SwitchBot, the company that manufactures Small robotic fingers to press your keys For you, it’s branching out further into the smart home. New SwitchBot Lock ($99.99) It sticks to your door and automatically rotates your thumb to lock and unlock it. This is the simplest smart lock solution ever modified. The SwitchBot says it can be installed in seconds because there is no need to remove any part of your existing door lock. But it does look a little strange.
SwitchBot Lock will be available from June 20th on Amazon and switch bot Stock up on two compatible keyboards – SwitchBot KeyPad ($29.99) and SwitchBot KeyPad Touch with Fingerprint Reader ($59.99).
As a Bluetooth lock, you can control the SwitchBot Lock with your smartphone or Apple Watch when you are near the door. It also has an automatic lock feature. To add voice control through Google Home or Amazon’s Alexa and lock control when you’re away from home using the SwitchBot app, you’ll need to choose SwitchBot Hub Mini ($39) And plug that into a USB socket near the lock.
The company says the lock is compatible with most deadbolt locks, and it comes with three different sized thumb rolls to fit a variety of designs. SwitchBot is also working on additional extensions for added compatibility. The thumb turns to the SwitchBot lock to “grab” and then the lock thumb rotates automatically. You can also control it manually.
The simplicity of installation makes this a good option for renters. The SwitchBot 3M lock uses VHB to stick to the door, you don’t need to attach anything to the door or touch your existing lock. It is powered by two CR123A 3V batteries which promise a battery life of up to six months.
In addition to app control, voice control and keypads, you can continue to open your door with your existing key, and there is an option to pair one SwitchBot’s NFC tags with lock.
There are not many modified door lock options on the market (as you do not have to replace the entire door lock). The leader is August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, which is much more expensive at $230 but does not require a separate hub, and there is also a $125 Wyze Lock. However, both require removing some of your existing lock. The SwitchBot Lock is a unique and innovative way to create a smart door lock, if not the most elegant option out there.
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