CES is generally dominated by large smart home devices like TVs, refrigerators, vacuum cleaners, speakers, projectors, and soundbars. However, when it comes to true home practicality, smaller devices rule the roost. After all, it’s not your speaker or soundbar that’s keeping watch over your home, it’s your security cameras, smart doorbells, and smart locks that monitor, secure, and provide live feeds while you’re in the office or vacating abroad.
To get straight to the point, 2025 is expected to be the year of ‘small home gadgets.’ From smart cameras to smart lights, doorbells, and locks, the year promises plenty of surprises, with companies already starting to preview some of these innovations at the biggest tech event of the year.
Ahead of CES 2025, Philips has made some major updates to its 5000 Series Video Palm Recognition Smart Lock. It was in July, last year that Philips announced the arrival of the 5000 Series Video Palm Recognition Smart Lock, a device that is compatible with a physical key, PIN code, and Philips mobile app.
Building on the success of the product and the positive reviews it received from critics, the company has now announced video integration to the lock. The updated version of the lock allows users to see who is at the door without the need for a separate smart camera, offering a more streamlined and efficient experience. This integration ensures quicker response times and easier management, as users can monitor their door through a single app.
In addition to palm vein recognition, the Philips smart lock is compatible with Google Home or Amazon Alexa, but still sans Apple HomeKit. Nevertheless, the lock doubles as a doorbell, making it an all-in-one solution for home security and convenience. While there is no clarity on the subject matter, the lock could be a strong candidate for wireless power solutions like Wi-Charge, which eliminates the need for wires or batteries.
Earlier Forbes reported that Philips will release the smart lock under a licensing agreement with Idlespace Technology, which holds exclusive distribution rights for Shenzhen Conex Intelligent Technology Co. Ltd. While there is no word on the exact release date of the updated lock, it is estimated that Philips might plan worldwide-release of the product during the second half of 2025.
In other news, Lockin, a leader in the smart home industry plans to unveil Veno 7 Pro video smart lock at CES 2025. Unlike the Philips 5000 Series Video Palm Recognition Smart Lock which lacks HomeKit support and garners power via 4 CR123A batteries (for the moment), the Veno 7 Pro is compatible with Apple HomeKit and is solar-powered. The company informs that the touchless video smart lock is compatible with Google, Amazon, and Samsung smart home systems. There is no word on the price and availability, and we strongly anticipate it to still be in the prototype stage. However, more would be clear post CES.
Another rumor doing rounds is about Eufy unveiling two smart locks dubbed E34 and E35, each supporting palm recognition and being powered by a rechargeable lithium battery. Though the details remain scarce, it is estimated they’ll cost around $250, in a bid to challenge Philips’s market share.
While there is no news of any other brand throwing their hat in the ring when it comes to contactless security, strong rumors are floating in the market that Apple is working on a Face ID doorbell to challenge Amazon’s ring. A report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggests that Apple is focusing on smart home tech with security devices like video doorbells on the horizon.
Also Read: DESLOC B200 Smart Lock Speeds up Fingerprint Unlocking With AI, Offers Multiple Access Options
It’s pretty clear that the race for contactless security has begun pretty early than we anticipated, and rightly so considering this form of technology offers a level of convenience and safety by scanning the user’s hands and Face ID without any physical contact. And to be honest, these are particularly appealing in a post-pandemic world, where minimizing touch points is a key consideration. As Philips, Apple, and Lockin continue to push the boundaries of smart home security, it’s clear that new locks slated for exhibition at CES2025 are just the beginning of what’s to come.
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