Tag: Smart Lock

  • SwitchBot Keypad: Unlock with Vein Patterns and Face Recognition

    SwitchBot Keypad: Unlock with Vein Patterns and Face Recognition

    Key Takeaways

    1. The SwitchBot Keypad Vision Pro is launched at a special offer price of $104, down from $130, with discounts available in the UK and Europe.
    2. The device is not a full smart lock and requires the SwitchBot Lock Pro for operation.
    3. It features advanced facial recognition using 3D scans, making it secure against simple image tricks.
    4. Additional unlocking methods include palm vein scanning, fingerprint scanning, password entry, app access, and NFC cards.
    5. The lithium battery lasts up to a year, and the keypad can support up to 100 users, making it suitable for commercial use.


    The SwitchBot Keypad Vision Pro has been launched with a special offer of 20% off, reducing the original price from $130 to $104. In the UK, it’s available for £170, with a discount of £30. For Europe, it’s still in the pre-order phase at €170, which also includes a €30 discount, and shipping is anticipated around mid-February.

    Keypad Features

    It’s important to note that the SwitchBot Keypad Vision Pro is not a full smart lock; it operates solely as a keypad. To use it, you’ll need the SwitchBot Lock Pro as well. This device offers multiple ways to unlock it, with the standout feature being facial recognition. Unlike typical systems that just compare images, this keypad uses a 3D scan of your face, making it difficult to fool with just a photograph. Facial recognition is particularly handy when your hands are occupied.

    Additional Unlocking Methods

    Besides face recognition, there are other ways to unlock the device, including scanning the unique vein pattern in your hand or utilizing your fingerprint. Users can also input passwords easily through the keypad. Moreover, unlocking can be accomplished via an app or NFC cards.

    Battery Life and Commercial Use

    Equipped with a lithium battery, the device can last up to a year on a single charge, and there’s an option for a fixed power supply. Additionally, it may be fitting for business uses, as it can store palm vein patterns for as many as 100 users.

    Source:
    Link


     

  • Aqara U200 Lite: Affordable Smart Lock with Matter Support

    Aqara U200 Lite: Affordable Smart Lock with Matter Support

    Key Takeaways

    – Aqara’s Smart Lock U200 Lite is available on Amazon Germany and plans to launch in the US soon, offered in black and white.
    – The device has a simplified design, primarily functioning as a door lock without extra features like a keypad or fingerprint sensor.
    – It is easy to install, requiring no drilling or screws, making it renter-friendly and compatible with keys up to 0.2 inches thick.
    – The lock integrates with Matter over Thread, working with Apple Home, Samsung SmartThings, and Google Home, though functionality may vary.
    – Unlocking options include Bluetooth remote access, voice commands, NFC cards, and it features automatic locking and a battery life of up to six months.


    Aqara has introduced a brand new door locking device. The Smart Lock U200 Lite is now up for grabs on Amazon Germany and in a few other countries, with plans to reach the US market very soon. This smart lock is offered in two colors: black and white.

    Features of the U200 Lite

    As the name hints, the U200 Lite has a more simplified set of features. It serves primarily as a door lock and doesn’t include extras like an external keypad or a fingerprint sensor. Calling it a “door lock” is a bit misleading since it mainly functions as a gadget that turns a key. This design makes it easier to install without needing to drill or use screws, which is particularly helpful for renters. It works with keys that are no thicker than 0.2 inches and can accommodate handles up to 1.5 inches long.

    Smart Home Integration

    This smart lock is compatible with Matter over Thread, allowing it to fit into multiple smart home systems, though you may need a compatible Thread router. The Aqara U200 Lite can be managed through Apple Home, Samsung SmartThings, or Google Home, but the functionality might differ from connections made via Bluetooth or Thread.

    Unlocking Options

    The door lock provides several unlocking methods, including remote access through Bluetooth, voice commands, or an NFC card. It features automatic locking, allowing the door to lock itself when pulled shut. Additionally, it supports scheduled automatic locking and includes a button for manual locking and unlocking from the inside. Finally, the Aqara smart lock is powered by a 2,000mAh battery, which can last up to six months on a single charge.

