Ring’s first smart lock can be hand-cranked when its battery dies
Ring has introduced a smart lock that features a manual hand-crank mechanism to provide power if the battery dies. The device also includes multiple access methods, such as fingerprint scanning and app-based control, to improve reliability.
Why it matters
This design addresses a common pain point in smart home adoption—the fear of being locked out due to power failure—potentially increasing consumer confidence in smart security devices.
Ring, the Amazon-owned video doorbell maker, is entering a new market: smart locks.
Ring’s new device isn’t exactly a copy-and-paste of the other locks already on the market, however, as it tackles a big issue that often deters people from embracing this kind of smart home equipment: the fear of the battery dying and getting locked out.
To address this, Ring’s smart lock has added a power dial. If the battery on the device runs out, the homeowner can just turn the dial a few times to power the lock back up and enter their home.
Ring’s founder Jamie Siminoff said the idea to rethink smart locks came to him when he was looking to buy a lock for a vacation home. “I struggled because this particular house will get used very little, and I know the freaking battery will die on it,” he said.
Also covering this story
3 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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