Chinese tech firm TCL Technology has cemented its home security line with an upgraded D2 Pro offering, now incorporating Matter-over-Thread. In addition, the smart lock has local control options, and a contactless palm-scanning system, based on vein recognition.
Priced at $199.99, the new lock brings broader ecosystem compatibility to the D2 Pro lineup, though it skips out on the upcoming Apple-backed Aliro standard for credential management.
TCL D2 Pro has Matter, but no Aliro
While the TCL D2 Pro has been around for a few months, it was previously without Matter-over-Thread. This upgrade allows the lock to integrate with major platforms like Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Samsung SmartThings.
However, if you’re looking for the latest in smart lock security, you will note that the TCL D2 Pro lacks Aliro support. While Matter handles basic smart home integrations, automations, and remote locking or unlocking, Aliro is required for native smartphone wallet credentials and advanced keyless access validation.
Instead, the device relies on local control and Palm Vein Recognition for unlocking doors.
What is Palm Vein Recognition technology?
You may be familiar with panels that you press your palm to. The TCL D2 Pro has something similar, TCL’s proprietary Palm Vein Recognition system. It uses infrared light to map the unique vascular patterns beneath the skin—the veins—and in just 0.3 seconds allows registered users to unlock their front door with a simple wave of the hand. 50 palm profiles can be stored, with a 99.999% recognition rate. it is designed to recognize real palms only, rather than photos or videos, or replicas.
By taking this contactless approach, TCL bypasses the need for PIN codes or physical keys, while the biometric data is stored securely and locally on the lock itself. It also handles unusual conditions; TCL designed the optical sensor to function reliably across various environments, from bright sunlight to total darkness, and even with wet or dirty, old, or young hands. It also supports card, voice, app, PIN, and physical key locking and unlocking.
In addition, the TCL D2 Pro has a dedicated Local Mode. This lets you disable Wi-Fi entirely while maintaining local operations, useful if you are uncomfortable with cloud integrations or simply don’t want to rely on external connectivity. Administrative tasks can be managed locally via a direct Bluetooth connection through the TCL Home app.
The TCL D2 Pro Matter-over-Thread model is available to order direct from the TCL website or from Amazon now.
