Introduction to Ring's First Smart Lock
Ring, the Amazon-owned video doorbell maker, is entering a new market: smart locks.
Ring’s new device tackles a major issue that often deters people from embracing smart home equipment: the fear of the battery dying and getting locked out.
To address this, Ring’s smart lock has added a power dial. If the battery on the device runs out, the homeowner can just turn the dial a few times to power the lock back up and enter their home.
Design and Development
Ring’s founder Jamie Siminoff said the idea to rethink smart locks came to him when he was looking to buy a lock for a vacation home, knowing the battery would likely die from infrequent use.
He also worried that family or friends visiting the house might get stuck outside, as the door isn’t connected to a power source and any smart lock would be dependent on the battery.
Using AI, the team worked on a project to create a lock you could hand-crank just enough to power the lock to open. Once inside, users can take out the rechargeable battery pack and charge it normally.
Features and Availability
Siminoff says the battery on Ring’s new lock will last about a year, alerting users when it’s time to charge via the Ring app. The app also allows users to configure access for visitors, and the company eventually wants to allow third-party app makers to design specialized software for the lock.
The Ring lock offers four different entry methods: a fingerprint reader, a backlit touchscreen keypad, the Ring app, or Alexa.
Siminoff admitted that the lock is comparable to others on the market, but believes addressing anxiety over being locked out will be its biggest selling point.
“I do think the power thing is a huge limiter of why people are not buying, and why they’re not putting them in, and why they’re worried about them,” he said.
Traditional smart lock backup methods often involve something cumbersome, such as hiding a physical key somewhere on the property.
Ring’s smart lock will fit a standard single-cylinder deadbolt and will be available to purchase in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2027, after receiving FCC authorization. It will come in three finishes: black, silver, and brass.
Alongside the lock, Ring also introduced four new 4K cameras: the Outdoor Cam 4K Plus, Spotlight Cam 4K Plus, Floodlight Cam 4K Plus, and a pan-tilt Indoor Cam 4K.
