Kwikset has taken the covers off of a new smart lock, the Halo Select, which has the interesting prospect of ditching Matter should you wish.
Marking the Assa Abloy-owned brand’s first smart launch in five years, the new Halo Select features a fresh design and looks to bridge the gap between the tried and trusted Wi-Fi, and the emerging Matter smart home standard.
The Halo Select supports both Wi-Fi and Matter-over-Thread, giving users the option to stick with the more familiar Wi-Fi setup or switch to Matter as it becomes more integrated into the smart home ecosystem.
It’s one or the other, you can’t do both.
The choice of connectivity allows users to future-proof their smart locks, utilizing Wi-Fi’s robust features for now and switching to Matter when it becomes less, er, rubbish.
That’s actually a bit harsh on my part but smart locks, like other device types in the Matter standard, are still waiting for the major smart home platforms like HomeKit, Alexa and SmartThings to integrate full feature sets.
The Halo Select boasts Kwikset’s quietest motor to date, alongside BHMA’s top AAA certification for security.
The sleek, slim design features a touchscreen keypad, but unlike some competitors like the Aqara U300 or the U-tec Ultraloq , it doesn’t include a fingerprint reader or Apple Home Key NFC functionality.
Instead, the lock features a traditional keyway for physical access, which may appeal to users who prefer a backup entry method.
Battery life has also been addressed with the inclusion of both standard AA batteries and the option to purchase a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack. Kwikset estimates that the lock will run for up to 12 months on Thread or 9 months with Wi-Fi when using the lithium battery.
In the Kwikset app users will able to create access codes, set schedules, and receive notifications when the door is left ajar. The lock also comes with a magnetic door sensor to ensure the door is fully closed, adding an extra layer of security for homeowners.
The Kwikset Halo Select will be available in mid-November for $279. Kwikset will also launch an NFC tap-to-unlock variant, Halo Select+, early next year.
