All articles tagged with #smart lock
Ring has announced its first smart lock, featuring a unique hand-crank mechanism to prevent lockouts during battery failure. The device, priced at $249, offers multiple entry methods and integrates with Amazon's ecosystem, with availability expected in early 2027.
SwitchBot announced the Lock Ultra Max Vision Pro Combo at IFA 2026, a retrofit smart lock designed for European locks that supports 19 entry methods (including fingerprint, passcodes, NFC, facial and palm-vein recognition, plus remote, voice, smartwatch, and widget access via the SwitchBot app). It includes Keypad Vision Pro and Hub Mini Matter, has a more powerful motor (over 9 kg of torque) and 160 rpm, and claims compatibility with 99% of European locks with adapters for less common installs. Price is €339.99 / £339.99 (~$395).
Schlage will launch the Sense Pro UWB-enabled smart lock on June 29 in the US for $399, offering hands-free unlocking via supported iPhone/Apple Watch using UWB Converge, and it supports Matter over Thread with compatible Apple hubs. It also works with Aliro for UWB hands-free unlocking (with NFC tap-to-unlock) and plans to add Aliro digital keys in Samsung Wallet and Google Wallet later this year. The device includes built-in Wi‑Fi, remote control via the Schlage Home or Apple Home apps, up to six months of battery life, a USB‑C port for temporary power, and a low‑battery indicator; currently Aqara U400 is the only other UWB hands-free option.
Yale’s new Matter-enabled smart lock ($150) targets smart-security newcomers with a simple install, a straightforward keypad, auto-lock, vacation mode, and passcode options, and works smoothly with Google Home (while also supporting other Matter platforms). It’s a solid starter for Google fans, though the optional door sensor can be finicky and the inner cover feels flimsy, and it lacks fingerprint or NFC features.
Aqara’s U400 — the first Home Key–enabled smart lock that uses Apple’s UWB for hands-free unlocking — is discounted for the first time in Amazon’s Big Spring Sale to $229.49 (was $269.99). It can also be unlocked via a keypad, fingerprint, or traditional key and uses Matter-over-Thread, with support from Thread border routers like Apple TV or HomePod to run over Thread networks.
Samsung Wallet now includes the Digital Home Key, using the Aliro standard to unlock compatible smart doors with your phone. It requires biometrics or a PIN, works with smart locks from brands like Nuki and Schlage, and can be managed or revoked remotely via Samsung Find; rollout starts in select regions with expansion as more locks become available.
PCMag highlights seven CES smart-home gadgets that blend innovation with daily usefulness, including a stair-climbing Roborock Saros Rover, a wireless Auracharge smart lock with cameras and biometric unlock, Ring sensors that run on Amazon Sidewalk, a GE Profile Smart Fridge with barcode scanning and auto-fill water, Lutron's Natural Light Optimization blinds, the modular Robotin R2 Pro for deep-cleaning, and the LG CLOiD humanoid robot prototype for chores.
Jennifer Pattison Tuohy reviews Aqara's U400 smart deadbolt, the first to support Apple's hands-free Home Key unlocking using UWB technology, offering a faster and more reliable way to unlock doors without physical interaction, especially useful when hands are full or in a hurry.
Anker's Eufy line introduces new smart home security devices with upgraded features and stylish designs, including a 3K video doorbell, a 2K smart lock, and a solar-powered wall camera, all integrating with major smart home systems and set to launch in early 2026.
At CES 2026, Lockin unveiled innovative smart locks, including the V7 Max that uses proprietary AuraCharge optical wireless charging, eliminating the need for batteries or solar power, and featuring advanced biometric and video capabilities. The Veno Pro offers a more traditional deadbolt with similar wireless charging, while a solar-powered model using perovskite solar tech is also in development. These products aim to simplify home security with high-tech features and sustainable power solutions, available for preorder in early 2026.
Xthings introduces the Ultraloq Bolt Sense, a smart lock that uses facial recognition and palm vein scanning for contactless access, along with new security cameras supporting advanced connectivity like Wi-Fi HaLow and Matter, aiming to enhance home security with innovative features at CES 2023.
Lockin unveiled a high-end smart lock at CES featuring vein recognition, wireless charging via an optical infrared beam, video and speaker capabilities, and AI recognition, with a sleek design and integration with major smart home ecosystems. The lock is expected to ship in mid-2023, with a cheaper version available earlier.
Lockin introduces the V7 Max, a smart lock with a built-in video doorbell and biometric options, powered by innovative wireless optical charging within a four-meter range, reducing battery concerns and enhancing smart home integration.
Aliro, the new open standard for smart locks that enables NFC-based tap-to-unlock and UWB hands-free unlocking, is set to launch in early 2026, allowing Android and other smart device users to access smart locks seamlessly, similar to Apple's Home Key feature, through collaboration among major tech and lock manufacturers.
SwitchBot has announced the Lock Vision series, a smart deadbolt lock that uses 3D facial recognition for near-instant unlocking, supports Matter-over-Wi-Fi, and replaces traditional locks with a direct installation. It offers multiple unlocking options including face, passcodes, app, NFC, and physical key, with a battery life of up to six months per charge and a backup battery lasting five years. Pricing and availability are yet to be announced.