CES 2026 is once again the launchpad for the next wave of smart home innovation, with companies vying to make security more seamless and intelligent. At the forefront of this push is Xthings, the parent company of Ultraloq, which has introduced a suite of new products designed to redefine access and surveillance. The star of the show is a smart lock that feels plucked from science fiction, promising to let you walk through your door without ever touching a keypad or your phone.
The Ultraloq Bolt Sense: A Touch-Free Future for Home Access
The most intriguing announcement from Xthings is the Ultraloq Bolt Sense, a smart deadbolt that combines two advanced biometric systems for completely hands-free entry. The lock utilizes facial recognition alongside palm vein authentication, a technology that reads the unique vein patterns beneath the skin's surface. Xthings claims this dual-method approach offers superior reliability compared to traditional fingerprint scanners, as it is unaffected by wet or dirty hands. Furthermore, the use of near-infrared light for palm scanning ensures the system functions perfectly even in total darkness, addressing a common pain point for outdoor security devices. The "walk up and enter" philosophy eliminates the need for fumbling with apps, keypads, or geofencing, aiming for the ultimate in convenience.
Technology Highlights:
- Palm Vein Authentication: Uses near-infrared light to scan vein patterns under the skin; claimed to be more reliable than fingerprint scanning and works with wet/dirty hands or in darkness.
- Wi-Fi HaLow (802.11ah): A sub-GHz Wi-Fi standard prioritizing long range (rated up to 0.6 miles) and wall penetration over high bandwidth, aimed at large property surveillance.
- Contextual AI: Xthings's branding for AI that provides intelligent alerts and understanding from video footage, featured in new Ulticam cameras.
- Open Standards: Strong emphasis on Matter, Thread, and Aliro support across new products for improved smart home interoperability.
Expanding the Ecosystem: New Locks and Cameras for Every Need
Alongside the flagship Bolt Sense, Xthings announced the Ultraloq Latch 7 Pro, a latch-style smart lock slated for an earlier release in Q1 2026. While it forgoes the advanced biometrics of its sibling, it focuses on robust smart home integration, with planned support for Matter-over-Thread, Aliro, and Z-Wave protocols. The company also confirmed the retail availability of the Bolt Mission UWB, a lock that uses Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology in a compatible smartphone to unlock the door as the user approaches. On the surveillance front, Xthings is pushing boundaries with the Ulticam HaLow, one of the first consumer security cameras to utilize Wi-Fi HaLow (802.11ah). This technology operates on sub-GHz frequencies to achieve a remarkable rated range of up to 0.6 miles, ideal for large properties, and comes with a dedicated hub to simplify setup. For areas requiring intense illumination, the AI-powered Ulticam IQ Floodlight pairs a high-resolution camera with 2,000-lumen lights.
Key Product Announcements from Xthings at CES 2026:
| Product Name | Type | Key Feature | Launch Window | Key Tech/Specs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ultraloq Bolt Sense | Smart Deadbolt | Facial & Palm Vein Recognition | Q2 2026 | Touch-free, Wi-Fi, Matter (planned) |
| Ultraloq Latch 7 Pro | Smart Latch Lock | Multi-Protocol Support | Q1 2026 | Matter-over-Thread, Aliro, Z-Wave |
| Ulticam HaLow | Security Camera | Long-Range Wi-Fi | Not Specified | Wi-Fi HaLow (802.11ah), ~0.6 mile range, includes hub |
| Ulticam IQ Floodlight | Security Camera | High-Luminance Lighting | Not Specified | 2,000-lumen floodlights, Edge AI |
| Ultraloq Bolt Mission UWB | Smart Deadbolt | Phone-Based UWB Unlocking | Available Now | USD 300, uses Ultra-Wideband technology |
Technical Specifications and Market Positioning
The Bolt Sense is described as relatively compact and features built-in Wi-Fi, with Matter support stated as "planned" for its expected Q2 2026 launch. The Latch 7 Pro and the new Ulticam IQ V2 camera are highlighted as devices bringing Matter compatibility to the Xthings lineup. A key differentiator for the camera offerings is the integration of what the company calls "Contextual AI," which aims to move beyond simple motion detection to deliver more intelligent alerts and understanding of captured events. The strategic rollout, from the Q1 Latch 7 Pro to the Q2 Bolt Sense, suggests a phased approach to capturing different segments of the smart security market, from integrators seeking protocol support to early adopters wanting cutting-edge biometrics.
Analysis: Pushing Practical Boundaries in Home Security
Xthings's CES 2026 showcase demonstrates a clear strategy: leveraging emerging technologies to solve specific, practical problems in home security. The Bolt Sense directly targets the desire for maximum convenience without sacrificing security, though its real-world reliability and speed will be crucial tests. The Ulticam HaLow is a particularly bold bet, resurrecting Wi-Fi HaLow—a standard that has languished since its CES debut a decade ago—to address the genuine challenge of securing expansive outdoor spaces. By bundling a dedicated hub, Xthings wisely avoids the hurdle of consumer adoption for a niche networking standard. The focus on open standards like Matter and Thread across the new lineup also indicates a commitment to interoperability, a significant concern for buyers wary of vendor lock-in.
Conclusion and What Lies Ahead
The innovations presented by Xthings at CES 2026 paint a compelling picture of a more intuitive and far-reaching smart home security system. From the biometric sophistication of the Bolt Sense to the extreme-range capability of the HaLow camera, the company is not just iterating on existing products but exploring new technological frontiers. As these products move from prototype to production throughout 2026, their success will hinge on delivering the promised performance, seamless integration, and tangible value to homeowners looking for smarter ways to protect their property.