With Black Friday in full swing and Cyber Monday coming up fast behind, this is the time to grab a bargain on that smart lock you've been eyeing or help your family members enjoy the benefits of the smart home with a connected stocking stuffer or two. There are lots of great deals out there on everything from robot vacuums to holiday lighting,
The Ultraloq Bolt NFC smart lock is receiving a free upgrade that enables near-field communication (NFC) tap-to-unlock with compatible Android phones. The model currently supports Apple's Home Key, which lets you tap-to-unlock with an iPhone. The update makes it one of the first locks to offer the functionality across both iOS and Android, without requiring the phone to be unlocked or specific apps to be running. The ability comes via a free software upgrade to the U Home app, available now in the Google Play Store.
Kwikset is doubling down on open standards and new technologies as it expands its smart lock offerings. In an exclusive interview with The Verge, the company revealed that it will launch its first NFC-powered tap-to-unlock smart lock, as well as a less expensive Matter-over-Thread deadbolt, and a smart garage door opener this fall. Kwikset also plans to adopt ultra-wideband (UWB) as part of the new Aliro standard,
