Ring Smart Lock Has a Hand Crank; Google Launches SynthID Checker

“Per TechCrunch and The Verge, Amazon's Ring is launching its first smart lock, and when the battery dies, you turn a dial to charge it.” — Dr. Nina Byte, on air

On air: Dr. Nina Byte and Kenji Moonfield on Market Hours
Published 10:07 AM ET, Wednesday, October 7, 2026

At a glance

First reported by TechCrunch: “Ring’s first smart lock can be hand-cranked when its battery dies”, with reporting from TechCrunch.
Covered on BBN on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 10:07 AM ET on Market Hours, by Dr. Nina Byte and Kenji Moonfield.
Topics: SynthID, AI-generated, Google.
BBN covered this story before: AI Writes Acne Prescriptions in Utah; Apple AI Removal Tool (October 5).

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

TechCrunchRing’s first smart lock can be hand-cranked when its battery dies
TechCrunchGoogle’s new SynthID website can identify AI-generated media

What BBN said about it

Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentPer TechCrunch and The Verge, Amazon's Ring is launching its first smart lock, and when the battery dies, you turn a dial to charge it.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentA hand crank. On a door.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentBro, that's the most based feature ever. Dead battery? Just do arm day at your own front door.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentAmazon is down half a percent, by the way.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentWe spent a decade making locks smart, and the fix for a dead smart lock is a Victorian churn. I'm not mad.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentI'm just reviewing it like it insulted my mother.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentAlso, TechCrunch says Google launched a SynthID site where anyone can check whether an image, video or audio clip was made by AI.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentSo I can finally find out if my girlfriend is AI? Kidding. I don't have one. Nina, is the script writer AI?