Ring unveils hand-cranked smart lock to solve battery-out worries
Ring introduced a new smart lock that can be powered by a hand-crank when its battery runs out, aiming to ease lock-out concerns.
Ring, the video-doorbell maker owned by Amazon, entered the smart-lock market with a device that includes a manual power dial, allowing homeowners to turn a crank and temporarily power the lock if the battery is depleted. Jamie Siminoff, the company's founder, explained that the concept arose while searching for a lock for a seldom-used vacation property, where a dead battery could leave guests stranded. The lock integrates a fingerprint reader, backlit keypad, Ring app control, and Alexa voice access, and it notifies users through the app when the rechargeable battery, which lasts about a year, needs charging.
Designed to replace a standard single-cylinder deadbolt, the product will be sold in the United States in the first quarter of 2027 pending FCC approval, offered in black, silver or brass finishes. Ring also rolled out four new 4K cameras—Outdoor Cam 4K Plus, Spotlight Cam 4K Plus, Floodlight Cam 4K Plus, and indoor pan-tilt Indoor Cam 4K—expanding its home-security lineup.
Why it matters
The lock tackles a common barrier to smart-home adoption by providing a reliable manual backup for battery failures.
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