Philips’ new connected lock replaces the fingerprint with the lines of the hand. A new solution designed for people with damaged fingertips.
After Face ID, Touch ID or more recently Optic ID, place for… Hand ID?
At CES 2024, the very famous Philips unveiled a new kind of connected lock, while this segment is gradually gaining popularity (particularly in the United States where letting a delivery person enter in their absence is more accepted than in France). Its particularity: opening using the palm of the hand, without touching anything.
A product especially intended for the elderly
In the American press, the new Philips Wi-Fi Palm Recognition Smart Deadbolt (yes, that’s its real name) was presented as a futuristic way to unlock a lock. The brand’s claims undoubtedly played a role in this misunderstanding, since Philips proudly claims that its sensor can read 50 lines on the palm of the hand. It’s hard not to see this as a claim to a technological feat.
In reality, the Philips managers we met in Las Vegas explained to us that palm recognition was mainly intended for the elderly or people who, due to illness or from biting their fingers, do not ‘no longer have fingerprints that are clear enough for biometric unlocking. With age, the skin generally loses its finish on the ends of the fingers. Older people with an iPhone with Touch ID know very well that this technology has always been approximate in their home.
Hand lines do not disappear over time. With its connected lock, Philips therefore offers a way to easily unlock your door for people without a clear fingerprint who do not want to enter a code or insert a key (it is always possible to enter a code or insert a key, in case emergency).
Philips doorbells are not available in France, since they only support American locks. The brand hopes to arrive in other countries soon, but was unable to tell us when. Note that its connected locks also include a doorbell, which can be practical for being alerted when someone arrives at your door on your phone, or from Google Assistant or Alexa. The price of the model with palm detection is $359.99, or a little over 328 euros without taxes.
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