(Credit: Andrew Gebhart)
LAS VEGAS—Ever get shut out after forgetting to recharge your smart lock? The Lockin V7 Max, introduced at CES, eschews all of the traditional methods used to keep smart locks powered in favor of one that you'll never need to think about.
Powered by wireless optical charging technology that Lockin calls AuraCharge, the V7 Max features a small receptor on the interior panel of the lock. You then plug in a separate transmitter within 13 feet of the lock itself, which then beams power to the lock. As a result, the V7 Max isn’t dependent on being in range of sunlight for solar power, and it doesn’t use more traditional methods like disposable or rechargeable batteries that require your occasional attention.
Now, similar wireless charging tech has been in development for years, and a company called Alfred has already put it into smart locks. With those, you need to contact the company for an involved and expensive installation process to make use of the wireless charging.
The Lockin V7 Max brings the same tech to a retail-ready unit that works out of the box. I saw it in person at CES, and all of the pieces look slick, though you'll need to find a good spot to plug in the surprisingly bulky transmitter.
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The company also emphasizes the safety of the tech, describing it as stable, efficient, and fast. The eye-safe optical output has received dual-safety certification from global certification services TÜV Rheinland and SGS. A representative from the company called the beam a type of infrared. You can block it with your body as you come and go, but as long as it isn't constantly blocked, it should provide plenty of power.
Aside from the cool charging tech, the Lockin V7 Max is also a fully featured smart lock. You can unlock it with your fingerprint, your palm, or your face. It has two high-definition cameras on the exterior of the lock, providing a panoramic view and enabling video doorbell functionality. You can see who is at the door via a 5-inch touch screen on the inside panel, or use a matching panel on the outer panel to enter a code and unlock the door. It supports the Matter standard and is also compatible with devices from Amazon, Apple, Google, and Samsung.
The lock also features AI, allowing you to train it to send you an alert when a package is dropped off or when your child arrives home. This part wasn't on display at CES, given the limited bandwidth, but the picture on the interior panel did look nice and clear. The optical charging will also be particularly useful given the power drain of the lock's AI processing.
Lockin hasn’t announced a price for the V7 Max yet, but preorders are expected to go live shortly after CES, with a release date slated for late July or early August. A company representative gave a ballpark price of $1,300, which is a lot more expensive than most of the smart locks we've seen, which tend to go for around $100 to $200. The company will also offer an updated version of its older Veno Pro, featuring Auracharge technology, under the name Veno Pro Wireless. That model will be much more affordable at $350.