Worried about houses' safety? Consider this solar-powered smart lock
If the lock is placed somewhere sunlight doesn't penetrate, it can still be charged using normally.
In a bid to make the Internet of Things a greener place, Brinks, a division of hardware manufacturer Hampton Products, has announced that it has started taking pre-orders for its ARRAY Smart Deadbolt.
ARRAY Smart Deadbolt is a heavy-duty lock that can operate using a smartphone. Unlike many smart locks, ARRAY doesn’t require standard cylindrical batteries. It draws power from company’s in-house Li-polymer battery. The system connects to an onboard solar panel which means the lock can run on solar power. If the lock is placed somewhere sunlight doesn’t penetrate, it can still be charged using normally.
Users can use Brinks' ARRAY app to lock or unlock the deadbolt remotely. The lock also includes a key for those who prefer a physical key, and a touchpad for people who have moved ahead of the traditional key, but are sceptic about using their smartphones. The deadbolt also supports Amazon’s Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple’s Homekit is in the works.
The company has also announced ARRAY Smart Light fixtures, with in-built cameras and motion sensors that will alert the user when guests arrive.
The ARRAY Smart Deadbolt has a retail price of $249 and will start shipping in coming weeks. ARRAY Smart Lights and ARRAY Chek locks will be available later this year, but the company is yet to announce their pricing.