The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 in Las Vegas has once again become the launchpad for the next wave of smart home innovation. Among the flurry of announcements, one product category—the humble smart lock—is receiving a significant technological overhaul. While incremental updates to biometrics and connectivity are common, a breakthrough in power management promises to redefine user convenience. This year, a standout contender is challenging the status quo with a solution designed to eliminate battery anxiety for good, marking a potential turning point for smart home security devices.
A New Era of Power: Introducing AuraCharge Technology
The core innovation of the Lockin V7 Max is its AuraCharge wireless optical charging system. This technology fundamentally shifts how a smart lock receives power. Instead of relying on disposable batteries or requiring manual recharging of an internal cell, the V7 Max is powered by a dedicated optical output device installed inside the home. This device emits a controlled, eye-safe light beam that can wirelessly transmit power to the lock's receiver from up to four meters away. The received light is then converted into electricity, continuously charging the lock's internal battery. Lockin's founder, Bill Chen, positions this as a superior solution to third-generation options like perovskite solar panels, which depend on variable ambient light. AuraCharge promises a consistent, "infinite" power supply, allowing users to install the lock and theoretically never worry about its power source again.
Lockin V7 Max Key Specifications
- Key Feature: AuraCharge wireless optical charging (4m range)
- Biometric Methods: 3D Facial Recognition, Finger & Palm Vein Recognition
- Cameras: Dual HD exterior cameras with panoramic view
- Displays: Dual 5-inch touchscreens
- Smart Home Standard: Matter compatible
- Availability: Pre-order January 2026, shipping March 2026
- Price: Not announced
Advanced Biometrics and Integrated Surveillance
Beyond its revolutionary charging, the V7 Max is packed with high-end security and convenience features. It supports a multi-layered biometric approach, including finger and palm vein recognition alongside 3D facial recognition. This combination aims to provide robust security against spoofing attempts. Furthermore, the lock integrates dual high-definition exterior cameras, offering a panoramic view that effectively turns it into a video doorbell. For clear interaction in any lighting condition, it features dual five-inch touchscreens on both the interior and exterior sides. These screens enhance visibility for passcode entry or system status checks.
CES 2026 Smart Lock Comparison
| Feature | Lockin V7 Max | Ultraloq Bolt Sense | SwitchBot Lock Vision Pro | Eufy Smart Lock E40 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Power | Wireless Optical (AuraCharge) | 10,000 mAh Rechargeable | 10,000 mAh Rechargeable + CR123A Backup | 15,000 mAh Rechargeable + 800 mAh Backup |
| Biometrics | 3D Face, Palm/Finger Vein | 3D Face, Palm Vein | 3D Face, Palm Vein | 3D Face Recognition |
| Camera | Dual HD Panoramic | Infrared for recognition | Not specified in data | 2K camera with AI detection |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Matter | Wi-Fi, Matter (planned) | Wi-Fi, Matter | Wi-Fi, Matter |
| Price | TBA | TBA | TBA | USD 299 |
Market Context and Competitive Landscape at CES 2026
The V7 Max is not alone in pushing the boundaries at CES. The show floor reveals an industry-wide focus on extending battery life and enhancing authentication. Competing products like the Ultraloq Bolt Sense and SwitchBot Lock Vision Pro are also incorporating 3D facial and palm vein recognition, but they rely on large-capacity rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, boasting several months of life per charge. Others, such as the Eufy Smart Lock E40, utilize dual-battery systems for extended backup. The Lockly Affirm series, while more conventional, highlights the industry's shift toward built-in Wi-Fi and Matter compatibility—a standard the V7 Max also supports for seamless integration with major smart home ecosystems like Google, Apple, Amazon, and Samsung SmartThings.
Availability and Final Considerations
Lockin has opened pre-orders for the V7 Max in January 2026, with the first units scheduled to ship in early March. The company has not yet announced the official price, leaving a key piece of information for potential buyers pending. When evaluating this lock against its peers, its main advantage is the groundbreaking, maintenance-free AuraCharge system. The primary consideration for consumers will be the upfront cost and the requirement to install the indoor optical charger. For those seeking the ultimate in convenience and a reduction in electronic waste, the V7 Max presents a compelling vision of the future. For others, locks with long-lasting conventional batteries and similar biometric features may offer a more immediately practical solution. The Lockin V7 Max stands as a bold statement at CES 2026, proving that even the most established smart home devices still have room for transformative change.