Introduction

The landscape of smart home technology is evolving rapidly, and Nuki, a leading European smart lock manufacturer, is set to make waves once again. They've just unveiled the fifth generation of their smart lock—the Nuki Smart Lock Ultra. This compact version is a game changer, boasting a size that is one-third of the original model, yet packed with enhanced features such as a state-of-the-art brushless motor that allows the lock to operate faster than ever before. With an impressive promised battery life of at least six months, this small device is already garnering attention.

Pricing and Availability

The Nuki Smart Lock Ultra, priced at €349, is set for release in Europe this December and marks Nuki's first venture into full-replacement door locks. Unlike previous models that could be retrofitted onto existing locks—allowing users to keep using their traditional keys—this new version necessitates a complete replacement of the cylinder and includes three new keys. However, smart home enthusiasts in the US can look forward to a model next year that will offer retrofit functionality, making it simpler to install and compatible with existing door setups.

Key Features

One of the standout features of the Nuki Ultra is its remarkable speed. Thanks to an innovative built-in battery eliminating the need for a cumbersome battery compartment, this lock can lock or unlock in under 1.5 seconds, making it one of the fastest on the market. For context, many smart locks typically take between two to five seconds to operate.

Stix emphasizes that this impressive speed is a result of the new brushless motor technology, which is inspired by the high-performance motors commonly found in electric vehicles. This advanced technology ensures quick and reliable operation, setting a new benchmark for smart locks.

Control Options and Connectivity

The Nuki Smart Lock Ultra offers a multitude of control options including traditional keys, geo-fenced auto-unlock features, and compatibility with smart home platforms. Users can control the lock through the Nuki mobile app on smartphones or smartwatches, as well as integrate it with existing Nuki accessories such as a key fob and an optional Bluetooth keypad.

In addition, the Ultra supports various connectivity options like Wi-Fi, Matter-over-Thread, and Bluetooth, making it compatible with major smart home ecosystems, including Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings. However, the existing keypad accessory does not currently support Apple’s Home Key function, which would allow seamless unlocking via NFC. Nuki has plans to support the upcoming Aliro standard, which is anticipated to include similar capabilities.

Battery Life and Charging

An innovative aspect of the Nuki Ultra is its built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, eliminating the need for an additional bridge device. With the new battery technology, users can expect battery life up to six months, although performance may vary depending on the chosen connectivity option. While it does require charging on the door, which may be inconvenient, Nuki provides a two-meter magnetic power cable to facilitate easier charging.

Conclusion

Preorders for the Smart Lock Ultra are currently available at Nuki.io for €349, with shipping slated for December. As smart home enthusiasts eagerly await this new gadget, one question remains: Is this tiny smart lock really as groundbreaking as it claims, or is it just hype? Stay tuned for a deeper dive into the features and real-world performance of the Nuki Smart Lock Ultra as it hits the shelves!