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Philips has taken a significant step forward by adding video monitoring capabilities to its Palm Recognition Smart Lock, which is set to be showcased at CES 2025. This innovation allows users to see who is at their door without requiring a separate smart camera, marking a major advancement in the industry.
The new lock, dubbed the 5000 Series Video Palm Recognition Smart Lock, builds upon Philips’ existing palm-recognition technology. For those unfamiliar, palm vein recognition employs sensors that analyze the hand in a similar manner to fingerprint readers, but without the need for physical contact. This means users can open their doors with a simple wave of the hand, eliminating the risk of infection and providing an added layer of convenience.
Not only does the new feature offer increased security and practicality, but it also opens up new possibilities for smart home automation. As a result, Philips has been honored as an honoree in the Innovation Awards at CES, further solidifying its position as a trailblazer in the industry.
The lock’s capabilities do not stop there. Users will have multiple options to open their doors, including PIN code, smartphone app control, voice commands via Google Home or Amazon Alexa smart assistants, and even a traditional key. This multifaceted approach ensures that users can choose the method that best suits their lifestyle.
Furthermore, Philips has also integrated its lock with doorbell functionality, allowing homeowners to receive notifications, video recordings, and alerts directly on their smartphones. It is worth noting that pricing details for the new product have not been disclosed by Philips at this time.
While the company has not released information regarding power requirements for the device, it remains unclear whether the door will require a wired connection or rely on batteries. Nonetheless, with its emphasis on innovative technology and user-friendliness, it is likely that Philips would consider integrating Wi-Charge wireless power technology to eliminate any potential issues related to either wires or batteries.
The new smart lock is expected to hit the market in the second half of 2025, and it will not be compatible with Apple HomeKit at launch.
Source: http://www.forbes.com
