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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- A new Wyze palm-vein recognition smart lock is available now for $135.
- It stores biometric data locally and supports up to 50 access codes.
- The Palm Lock fits seamlessly into any Wyze home security system.
Biometric smart locks are quickly becoming a go-to for home security enthusiasts due to how much more reliable this unlocking method is compared to fingerprint scanning. Now, a new palm-vein recognition smart lock is in town as Wyze launched the Palm Lock today.
“The palm ID recognition makes users feel like they have a secret handshake with their front door,” said Dave Crosby, co-founder and CMO at Wyze. “Plus, it works seamlessly with Wyze video doorbells, which makes securing and managing your front door easier than ever.”
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This palm-vein recognition smart lock can detect when a person is in front of it to activate, not only when movement is detected. It scans the user’s palm to detect and recognize the palm vein pattern and unlock if a match is detected. Unlike fingerprints, the veins in your palm aren’t likely to change due to external factors like dry weather or minor injuries.
Wyze promises that all biometric data is encrypted and stored on the smart lock and that none of it goes to the cloud or passes through the mobile app. Aside from this security measure, the Wyze Palm Lock lets users add extra digits before or after their passcode to fool anyone who could be watching.
The Wyze Palm Lock sounds an alarm when multiple incorrect unlocking attempts are made, alerting users that tampering may be taking place. It also includes a physical key for those who still prefer to unlock it the traditional way.
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The built-in gyroscope is one of the most promising features of the Wyze Palm Lock. It detects the movement and angle of the door in real time, so it can lock once the door is closed and stay unengaged when it is left ajar. This action prevents a jammed lock and also powers the door chirping when the door is left open for a certain amount of time.
I’ve enjoyed testing other smart locks with built-in gyroscopes, like the Aqara U100, and love how accurate the system has been. I’ve also tested and come to prefer smart locks that don’t use replaceable batteries, so I’ve switched to rechargeable batteries.
This Wyze smart lock has a removable lithium-ion battery that lasts up to six months. Each lock comes with a secondary battery that runs as a backup for up to two weeks, which can help keep the lock working while you charge the battery.
The Wyze Palm Lock’s best feature is its price. At $135, it is one of the most affordable smart locks with palm vein recognition on the market. The aforementioned Aqara lock is currently priced at $130, down from $190, and doesn’t have palm vein recognition. Comparable palm vein recognition locks include the TCL D1 Pro, at $150, and Eufy Security Familock E34, which costs $240 right now.
