Xiaomi has introduced a new smart lock in China, called the G500, for the entrance door of a house or apartment. It is not merely a lock in the old sense, but a small surveillance system as well, combining the work of a doorbell, a security camera and an electronic fastening in a single device. The makers claim that it may be opened in ten different ways. Among these are a facial recognition system based on structured light, and a fingerprint reader built into the body of the lock. There are also more ordinary methods, such as passwords, temporary codes, Bluetooth access and NFC support.
Built-in camera and smart alerts aim to reduce false alarms
A camera of 2.3 megapixels is fitted into the outer unit, with a viewing angle broad enough to take in most of the space before the door. Xiaomi says that the software has been trained to better distinguish human beings from wandering animals, and thus to reduce unnecessary alerts. The video feed may be seen on a screen attached to the inside portion of the lock, or else transmitted to a television or smart display connected to the home network. The device also works with HyperOS Connect, allowing it to be managed remotely through Xiaomi’s application and linked with other smart appliances in the house.
The lock carries a few other functions of the sort now expected in modern electronic devices. Xiaomi offers three days of free cloud storage for recorded footage. The locking mechanism also works with less noise than earlier models. This matters more than manufacturers often admit, especially in small flats where every sound travels through thin walls at night.
Battery life and pricing details for Xiaomi’s latest smart lock
Power comes from a 5,000 mAh battery pack together with four ordinary AA batteries. Xiaomi claims that the lock can continue running for as long as eight months before the batteries need replacement or charging. In China, the company sells the G500 for 2,799 yuan, which comes to roughly 413 dollars in American money. There is still no word on an official release in the United States. Yet Xiaomi products often arrive there by indirect means. Devices such as the Smart Camera C302 already appear through online sellers and import marketplaces like Amazon.
Final Words
Xiaomi’s new G500 smart lock is like the kind of device you’d find in a futuristic apartment, where the refrigerator knows what you’re eating and the curtains are voice-controlled. But the face recognition gimmicks and connected-home aspirations are all for a very mundane purpose: making people feel safer without making their doorways into building sites. Combining a lock with a security camera and a smart display into a single product, Xiaomi is once again doing something that looks like a lot of money but is accessible.
The long battery life and quieter locking system also demonstrates that the company has listened to the irritations of everyday use and not just been interested in the marketing hype. It is unclear if the G500 will go to global markets. However, if the past is any indication, it will likely be available online before it’s available at local shops for determined buyers.
