Around 63 million American homes will be classified as ‘smart’ by 2022 according to research by Berg insight, with everything from controlled lighting to energy-saving technology making life easier and more convenient than in the past. Utilizing these technologies, though, is about more than just about enjoying the comforts of the home of course.
Security is also a major priority, with many home dwellers relying on smart lock technology to control who gets in and out of their homes. If you are thinking of fitting your home with a smart lock that actually thinks, take note of the following trends.
Automatic Unlocking
If you’re in charge of the shopping for your home, then one of your bugbears may be having to put all the groceries down to unlock the door. New locks have automatic unlock and re-lock functions. This means that they detect when approved users have arrived and entered the abode.
This function is enabled thanks to Bluetooth technology. The lock hooks up to a dedicated app on your smartphone or smartwatch. Digital security controls that rely on wireless technology are making security more mobile and user-friendly. Most security systems offer optional hard-wired systems but the trend is definitely moving in the direction of wireless.
Voice Commands
Voice command systems, in which your smart lock responds to commands like “Unlock my door” or “Lock my front door” are an important feature of many automated door lock systems, with various manufacturers offering voice-operated commands.
In addition to obeying your commands, the locks also hook up to Siri, Alexa, and Google Home, so you can ask these intelligent assistants to unlock the door or simply check the status of your door. To enable voice control via these systems, you will need a Wifi bridge, smart doorbell cam, or compatible smart TV technology (e.g. the Apple TV).
Key-Free Home Security
You may become fully reliant on your digital lock but still require a set of keys in case your electricity is cut. Newer smart lock systems bypass this requirement by connecting the lock to a 9V battery.
This is good news because although smart locks are currently battery-powered, remote capabilities that rely on an online connection (such as battery notifications) will stop working during a power cut.
Having a 9V battery to charge things back up is therefore of great utility.
Biometric Smart Locks
Those wishing full control over who enters or leaves their home may be concerned over the generic capability of their mobile phone to open a smart door – regardless of who is in possession of the phone.
Biometrics are predicted to play a more important role in smart lock tech in the future. Modern locks already accept up to 100 fingerprints, so you needn’t worry if you live in a multi-purpose home.
These systems may not be as handy as automatic locks, but they are certainly suitable for those wishing to establish strict entrance and exit requirements.
Smart locks are growing significantly in popularity, with the market expected to enjoy a CAGR of around 13% between 2019 and 2024. Savvy homeowners who already have Home Kits and who rely on voice commands thanks to Siri and Alexa are seeking the same sophistication from their home security systems.
From biometrics to automatic unlocking and relocking, smart locks promise a brighter and more convenient future for the average American family.