Lockin has introduced the V7 Max smart lock, featuring wireless optical charging technology, designed to address the issue of unexpected battery depletion in smart locks. The company also announced an update to its Veno Pro deadbolt smart lock, named the Veno Pro Wireless, which will incorporate the same technology.
Wireless Charging Mechanism
The V7 Max's lithium battery is wirelessly charged by an AuraCharge transmitter. This transmitter plugs into a power outlet and is installed inside a residence within four meters of the lock. According to Lockin, the AuraCharge unit utilizes "eye-safe optical output to provide rapid power delivery with zero waste within a four-meter range." Lockin states that the lock can operate for several hours if the transmitter ceases function. Most smart locks typically have a battery life measured in months.
This marks the second instance of wireless charging technology observed in smart locks. The first was the Alfred DB2S smart lock, which uses an infrared laser for battery maintenance. The extent of similarity between Lockin’s AuraCharge technology and the Wi-Charge system used by Alfred has not been detailed.
V7 Max Design and Features
The V7 Max was designed by Hartmut Esslinger, former chief designer for Apple. Its design is distinct from conventional smart locks, resembling a curved door handle rather than the typical square style with number pads. The device offers three biometric unlocking options: finger vein, palm vein, and 3D facial recognition.
Additional features of the V7 Max include:
- A built-in video doorbell.
- Five-inch touchscreens on both the interior and exterior.
- Compatibility with the Matter protocol, allowing integration with Google, Apple, Amazon, and Samsung smart home systems.
- Two outer cameras coupled with an AI system named LockinAI.
LockinAI is claimed to offer capabilities such as recognizing and logging deliveries, monitoring children and elderly individuals for safety concerns, and generating highlight reels of family events. Information regarding an inward-facing camera, which some of these AI functions might require, was not specified in materials provided by the company.
Availability
The Lockin V7 Max is scheduled for preorder this month, with shipping anticipated in early 2024. Pricing information was not available at the time of publication.