Aqara has launched its first smart cam lock, the U300, which we saw at CES earlier this year. Available in black or silver for $229.99 on Amazon, the U300 is one of the first smart cam locks to support Matter over Thread and Apple Home Key.
You can unlock these doors via the Aqara app or Matter apps like Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home, but Aqara also offers a variety of other access options, including the built-in fingerprint reader, keypad, or physical keys. With Apple Home Key support, you can simply tap your iPhone or Apple Watch to enter, even if the battery is low.
Cam locks are typically found on garage doors, side entrances, and home offices. The Verge's Smart home reviewer Jennifer Tuohy is still testing the U300, but so far she's found it incredibly easy to unlock. One reason for this is that the fingerprint reader is located in the handle. So all you have to do is touch it as usual and it will automatically unlock.
Other notable features include weatherproofing and an IPX4 rating, allowing you to install the smart lock on interior and exterior doors. Aqara also promises a battery life of up to 10 months. There is also a USB-C emergency port.
The U300 Cam Lock is available now from Amazon in North America. Availability will soon expand to other retailers in South America, Southeast Asia and Oceania.