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Ring’s first smart lock can be hand-cranked when its battery dies

Ring announces its first smart lock, featuring a hand-crank option to power it when batteries die, addressing concerns of lockouts. The lock, which has a battery life of about a year and multiple access methods, aims to enhance user confidence in smart home technology. Set for US release in Q1 2027, it's intended to ease fears of battery failure and offers integration options for third-party apps.

Key points

  • Ring's first smart lock includes a hand-crank to power the lock if the battery dies. This feature aims to alleviate user fears of being locked out due to battery failure.
  • The idea emerged from founder Jamie Siminoff's personal experience with vacation homes. He recognized that smart locks depend heavily on battery power, which is not always reliable.
  • The lock's battery has an estimated lifespan of one year and will notify users when it's time to recharge via the Ring app.
  • The device offers four access methods: a fingerprint reader, a backlit keypad, the Ring app, and Alexa voice commands, providing flexibility for users.
  • Ring envisions third-party software integration for specialized access management, appealing to shared accommodation hosts like Airbnb.
  • The smart lock's design fits standard single-cylinder deadbolts and will be launched with a choice of three finishes by Q1 2027, pending FCC approval.

Why it matters

  • The innovation of the Ring smart lock reflects growing consumer demand for security solutions that mitigate the fear of technology malfunctioning, aligning with the 2025 trend of increased home automation and smart device interoperability.
  • As smart home technologies continue to proliferate, the emphasis on user-friendly and reliable designs supports the broader market shift towards IoT (Internet of Things) devices that enhance lifestyle convenience while minimizing risk.
  • This product launch coincides with a larger trend of companies focusing on smart home security as a key competitive area, responding to concerns raised by data breaches and privacy issues.

Ring's innovative smart lock, with a hand-crank backup, addresses a critical consumer fear about smart technology, enhancing confidence in smart home security. Its launch could reshape user expectations and set new standards in smart locking solutions by Q1 2027.