Latest news with #SmartLock
Android Authority
6 days ago
- Android Authority
Yale's new Smart Lock with Matter is the perfect smart home upgrade for people with app fatigue
Yale TL;DR Yale is releasing its new Smart Lock with Matter support. The lock can be set up and operated entirely within Google Home. Operation requires the use of a Matter hub with a Thread border router. How many times have you considered a new addition to your smart home, but stopped yourself at the last moment? Do I really need another app in my life? Another account I'll have to create? App fatigue is a real thing, and with as many as we need to interact with on a daily basis, sometimes adding one more feels like just too much. Earlier this year, Yale introduced its Smart Lock with Matter, and unlike plenty of other smart locks, this one's Matter support means you won't need to download a separate app just to use it. Smart home fans have been hearing about Matter for years, and while the standard has made big promises about streamlining interconnectivity, the actual Matter experience has proved a bit frustrating at times. Thankfully, that's really starting to get better, and Yale's new Smart Lock sounds like a perfect example of what doing Matter right looks like. Even with smart home devices that you ultimately control through Google Home, initial setup often requires the manufacturer's app. But with this new solution from Yale, you really can do it all straight through Google Home, from configuration to ultimate usage. If you want to, you always have the option to connect over Bluetooth with the official Yale Access app, but consider that more an invitation than a requirement. And because everyone's using Matter, you're not stuck with Google Home, either, and can control the lock just as well with Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, or even Apple Home. Like you'd only expect from a modern smart lock, Yale's new entry supports features like creating guest passcodes, letting you enforce limits on how and when those can be used. The one big asterisk here is that in order to tap into all this Matter-enabled smart home fun, you're going to need the right hardware, and beyond the Yale lock itself, that means a Matter hub with a Thread border router. The good news is that there's a fair chance you already have one: If you've got a Google TV Streamer, Nest Hub, or Nest Wi-Fi Pro router, you should be all set. You can pick up the Yale Smart Lock beginning today. It is available in Snow or Matte Black and priced at just under $190. Later this year, a third 'Ash' option will be added. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
The Verge
6 days ago
- The Verge
Yale's new Google Home smart lock is here — but it costs more thanks to tariffs
The Yale Smart Lock with Matter is launching tomorrow, June 24th, for $189.99 — $20 more than when it was first announced in March. Yale tells The Verge the price increase is due to the impact of tariffs. The lock will be available on Amazon and Yale's website. According to Yale, the new smart lock was built for Google Home and Matter and designed specifically to complement Google Home's Nest video doorbells. However, thanks to its Matter-over-Thread connectivity, it can work with multiple smart home platforms, including Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, and Home Assistant. In a briefing, Catelyn Herman, senior product manager at Yale, told The Verge that 'tariff costs and overall product costs led us to have to increase the price slightly.' All the other features are the same as when it was first announced, which is also when Yale confirmed it had discontinued the two companies' previous collab: the Next x Yale lock. The new Yale Smart Lock with Matter comes in white, black, and, this fall, gray. It has a promised 12 months of battery life on 4 AAs, thanks to Matter-over-Thread connectivity, which should also provide faster response times compared to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth locks. It's one of a growing number of full-deadbolt replacement locks that use the new protocol; others include Kwikset's Halo Select, Level Lock Plus, Eufy E30, U-tec's Matter lock, and Yale's Assure SL. Several control methods are available, including inputting a code on its backlit push-button keypad and using a key. You can lock and unlock it remotely using the Google Home app (as well as other Matter-apps) and with your voice control via Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Apple's Siri. Jesse Stroh, product manager at Google Home and Nest, confirmed that you can now unlock Matter locks using a voice PIN code via Google Assistant. Unlike the Nest x Yale lock that could disarm Google's Nest Secure security system, the new lock won't integrate with any security system at launch, which is surprising considering both Yale and Google's close relationship with home security company ADT. Unlike Yale's other locks – including the Yale Assure 2 line – the Yale Smart Lock doesn't have an auto-unlock function, just auto-lock. The lock also features a keyway, which the Nest x Yale didn't. Herman says Yale's research shows that a push button and a keyed option are what most people prefer. I'm on board with the push buttons, but I think these locks would look much sleeker without the keyhole. The lock can work with any platform that supports Matter, but Stroh said it has a 'best in class integration with the Google Home platform.' He said it's able to take 'full advantage of the Matter features Google Home supports.' These currently include creating and editing codes for the lock, including guest codes with set schedules. You can also view lock activity in the Home app's activity feed and get lock and unlock notifications, said Stroh, adding that current Google Nest doorbells will integrate with the lock so you can control it while viewing a live feed from the doorbell. Based on my experience using Matter-enabled locks in Apple Home and Samsung SmartThings, you should get these same features on those platforms as well. But, while it will work with other platforms, it's clearly designed to appeal to Google Home users. Although those who are looking to upgrade from the Nest x Yale lock may not be thrilled with the new look. The white and gray may match the Google Nest doorbells, but without the options of rubbed bronze or satin nickel that the Nest had, it's not going to match your existing door hardware. One benefit of the new lock is that you can set it up directly in the Google Home app (or other Matter app) without needing to use the Yale app. However, as a Matter-over-Thread device, it does require a Matter controller and a Thread border router; the Matter hub needs to be a Google one if you want to use it in the Google Home app. Without these, you can control the lock using the Yale Home app over Bluetooth, something Yale's other Matter-over-Thread lock, the Yale Assure SL, didn't offer. But this only works when you're in range, i.e., at home, as there's no built-in Wi-Fi. The lock can work over Wi-Fi with Yale's $90 Wi-Fi Connect bridge, but I wouldn't buy that just to use this lock. You're better off picking up something like the Google TV Streamer for $95 to get the Thread connectivity, Google Home Matter hub, and a good streaming box. I plan to review the Yale Smart Lock soon.
