Reaching out to unlock your front door. It’s hard to be simpler and more intuitive, and that’s exactly what Philips promises. The firm is in fact presenting at CES a new connected lock equipped with what it presents as a palm print reader. Thanks to a series of sensors, this lock is able to detect an approaching hand and identify its owner by analyzing the veins that run through their palm to give them access to the house or not.
The palm of the hand, a key difficult to reproduce
Philips does not specify whether the reading is immediate, but indicates that the pattern of the veins in the palm of the hand is so complex that it is practically impossible to replicate to deceive the lock. In addition, this technology would work even with dirty hands, which is not the case with a fingerprint reader as found on many other models. Of course, since one can never be too careful, and because the recognition of the palm print requires having recorded it beforehand – it is also possible to record up to 50 – it is also possible to use a key or configure codes to use the on-board numeric keypad; practical for guests or home helpers, for example.
It should also be noted that the Philips lock includes a button for visitors to ring the doorbell. It even comes with a wireless chime to notify the inhabitants of the house, and the user can also be alerted on their smartphone using wifi in the event of an absence. Since we’re talking about connectivity, let’s point out that the lock is also compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant. Finally, it is equipped with a proximity sensor which automatically unlocks the lock when a hand approaches, on the interior side of course.
The Philips palm reader lock should unfortunately not be offered in our region, like the brand’s other locks, but perhaps it will inspire other manufacturers. In any case, it will be launched at a price of $359 in the United States.