotes its gadgets as a way to catch package thieves. Amazon wants to do something about it.
Amazon introduced its own smart lock and camera combination, called Amazon Key, late last year as part of its home security development.
Key is designed to deliver packages to people’s homes in a secure and traceable way when they are not there.
Amazon has acquired home security startup Ring for a reported £700 million ($1 billion)
Ring’s doorbell could work well with Amazon Key, which allows delivery people to leave packages in a home to prevent theft or, in the case of fresh food, spoilage.
California-based Ring first came into the spotlight when it made an unsuccessful attempt to raise funding on the reality show Shark Tank five years ago.
Ring has received backing from billionaire Richard Branson and Amazon’s Alexa Fund, among others.