Ultraloq Unveils Bolt Mission UWB and Bolt Matter Smart Locks
After teasing us with an announcement at last year’s CES, Ultraloq seem poised to finally release its much anticipated Bolt Mission UWB+NFC smart deadbolt lock. This lock is significant in that it will be the first lock in the world to support Ultra Wide Band (UWB).
UWB is already to be found in Apple’s own AirTags, which allow very precise location detection, which in the case of the Bolt Mission UWB+NFC, will allow the door to unlock when the user approaches the door. This does rely on the user having a phone with a compatible UWB inside, which would include iPhones starting from the iPhone 11 series and up.
Using UWB technology, also commonly found in digital car keys, the Bolt Mission detects the keyholder’s phone with centimetre-level accuracy, identifying both distance and direction of approach. This enables automatic unlocking as users approach from outside while preventing unintended unlocking when they are indoors. This feature isn’t something new of course, as smart locks by August have and continue to use similar options for their smart locks. However, these rely on Bluetooth, so accuracy and speed to tend to be a lot less user friendly than UWB. This is especially relevant if you live in an apartment, where your approach to the front door is very short compared to someone in a house who has a lot more distance between themselves and the door to their home.
The Bolt Mission also includes NFC for tap-to-unlock functionality and automatic locking. It supports Matter for seamless integration, voice control with Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings, as well as Siri, and connects directly to home Wi-Fi via the U Home App, removing the need for additional hubs.
The lock unlocks in under half a second, is weather-resistant (IP65), and has a durable physical design certified to BHMA Level 1 for top security and durability. It features two-layer 128-bit AES encryption with AWS integration to protect data and access, along with a battery life of up to one year.
It’s important to note that whilst UWB exists in your iPhone, this feature will only reportedly work with the company’s own app. This will also be the case with the NFC integration, so NFC in this case is not the version that uses Apple HomeKey, even though the lock is Matter certified and will work in Apple Home. That in turn means the lock can be controlled in Apple Home but only offer standard features that exist prior to the introduction of Apple HomeKey.
Despite offering this groundbreaking technology and feature set, the Bolt Mission UWB+NFC is not the cheapest lock on the market by a long way, however, with a MSRP of US$399. If you’re looking for something cheaper, without UWB, but with Apple HomeKey, then…
The updated Ultraloq Bolt Fingerprint Matter (MSRP US$199) is Ultraloq’s first deadbolt to support the Matter standard (alongside the aforementioned Bolt Mission), which enables control and management through Matter-certified apps and platforms, including Apple Home, of course. Digital keys can be shared with guests and family members for scheduled access using your preferred Matter-certified app. It’s unclear at this time as to whether it makes use of the ‘Manage Access’ feature found in Apple Home.
Bolt Fingerprint offers other access methods, including app control, fingerprint unlock, voice commands via Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant, secure PIN, or traditional key. It is IP65-rated and has an extended battery life of up to one year. Users with compatible iPhones and Apple Watches can unlock the Bolt NFC by tapping their device on the lock, using digital keys stored in their Apple Wallet. Even if an iPhone requires charging, the home key may function for up to five hours in power reserve mode. The Bolt NFC provides multiple access options, including control via its built-in Wi-Fi (no hub needed), NFC key cards, voice commands with Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant, secure PINs, or a standard key. It is IP65-rated for weather resistance and offers a battery life of up to one year.
The Bolt Fingerprint Matter will be available to purchase from January 7th 2025 directly from U-tec.com.
