A smart lock saves you from carrying keys, but arriving home to a dead battery introduces a different problem. Apple and LG’s hands-free entry is handy when you’re carrying groceries, but first, the lock needs enough power to welcome you home. Ring has turned its attention to that part.
Its first smart lock has an answer that involves neither a spare key nor frantically finding somewhere to plug in a cable. You turn a dial.
The built-in power dial lets you recharge the lock by hand. Ring says a few turns will supply enough power to get it working again. A little manual labor before entering your own home, granted, but preferable to calling a locksmith.
For the younger readers who have absolutely no concept of “hand-cranked power”, the tech presented in this product is very much similar to the K-TOR Pocket Socket 2 Hand Crank Generator.
Once powered, there are four ways in: a fingerprint reader, a backlit touchscreen keypad, the Ring app, or Alexa. Access permissions can be scheduled and set to expire, so giving someone a way in doesn’t have to mean giving them permanent visiting rights.
Remote locking, status updates, and PIN syncing use Amazon Sidewalk rather than depending on your home Wi-Fi. Unlocking is handled locally on the device. Sidewalk coverage does vary, so the remote features depend on what’s available where you live.
The lock fits a standard single-cylinder deadbolt without additional wiring and integrates with Ring doorbells, cameras, alarms, Echo devices, and Alexa.
It is scheduled for U.S. availability in early 2027 for US$249.99, in black, silver, or brass. Pricing and battery-endurance figures haven’t been announced.
For once, “turning the lock” can mean supplying the electricity rather than using a key.
