Seattle-based Wyze has launched a smart home lock that uses secure, biometric technology to identify users based on the unique pattern of veins beneath the surface of the palm.

By hovering a palm near the reader, users can unlock their door faster and more reliably than with a fingerprint.

“The palm ID recognition makes users feel like they have a secret handshake with their front door,” said Dave Crosby, chief marketing officer at Wyze (www.wyze.com). “Plus, it works seamlessly with Wyze video doorbells, which makes securing and managing your front door easier than ever.”

The Wyze Palm Lock (www.wyze.com/products/wyze-palm-lock) encrypts and stores all biometric data locally, rather than in the app or cloud, for added security. The device also features an illuminated, numbered keypad where users can set and store up to 50 unique access codes. Friends and family can gain access with one-time guest passcodes that expire on a schedule, or homeowners can control the locks directly from the live view of a Wyze video doorbell.

A built-in gyroscope detects the angle and movement of the door in real time and automatically locks once it senses the door has closed, preventing false or jammed locks.

Users can add extra digits before or after the code, and Palm Lock will still unlock, maintaining privacy from bystanders who may try to remember the code. It speaks up and sounds an alarm if it detects tampering from excessive incorrect unlock attempts. It will also chirp if the door is accidentally left open, a feature customisable in the Wyze app.

The lock is IP53 weather-resistant and BHMA3-certified by the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (buildershardware.com). The lock has been tested, slammed, twisted and splashed thousands of times to make sure it can handle real life. It meets rigorous standards for security, durability and performance.

Equipped with a millimetre-wave radar, it scans for the presence of a person not just movement, and only wakes up the lock when a person is detected.

A removable lithium-ion battery provides up to six months of battery life, while a secondary backup battery keeps things running for up to two weeks if needed. If the batteries die, the USB-C port allows for a charge from a power bank, so users can enter the access code for entry.

Users can control and monitor the lock status using wifi from anywhere, anytime. They can customise lock notifications in the Wyze app.

The lock works with smart assistants such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Users can customise more automations with Wyze Rules.

Those who still yearn for the comfort of a traditional key can simply slide down the damping cover and manually unlock the old-fashioned way; keys are included in the $130 price tag.