Aqara releases smart lock U200 Lite for European households

Aqara, a well-known brand for making Matter gadgets, has launched its new Smart Lock U200 Lite. The product is aimed at households across Europe seeking an affordable upgrade to their home security and access systems. The company states that this retrofit device is designed for easy installation and works with most Euro mortise locks, making it suitable for homeowners and renters who want to avoid extensive modifications.

A flexible lock addition

A defining feature of the U200 Lite is its native support for the Matter standard via the Thread protocol. This means it can connect with a wide range of smart home platforms – including Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home, Home Assistant, and SmartThings – without the need for an Aqara hub. It can be linked with other smart devices in the home, such as doorbells, cameras, and sensors, to build custom security setups locally.

The U200 Lite offers multiple ways to unlock the door. Users can open it with the Aqara Home app, other Matter-enabled apps, or voice assistants like Siri and Alexa. An included NFC sticker card lets residents unlock simply by tapping their phone. Remote control is also possible, allowing homeowners to let in visitors when they’re not home. These features, along with real-time alerts and activity logs, are available without additional subscription fees.

Aqara highlights the lock’s battery life, citing up to six months per charge from its rechargeable battery. The product also includes safety features such as automatic locking, a built-in gyroscope that alerts if the door is left open, and Quiet Mode for less noise during operation. Features like Pull Spring and manual locking/unlocking are also available via the app. 

Will Aliro come to Aqara locks?

As Matter-compatible locks gain popularity, a new standard called Aliro is set to launch soon. Aliro is designed as a universal solution for home access, utilizing technologies such as Bluetooth, ultra-wideband (UWB), and near field communication (NFC). The new tech would be a plus on top of Matter smart lock with more in-depth integration with smartphones.

According to documents from the Connectivity Standards Alliance, “Aliro specifies the secure use of your mobile phone or wearable device in place of a key during entry, while Matter defines how connected products communicate with each other.”

In a statement Aqara sent to Matter Alpha, the firm is planning to bring Aliro into some of Aqara‘s future smart locks, once Aliro is ready. Aqara has been doing early testing with industry partners, Aqara added.

The Smart Lock U200 Lite is now on sale at Aqara’s website, authorized retailers, and Amazon across several European countries including France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, and the UK, priced at £127.99 ($173.51 USD).

(Source: Aqara, CSA)