    Source:
    Link

  • SwitchBot Launches Keypad Vision Accessory Globally

    SwitchBot Launches Keypad Vision Accessory Globally

    Key Takeaways

    1. The SwitchBot Keypad Vision is now available globally, enhancing compatibility with SwitchBot’s smart locks introduced in early 2025.
    2. It features advanced 3D facial recognition technology with a 0.0001% error rate and can unlock doors in one second, even in low light.
    3. Multiple unlocking options include fingerprint scanning, passwords, NFC, voice commands, smartphones, smartwatches, and traditional keys.
    4. The device offers a built-in battery lasting one year, an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance, and operates quietly in Night Mode.
    5. Priced at $99.99/£149.99/€149.99, it ships immediately in Europe and is available for pre-order in the US, with shipping starting mid-June.


    The SwitchBot Keypad Vision is now available for global purchase. This smart home device, created to be compatible with the brand’s smart locks, was first introduced in early 2025 alongside the Lock Ultra.

    Enhancements for Users

    Owners of the SwitchBot Lock and SwitchBot Lock Pro can enhance their systems with the Keypad Vision, which can be bought separately. This accessory lets you unlock your door using advanced 3D facial recognition technology that boasts a mere 0.0001% error rate and keeps data locally stored. SwitchBot claims that this “iPhone-grade” structured light tech can unlock your door in just one second. Moreover, the combination of infrared lighting and dual sensors makes the facial recognition function even in low light conditions.

    Multiple Unlocking Options

    In addition to facial recognition, the SwitchBot Keypad Vision also supports various unlocking methods such as fingerprint scanning, passwords, NFC, voice commands, and even your smartphone or smartwatch, along with a traditional physical key. The company indicates that it will automatically activate Night Mode for quieter locking, with noise levels under 20 dB. If linked to one of the brand’s hubs, users can remotely check the device’s status via the SwitchBot app or receive alerts for potential forced entry. The built-in battery is claimed to last for a year, and the device has an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance. The keypad dimensions are 131 x 65 x 30 mm (approximately 5.16 x 2.56 x 1.18 inches), and it weighs 205 g (around 7.23 oz).

    Pricing and Availability

    The SwitchBot Keypad Vision is priced at $99.99/£149.99/€149.99. It seems to be shipping right away to customers in Europe, while those in the US can pre-order, with shipping expected to start in mid-June. In countries like Germany, the product is available for purchase through the company’s online store or on Amazon.

    Source:
    Link


  • Pre-Order SwitchBot Smart Lock Ultra Now Available on Amazon

    Pre-Order SwitchBot Smart Lock Ultra Now Available on Amazon

    Key Takeaways

    1. SwitchBot is taking pre-orders for the Smart Lock Ultra, introduced at CES 2025, priced at £249.99/€249.99 in Europe.
    2. The official launch date is set for May 22nd, with expected delivery by late May.
    3. The lock offers 15 unlocking methods, including voice commands, Apple Watch, and NFC technology.
    4. It is compatible with the Matter-enabled SwitchBot Hub and runs on lithium-ion batteries lasting up to nine months.
    5. Complete specifications will be revealed on May 22nd, with no current details on US availability or pricing.


    SwitchBot is now taking pre-orders for its latest product, the Smart Lock Ultra. This innovative smart home device was introduced at CES 2025, alongside other gadgets like the SwitchBot Video Doorbell. The new lock seems to inherit several features from the previous SwitchBot Lock Pro but boasts a fresh design and claims to offer quicker unlocking.

    Pricing and Availability

    If you’re in Europe, specifically countries such as the UK, the Netherlands, and Germany, you can pre-order the SwitchBot Lock Ultra for £249.99/€249.99 on Amazon. According to product listings, the official launch date is set for May 22nd, which means customers should expect their orders to arrive by late May.

    Features and Compatibility

    The SwitchBot Lock Ultra is made to fit over an existing lock, enabling you to unlock your door through one of 15 different methods. These options include using voice commands, your Apple Watch, and NFC technology. Additionally, when paired with the Keypad Touch accessory, users can opt for fingerprint recognition, which boasts a claimed accuracy of 98%, or enter a passcode. The lock is compatible with the Matter-enabled SwitchBot Hub and runs on lithium-ion batteries that provide power for up to nine months. Its dimensions are 6.3 x 6.7 x 12.2 cm (~2.5 x 2.6 x 4.8 inches), making it a bit smaller than the Lock Pro, and it features an aluminum casing.

    Future Specifications

    The complete specifications for the SwitchBot Lock Ultra are anticipated to be revealed on May 22nd. At this moment, it remains unclear when the SwitchBot Lock Ultra will be available in the US or what its price will be in that market.

    Source:
    Link