Sensible dwelling accent maker Aqara just lately launched the HomeKit-enabled Sensible Lock U100 with assist for Apple’s Residence Key characteristic. Residence Secret’s an iOS 15 characteristic that is nonetheless within the technique of being adopted by good dwelling producers, so it is comparatively new.
Residence Key provides a digital key for the Aqara lock to the Pockets app on the iPhone and the Apple Watch, permitting it to be unlocked utilizing NFC simply by bringing the gadget near the lock. There are additionally a number of different modes of entry for the Aqara lock, together with a keypad and a fingerprint reader. Word that this can be a Matter-enabled product, so along with working with HomeKit, it additionally works with Google Residence and Amazon Alexa.
Aqara’s merchandise are designed to make use of a hub, much like how the Philips Hue system works. The USB-A Aqara E1 Hub I examined with connects to your HomeKit setup, and Aqara merchandise, together with the U100, hook up with the hub utilizing Zigbee. So technically, that is “Matter over Zigbee,” however Apple customers simply must know that it is HomeKit and {that a} hub is important for full performance. Some individuals aren’t followers of HomeKit units that want hubs, however I do not thoughts as a result of they are often extra dependable and hassle-free than merchandise that join on to WiFi.
Word that the U100 can be utilized sans hub, however with out a hub, the lock solely works over Bluetooth and will likely be slower to operate. To make use of the entire options, you want a hub, and you may additionally want an Apple gadget that serves as a house hub for choices like Residence Key for all relations. Residence hubs embrace the HomePod mini and the Apple TV, which most individuals within the HomeKit ecosystem most likely personal.
Design smart, the Aqara Sensible Lock U100 seems like a regular keypad-based lock. It is not as slim as another good locks in the marketplace, with a big rectangular brick for each indoors and out. It is available in silver and grey finishes to match deal with {hardware}, although my door had gold {hardware} that I couldn’t match.
The look of the U100 might be my least favourite side of the lock. It is huge and ponderous, each indoors and out. I do not thoughts it a lot exterior, however I do want the indoor element was extra streamlined much like different HomeKit locks just like the Degree Lock.
There are most likely extra methods to get into this lock than anybody wants, however in case you like choices, this product delivers. You need to use the keypad, the built-in fingerprint sensor, the hidden key compartment (utilizing a standard key), Residence Key utilizing an iPhone or Apple Watch’s NFC, an NFC card (bought individually), the Residence app, or the Aqara app. You possibly can present non permanent codes to individuals who want entry to your house by the Aqara app, and you may remotely lock and unlock the U100.
Of those entry strategies, the Residence Key and the fingerprint sensor are the quickest to make use of. The fingerprint sensor was correct and unlocked the U100 virtually as fast as Contact ID unlocks an iPhone. I did not have it fail, and I used to be in a position to register a number of fingers so a number of individuals may save a fingerprint. There’s a hidden key compartment that enables entry to the lock even with no energy in case the battery runs out.
The U100 makes use of 4 AA batteries that final for as much as eight months (allegedly, I didn’t get to check this), and also you do get warnings when the battery is low. I am not a fan of ordinary batteries in electronics, and would have most popular one thing rechargeable as an possibility.
By way of safety, the U100 is an easy lock like a whole lot of client deadbolt locks in the marketplace. A talented lockpicker can get it open in a couple of minutes, however somebody who actually needs to get inside your own home goes to take action even in case you have probably the most safe lock in the marketplace as a result of there are different factors of ingress like home windows.
One in all my favourite U100 options is the auto lock operate that locks the door when it is closed. It could possibly detect when the door shuts utilizing a gyroscope, which ensures that the door re-locks each time I shut even when I do not keep in mind to manually lock it. This may be disabled in case you desire to have the lock left open.
There are a few NFC keyfobs that include the U100 in case you should give a key to somebody, however visitor choices additionally embrace distant unlocking and shared codes. The quantity pad is responsive and lights up when a quantity is pressed so you may be sure you’re inputting the proper code, plus the lock speaks aloud.
Organising the U100 was pretty easy and took about 20 minutes. I needed to take away the prevailing deadbolt from my door, and by chance, the U100 {hardware} match comparatively nicely. I couldn’t use the plastic insert that got here with it as a result of I did not wish to enlarge my strike plate, but it surely looks like it would match most traditional doorways. I’ve run into conditions with earlier good locks the place I needed to do some sanding and reshaping, in order that’s all the time a risk.
As for the good dwelling setup, that was just a little extra difficult, however nothing that was arduous to observe. I put the batteries within the lock, downloaded the Aqara app, and put in a Matter firmware replace that was obtainable. Then I plugged within the hub and linked it to HomeKit utilizing the in-app instruments and Aqara’s directions (be aware: a 2.4GHz community is required). From there, I related the hub and the lock, after which registered the lock with HomeKit. It was a multi-step course of however I have not had connectivity points with the hub, and the lock responds to instructions each after I’m at dwelling and after I’m away.
The Residence app can be utilized to set HomeKit automations for locking and unlocking the U100, in addition to managing entry to the lock. The Aqara app has further instruments which are largely helpful if you do not have a HomeKit setup, but it surely does embrace battery life and a log of each time the lock is accessed. For individuals who do not just like the voice suggestions, it may be disabled with a Do Not Disturb mode within the Aqara app. I did need to make an Aqara account to entry the lock within the app, but it surely was straightforward sufficient except for some irritating password limits.
The U100 can be utilized with out HomeKit as a result of there are a number of different connectivity strategies together with compatibility with different good dwelling platforms, however I solely examined the HomeKit performance and with a hub, as I’ve a HomeKit setup.
Backside Line
At $190, this can be a full-featured good lock that rivals different costlier good locks in the marketplace. It has each methodology of entry you possibly can need, together with number-based contact pad, fingerprint sensor, Residence Key, and NFC keys. On the draw back, it’s not as modern and unassuming as another good locks in the marketplace, but when that doesn’t hassle you, it is price trying into.
Find out how to Purchase
The Aqara U100 might be bought from Amazon for $190.
