Smart locks have been going contactless all year, from palm reading technology to increased compatibility with Apple Home Keys. But here at CES this week, Schlage is one of the very few brands to go a different direction with something called ultra-wideband, or UWB, a frequency that specializes in tracking the exact location of a target.
Other hands-free unlocking via Bluetooth, for example, can unlock your door early when you start getting near your home or apartment. That can make people nervous or lead to worries that the door was never locked to start with. To make the process smoother, Schlage's particularly smooth-looking Sense Pro increases accuracy with UWB.
As a result, Schlage's smart deadbolt can rapidly connect to an authorized phone and calculate its speed, trajectory and motion. In theory, that allows the lock to open only as the wielder reaches the door, not before nor with annoying delays. Whether you're ambling with a tired toddler or rushing to get groceries indoors in the rain, the lock is made to respond at just the right time.
Schlage is planning a new app for 2025, too.
The Sense Pro also works with Matter, supports NFC locking/unlocking and includes a keypad for people who want to switch to more limited access options. And Schlage plans an update of its app in early 2025 too, focused on making it more streamlined and informative at a glance.
If UWB target prediction doesn't razzle your dazzle, Schlage is releasing an additional lock, the Arrive deadbolt. While the Schlage Arrive doesn't have location tricks, it is does come with built-in Wi-Fi support so you don't need an additional hub to connect it and manage access codes from anywhere.
If you're intrigued by Schlage's location-sensing technology, you'll have to wait until later in 2025 for more details. Schlage has announced neither a firm release window nor a price yet, but we'll be sure to keep you updated when we learn more.
See the official Best of CES winners here, and find out what innovations have impressed us the most this year.