SwitchBot's new smart lock uses Face ID to unlock your door

At a glance:

• SwitchBot unveils Lock Vision and Lock Vision Pro smart locks featuring 3D facial recognition for keyless entry.
• The Lock Vision Pro includes palm vein recognition, a 10,000-mAh battery, and enhanced security protocols.
• Prices start at $170, with local AES-128 encryption and Matter over Wi-Fi support for smart home connectivity.

New smart locks from SwitchBot

SwitchBot has expanded its smart home security lineup with the launch of the Lock Vision and Lock Vision Pro, two new smart locks that incorporate advanced 3D facial recognition technology. The Lock Vision is priced at $170, while the Lock Vision Pro comes in at $230, positioning them as premium options in the competitive smart lock market. Both models aim to provide users with a seamless and secure way to access their homes without traditional keys or codes.

The standout feature is the 3D structured-light facial recognition system, which uses 20,000 infrared points to create detailed facial maps. SwitchBot claims this enables millimeter-level accuracy, allowing the lock to authenticate users in under a second. The system is designed to be resilient against spoofing attempts using photos or videos, and it functions reliably even when wearers have glasses, hats, wigs, or makeup.

How the facial recognition works

The technology behind the Lock Vision series relies on 3D structured-light imaging, a method that projects a pattern of infrared dots onto a person's face and measures the distortion to generate a precise 3D map. This approach differs from simpler 2D facial recognition used in some devices, offering enhanced security and reliability. SwitchBot asserts that this is the world's first smart lock to integrate such face recognition unlocking, though similar capabilities have appeared in products like the Lockly Visage Zeno.

Tyler Lacoma, CNET's home security and smart home editor, noted that while face ID smart locks are becoming common, the specific 3D structured-light technology might be a differentiating factor. "Smart locks with face ID have become fairly common by now, actually," Lacoma said, highlighting that innovation in this space is increasingly focused on the underlying tech rather than the feature itself.

Multiple unlock methods and features

The Lock Vision Pro goes beyond facial recognition to offer a comprehensive set of entry options, catering to diverse user needs and preferences. Key among these is palm vein recognition, an increasingly common feature in modern smart locks that enables touchless unlocking by scanning the unique vein patterns in a user's hand. This method is hygienic and secure, as vein patterns are difficult to replicate.

Additionally, the lock includes semiconductor fingerprint unlocking for quick biometric access. For convenience and flexibility, users can also utilize app control, NFC cards, password entry, voice assistant commands, smartwatch integration, geofencing-based autounlock, and traditional physical keys. This array of methods ensures that users have multiple fallback options in case one method fails or is unavailable.

Battery life and durability

Power management is crucial for smart locks, and the Lock Vision Pro addresses this with a substantial 10,000-mAh rechargeable battery. SwitchBot estimates that with typical usage, this battery should last up to 12 months on a single charge, significantly reducing the need for frequent recharging. This long lifespan is a key selling point for users who prefer low-maintenance security devices.

For added reliability, the lock includes a CR123A backup battery that provides approximately 500 emergency unlocks if the primary battery is depleted. In extreme cases where both internal batteries are exhausted, an external USB-C port allows for temporary power to unlock the door, though it does not charge the lock itself. The device is rated IP56 for water and dust resistance, ensuring durability in various environmental conditions, and features tamper alerts, protection against forced entry, automatic lockout after failed attempts, and other security measures.

Security and privacy considerations

SwitchBot emphasizes privacy and security in the Lock Vision series by storing all biometric data locally on the device, rather than in the cloud. This data is encrypted using AES-128, a standard encryption protocol, to protect against potential breaches. By keeping information on-device, the risk of remote hacking is minimized, addressing a common concern with connected home devices.

The locks also support Matter over Wi-Fi, enabling direct integration with smart home ecosystems like Apple Home, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa without requiring a separate Matter-enabled hub. This protocol ensures interoperability and secure communication between devices, enhancing the overall user experience while maintaining security standards.

Market context and competitor landscape

The introduction of the Lock Vision series places SwitchBot in a growing market of smart locks with biometric authentication. While facial recognition is not entirely new—competitors like Lockly have offered similar features—SwitchBot's use of 3D structured-light technology may provide a competitive edge in terms of speed and accuracy. The inclusion of multiple unlock methods and strong privacy measures could appeal to consumers looking for both convenience and security.

Industry observers note that as smart home adoption increases, features like touchless entry and local data storage are becoming key differentiators. SwitchBot's strategy with the Lock Vision Pro, which bundles advanced biometrics with traditional options, reflects a broader trend toward versatile, user-friendly security solutions. However, the company will need to demonstrate reliability and ease of installation to gain market share against established players.