Aside from the smartphones in our pockets, some of the most useful technology available today is to do with the smart home. From video doorbells to smart heating systems, there are many connected products available that have improved traditional home technology with features that better fit them into our daily lives.

One of the best aspects of modern tech is that many devices receive free software updates from the manufacturer over the course of their lifetime. That’s why it’s great to see that Ring, which is owned by Amazon, has just announced a free upgrade for two of its popular security cameras that is set to improve your use of them.

After an update that Ring is starting to roll out to UK users on 8 January, both the Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro and Spotlight Cam Pro will be able to record in 2K video resolution, what the company describes as its “best image quality yet”.

This is important for security cameras, which exist to pick up footage of the goings on in and around your home. Being able to monitor live video feeds or look back on activity in recorded video logs is a true boon for personal home security, so this free update should improve the visibility of your recordings for good.

“While Ring’s existing HD Video delivers crisp resolution, we are always working to enhance the Ring experience for both new and existing customers, and 2K will deliver even greater sharpness and texture quality for enhanced detail and clarity,” said Ring spokesperson Liz Hamren in a blog post.

“We know video quality is important to customers, and at the heart of all Ring’s image quality is Ring Vision. Ring Vision combines software, hardware, and Ring’s internal expertise to ensure balanced colour, contrast, and motion smoothing so customers see each moment in brilliant detail.”

To get this big update, simply head to the Ring app on your iPhone or Android smartphone and check for updates to the Floodlight Cam Pro and Spotlight Cam Pro.

Though most well-known for its video doorbell devices that can show you who is at your door or let you talk to whoever is there, the two devices getting a boost in this particular update are designed for different outdoor security uses. The Floodlight Cam Pro has two bright lights attached to it that beam LEDs onto the area you’ve affixed it above to give you a clearer view of what’s happening thanks to motion detection.

The Spotlight Cam Pro is similar but its LED lights are built into the camera unit instead. Unlike the Floodlight, which needs to be hardwired into your electrics, the Spotlight can be powered via battery, plug, solar or hardwired depending on your needs and preference.

It’s good to see this Ring software update is totally free. Previous updates to Ring doorbells have required you to be subscribed to certain paid tiers of Ring’s paid service in order to get at them. While all Floodlight and Spotlight owners will benefit from 2K video, you may need to consider paying more for the premium plans to get the most out of your camera.