Ultraloq Smart Lock Now Unlocks with Android Tap-to-Open
▼ Summary
– The Ultraloq Bolt NFC smart lock now supports NFC tap-to-unlock with compatible Android phones via a free software upgrade.
– This update makes it one of the first locks to offer tap-to-unlock functionality across both iOS and Android without requiring the phone to be unlocked or apps to be open.
– The upgrade is available through the U Home app in the Google Play Store and works with an estimated 99 percent of NFC-enabled Android smartphones.
– NFC unlocking works by setting the U Home app as the phone’s NFC handler, allowing it to run in the background and authenticate with a simple tap.
– While NFC unlocking is common for iPhone users on smart locks, Android options have been limited, and an upcoming universal standard called Aliro has not yet launched.
The Ultraloq Bolt NFC smart lock has just received a significant free update, extending its tap-to-unlock capabilities to compatible Android smartphones. This enhancement means users can now open their doors with a simple tap using either an iPhone or an Android device, making it one of the very few smart locks to offer such broad cross-platform functionality. No need to unlock the phone or open any app, just bring the device close to the lock.
Available through a complimentary software upgrade in the U Home app on the Google Play Store, this new feature relies on near-field communication (NFC) technology. According to Xthings, Ultraloq’s parent company, the system uses Android’s default NFC handling to enable what they describe as an “out of the pocket” experience. You don’t need to wake the screen, open an app, or even unlock the phone, just a quick tap does the trick. The company estimates that nearly all NFC-enabled Android phones currently available will support this feature.
How does it work? The U Home app acts as the phone’s NFC handler, running quietly in the background. When you tap your phone against the lock, the Android system recognizes the action and wakes the U Home app just long enough to verify your credentials. This streamlined process ensures both speed and security.
NFC unlocking requires both the lock and the phone to support NFC, much like contactless payment systems. While iPhone users have enjoyed similar convenience through Apple’s Home Key for some time, Android options have been more limited, often requiring additional hardware like key fobs or tags. A forthcoming standard called Aliro promises to make NFC unlocking universal across all devices, but it hasn’t yet launched. For now, Ultraloq’s update offers a practical and widely accessible solution for Android users looking for keyless entry.
(Source: The Verge)