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Aqara Smart Lock U200 Lite Brings Smart Access Control to More European Households
New retrofit lock supports Matter out of the box, blending a keyless lifestyle with future-proof interoperability across brands and ecosystems NEW YORK, June 17, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aqara, global leader and pioneer in IoT, unveils the new Smart Lock U200 Lite, offering effortless access control, enhanced security, and a modern keyless lifestyle to more European households, particularly those seeking budget-friendly solutions. Designed for DIY installation, the U200 Lite features a retrofit design compatible with most Euro mortise locks. It also supports Matter over Thread to ensure compatibility with a wide range of connected devices and seamless integration into users' existing smart home setup. Built upon the Thread protocol, which is purposely developed for IoT devices, the Smart Lock U200 Lite is Matter-certified and integrates with major platforms – including Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home, Home Assistant, and SmartThings – without the need for a proprietary hub1. As an integral part of a connected home, the U200 Lite can be integrated with a variety of smart devices, from video doorbells, surveillance cameras to smart sensors, enabling users to create a customized and enhanced smart security system. The U200 Lite is compatible with Euro mortise locks with the Emergency Function2, and supports EU profile and select Scandi profile cylinders. Its hassle-free retrofit design offers homeowners and renters an instant update to their existing locks, without the need for complex installations, key changes, or door modification. Multiple secure door entry options are offered by the U200 Lite. Family members can conveniently unlock it using mobile apps (Aqara Home and other Matter-enabled apps) or voice commands via Siri and Alexa. More intuitively, they can also unlock by simply tapping their iOS and Android phones on the provided NFC Sticker Card, which can be placed on the outside of the front door. Even when away, homeowners can remotely open the door for visitors using the mobile app. All remote functionalities, such as real-time alerts, device logs, and remote unlocking, are provided subscription-free. With its built-in gyroscope, the U200 Lite provides acoustic reminders if the door is not properly closed, ensuring it is never left unsecured. Once closed, it automatically locks, and there is no need for an external door sensor —offering a more aesthetically pleasing and cost-effective solution3. Other popular features that the U200 Lite model retains from its predecessor, the U200, include: Quiet Mode reduces the noise level during unlocking and locking3. Pull Spring automatically retracts the door latch upon unlocking3. Turn to Lock/Unlock allows effortless manual locking/unlocking3. Equipped with a 2,000 mAh rechargeable Li-ion battery, the U200 Lite offers a battery life of up to 6 months on a single charge4, eliminating the hassle of frequent battery swaps and promoting an eco-friendly lifestyle. The Aqara Smart Lock U200 Lite is now available for purchase through Aqara's official website, authorized retailers, and major e-commerce platforms such as Amazon (France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, UK). For more information on the new smart lock, please visit the Aqara website. A Matter controller with Thread Border Router functionality is required for connecting the Smart Lock U200 Lite to any third-party Matter-enabled system, locking/unlocking remotely via a mobile app, and locking/unlocking with voice commands. The Emergency Function enables the cylinder to be unlocked from the outside using a key, even if another key is already inserted on the inside. The Auto Lock, Quiet Mode, Pull Spring, and Turn to Lock/Unlock features are disabled by default and can be only activated in the Aqara Home app setting. The 6-month battery life is based on the assumption of 8 cycles of unlocking and locking per day. View source version on Contacts For Media Inquiries: media@
New York Post
21-05-2025
- New York Post
Travel smarter with this $30 TSA-approved SmartLock and tracker
Discover startups, services, products and more from our partner StackCommerce. New York Post edits this content, and may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you buy through our links. TL;DR: Don't leave home without SmartLock, the TSA-Approved Travel Lock with Apple Find My App Integration, available here for $29.99. Got big plans this summer? Then you're going to want a SmartLock. This TSA-Approved Travel Lock offers total convenience and security, allowing you to secure your belongings safely while keeping tabs on them, thanks to its Apple Find My App Integration. Just in time for travel season, this handy device is only $29.99 right here. The SmartLock is ready to turn air travel into smooth sailing thanks to its TSA-approved lock. It allows you to easily secure your belongings with its easy-to-use dials, letting you rest easy knowing your valuables are secure. You can set the unique lock combination for some added security, too. Aside from safeguarding your stuff, this SmartLock also serves as a tracker. It's compatible with the Apple Find My app, so you can pinpoint your luggage on a map right from your iPhone. If your luggage goes out of range, you'll be alerted, and you can even track it nearby with the Play Sound feature. There's also Lost Mode, which lets you know your lock has been found if you leave it behind, allowing for a quick recovery. The SmartLock itself is made of durable alloy construction to withstand rough handling at the airport. A rugged cable helps prevent unauthorized access. And the replaceable battery lasts up to three months, giving you one less thing to worry about. Outfit your luggage with the SmartLock: TSA-Approved Travel Lock with Apple Find My App Integration, now for just $29.99. StackSocial prices subject to change.
