Hampton Products International, a security and lighting hardware maker, has released its first smart lock, which is also powered by solar light to lengthen the battery life.
The Array by Hampton Connected Door Lock is very similar to other smart deadbolt locks. There is a deadbolt for physical key access and a cover with a number keypad underneath it. The lock is integrated with a solar panel, which cannot fully power the Wi-Fi-enabled smart lock, but aims to supply some power to prolong the lock’s use time.
The package includes two 5,200mAh rechargeable and replaceable lithium-polymer batteries and one battery charger. According to Hampton, one battery should last around 10 months on a charge if the lock’s solar panel is exposed directly under sunlight, and it should last 30 to 90 days if the lock is exposed to indirect sunlight.
Hampton’s door lock needs more power than other smart locks because it connects to Wi-Fi directly, instead of connecting via other devices such as a smart bridge.
The Array by Hampton app will first show users a four-minute video teaching them how to install the device as well as further setups. For instance, users can create e-keys and e-codes for guests to unlock the door when they’re not at home.
The app also enables users to activate the geofencing feature, to check the lock status, to see how often it’s unlocked, to schedule access for a specific timeframe, to control multiple locks and to monitor battery status. When the lock’s battery power is under 15%, the app will send notification and remind users about it.
In terms of voice control, the Array works with Amazon Alexa and Apple Siri currently, to let users ask Alexa or Siri to lock the door or check whether the door is locked or not. It also supports Apple Watch, allowing users to tap the wearable and lock or unlock the door.
The company said it’s expecting to be certified by Google between now and Christmas to enable Google Assistant voice control.
The Array will be available for US$290, which is priced relatively high, but a solar panel and two batteries are included.
The company said it’s developing a whole ecosystem of smart home products, from lighting, smart plugs to security cameras and doorbells. Its first combination coach light/security camera will be unveiled this winter.