At CES 2026, the smart home industry's annual showcase, Lockin has unveiled a pair of smart locks that aim to solve one of the category's most persistent annoyances: battery management. The flagship V7 Max and the updated Veno Pro Wireless introduce a novel wireless optical charging system, promising to free users from the chore of periodic recharging or battery replacement. Coupled with advanced biometrics and integrated video doorbells, these products represent a significant step forward in the quest for a truly seamless and secure entry system.
A New Era of Power: Wireless Optical Charging with AuraCharge
The centerpiece of Lockin's CES announcement is the AuraCharge wireless optical charging technology. This system aims to eliminate the primary pain point of smart locks—unexpectedly dead batteries. It functions by using a small, plug-in transmitter module installed inside the home, within a four-meter range of the lock. This transmitter beams power via an "eye-safe optical output" to a receiver on the lock's interior unit. Lockin claims this provides rapid power delivery with high efficiency. Should the beam be interrupted, the lock's internal lithium battery is said to provide several hours of backup operation. This approach follows the Alfred DB2S lock, which uses a similar infrared laser system, indicating a growing trend toward wire-free power solutions for permanent fixtures.
Wireless Charging Comparison for Smart Locks
- Lockin AuraCharge: Uses "eye-safe optical output" beamed from an indoor transmitter within a 4-meter range. Charging stops if the beam is interrupted.
- Alfred DB2S (Wi-Charge): Uses an infrared laser to transmit power. Represents the first commercial use of this technology in a smart lock.
- Common Claim: Both systems aim to provide perpetual power, eliminating the need for user battery replacement or manual charging.
Biometric Sophistication: Vein and Facial Recognition
Moving beyond traditional fingerprint and PIN codes, the V7 Max offers a trio of high-security biometric options. Users can unlock the door using finger vein, palm vein, or 3D facial recognition technology. The finger vein sensor is cleverly integrated into a groove on the inside of the exterior handle, allowing for a natural motion during entry. These methods are generally considered more secure than surface-level fingerprint scanning, as they read unique vascular patterns beneath the skin, which are difficult to replicate. The lock's design, overseen by Hartmut Esslinger—Apple's former chief designer—reflects this advanced functionality with a sleek, curved handle that departs from the typical bulky, keypad-centric aesthetic of many smart locks.
More Than a Lock: Integrated Video Doorbell and AI Features
The V7 Max is positioned as a comprehensive entry hub. Both the interior and exterior units feature five-inch touchscreens, and the exterior panel houses dual cameras, enabling it to function as a video doorbell. The interior unit also includes a camera with a physical privacy shutter. Powering these features is an AI system dubbed LockinAI, which the company says can handle tasks like recognizing and logging package deliveries, monitoring the safety of children or elderly individuals, and even creating highlight reels from family gatherings captured at the door. Full integration with major smart home ecosystems is ensured through support for the Matter protocol, guaranteeing compatibility with platforms from Google, Apple, Amazon, and Samsung.
Key Specifications: Lockin V7 Max vs. Veno Pro Wireless
| Feature | Lockin V7 Max | Veno Pro Wireless |
|---|---|---|
| Charging | AuraCharge Wireless Optical | AuraCharge Wireless Optical |
| Biometrics | Finger Vein, Palm Vein, 3D Facial Recognition | Palm Vein, Fingerprint |
| Display | Dual 5-inch Touchscreens (Interior/Exterior) | Not Specified in Detail |
| Camera | Dual Exterior Cameras, Interior Camera (with shutter) | Video Doorbell Function |
| Smart Home | Matter Protocol | Matter Protocol |
| AI Features | LockinAI (Delivery detection, safety monitoring, etc.) | Not Specified in Detail |
| Designer | Hartmut Esslinger | Not Specified |
| Price | Not Announced | ~ USD 380 |
| Availability | Pre-order Jan 2026, Ships H2 2026 | Not Specified |
Product Line Expansion and Availability
Alongside the flagship V7 Max, Lockin is refreshing its existing Veno Pro deadbolt lock with the same AuraCharge technology, renaming it the Veno Pro Wireless. This model also doubles as a video doorbell and includes palm vein and fingerprint scanning. While the V7 Max is slated for pre-order in January 2026 with shipping expected in the latter half of the year, its price remains undisclosed. The Veno Pro Wireless, however, is reported to carry a price tag of around USD 380. The successful implementation of this wireless charging technology could set a new standard, pushing the entire industry toward more maintenance-free and user-friendly designs for critical smart home devices.