Samsung smartphones will be able to open hands-free smart locks using UWB and NFC
By ForGeeks Starting next year, Samsung smartphones will be able to unlock smart locks with a simple tap — or even hands-free, thanks to the introduction of Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology. This advanced functionality puts Samsung on par with Apple, whose iPhones already offer seamless access to smart locks. Users will have two new ways to unlock smart locks: tangential unlocking with NFC and hands-free unlocking with UWB.
The tap-to-unlock feature, which uses NFC (Near Field Communication), works exactly as you’d expect — just tap your phone against the smart lock and access is granted. However, for even more convenience, UWB allows hands-free unlocking of the lock, meaning users don’t need to reach for their phone or even touch the lock. The phone and lock will communicate directly through the UWB, working completely offline, without an internet connection. Importantly, this system doesn’t require unlocking the phone, offering a true frictionless entry system.
At the same time, the lock will not require users to unlock the phone, offering a true frictionless entry system.
There’s a catch, however — UWB functionality is limited to a handful of Samsung devices. Only the company’s foldable smartphones, as well as the Plus and Ultra models of the Galaxy S lineup, support UWB. That means the feature won’t immediately be available to all Samsung users, but it could push to expand UWB support to a wider range of devices in the future.
Of course, that means the feature won’t be available to all Samsung users right away, but it could push to expand UWB support to a wider range of devices in the future.
Samsung’s move to integrate the smart lock feature is part of a larger initiative to create a universal standard for secure access. The Aliro standard, upon which these new features will be based, was developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance — the same group as the Matter smart home standard. Like Matter, Aliro — is a collaborative effort between major technology players including Apple, Google, Samsung, and lock and chip manufacturers. The first version of the Aliro standard is expected to be finalized next year, and with it the first Aliro-enabled smart locks are expected to hit the market.
The first version of the Aliro standard is expected to be finalized next year.
Samsung will integrate this new smart lock standard into its Wallet’s Digital Home Key, giving users seamless control over their home security. As Aliro evolves and more devices begin to support UWB, it could usher in a new era of smart home connectivity, making the dream of a completely wireless, secure and intuitive home a reality.
Samsung’s Aliro smart locks will be the first to be integrated into the Wallet’s Digital Home Key.
