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Philips has just announced a significant update to its palm recognition smart lock technology. Ahead of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in 2025, the company revealed that it is integrating video monitoring capabilities into its upcoming 5000 Series Video Palm Recognition Smart Lock.
The inclusion of video monitoring will enable users to see who’s at the door without requiring a separate smart camera. This innovation has earned Philips an honoree spot in the Innovation Awards at CES 2025, demonstrating the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of smart home technology.
For those unfamiliar with palm recognition smart locks, they use sensors that analyze your hand in a similar manner to fingerprint readers but without the need for physical contact. This means you can “open” your door like a Jedi by simply holding up your hand, which is as good a reason to want one as I can imagine. The no-contact feature also provides an added layer of convenience and hygiene in this post-pandemic world.
In addition to palm vein recognition, the smart lock will still offer other authentication methods such as PIN code entry, smartphone app control, voice command via Google Home or Amazon Alexa assistants, and traditional key access.
To further enhance the user experience, the lock will also function as a doorbell. This added functionality is set to be a game-changer in the smart home industry, allowing users to keep an eye on their doorstep without having to install multiple devices.
Currently priced at $360 for its existing model, Philips has not disclosed pricing details for the new 5000 Series Video Palm Recognition Smart Lock. However, it’s worth noting that the company is licensing this technology from Idlespace Technology, which is also the exclusive importer and distributor of Shenzhen Conex Intelligent Technology Co Ltd.
One notable omission from the announcement is any mention of Apple HomeKit support, leaving users who are heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem wondering if they’ll be able to integrate their new smart lock with their existing devices. We will have to wait and see on this front.
A potential game-changer for power efficiency lies in the unclear installation requirements. It remains to be seen whether the device requires a wired connection or relies on batteries. If Philips decides to go the wireless route, they would do well to consider incorporating Wi-Charge wireless power technology, which would eliminate the need for both wires and batteries.
While we don’t have pricing information at this time, it’s clear that Philips is serious about pushing the boundaries of what a smart lock can do.
Source: http://www.forbes.com
