Ring Smart Lock Features Hand Crank for Power Outages
The new lock generates power from a manual twist, addressing user concerns about battery life.
By Letizia Giugliano
2 min readHuman-Edited, AI-Assisted
Ring, known for its smart home devices, is introducing a new Smart Lock designed to alleviate common user anxieties about power failures. Developed by founder Jamie Siminoff, this device incorporates a hand crank to ensure functionality even when the battery is depleted, integrating with the broader Amazon smart home ecosystem.
Addressing Smart Lock Power Concerns
Ring founder Jamie Siminoff identified a key barrier to smart lock adoption: user apprehension about power loss. Unlike traditional keys that require no power, smart locks depend on batteries, which need periodic recharging. Siminoff's goal was to resolve this issue, leading to the development of a smart lock that can operate even without an internal power source [Engadget].
“Say what you like about keys, but you don't need to recharge them once every few months, and they have worked without power for millennia.”
— Jamie Siminoff
How the Hand Crank System Works
The Ring Smart Lock integrates a manual power generation system. On the front of the unit, a wheel for the latch can be twisted back and forth. Performing this action three or four times activates a small motor and a supercapacitor tucked inside the hardware, generating approximately three volts of power. This charge provides enough energy to run the lock at full functionality for about 30 seconds, allowing users to operate the fingerprint reader, keypad, Ring app, or Alexa [Engadget].
Beyond Standard Home Use
While designed for everyday home security, Siminoff envisions broader applications for this technology. The ability to generate power on demand makes the lock suitable for locations not accessed regularly, such as cabins in remote areas where consistent power supply or frequent battery checks might be impractical. This feature offers peace of mind, even though the built-in battery is designed to last a full year on a single charge [Engadget].
Availability and Key Features
Ring aims to launch the Smart Lock in the first few months of 2027, with Siminoff hoping for a release closer to January. The device will be priced at $249 and offered in three finishes: Black, Silver, and Brass. It utilizes a single-cylinder deadbolt and requires no additional wiring for installation. Interested customers can register their interest now [Engadget].
Ring's Broader Product Updates
Alongside the new Smart Lock, Ring is also releasing several updates to its camera lineup. Following the introduction of its Retinal 4K cameras last year, the company is launching four new models: the Outdoor Cam 4K Plus, Spotlight Cam 4K Plus, Floodlight Cam 4K Plus, and Indoor Cam 4K. Additionally, a new Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam 2K will feature a powered base capable of 360-degree rotation and 175-degree tilt, with intelligent motion tracking. These cameras are available for pre-order, with pricing varying by specification and region [Engadget].
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