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ULTRALOQ SMART LOCKS MATTER AND Z-WAVE AT CES 2026 PLUS BIOMETRIC UPDATES

ULTRALOQ Smart Locks: Matter & Z-Wave at CES 2026, Plus Biometric Updates

Xthings Unveils the Smart Access Philosophy at CES 2026

At CES 2026, the landscape of residential security and home automation underwent a paradigm shift. Xthings, the parent company behind the renowned ULTRALOQ brand, utilized the global stage to dismantle the traditional concept of the “smart lock.” Historically, smart locks have served as digital replacements for mechanical keys, often requiring deliberate user actions—tapping a phone, scanning a fingerprint, or entering a code. Xthings proposes a radical departure from this model with the introduction of the Smart Access philosophy. This new direction focuses on passive entry and proximity recognition, aiming to make the act of unlocking a door completely invisible and frictionless.

The core of the Smart Access philosophy is the transition from active authentication to passive recognition. Rather than requiring the user to stop and interact with a device, Xthings leverages advanced connectivity protocols and biometric sensing to identify the homeowner as they approach the threshold. The technology is designed to anticipate the user’s intent, unlocking the door before the user even reaches for the handle. This evolution represents a significant leap forward in home automation, moving beyond simple remote control to an intelligent ecosystem that adapts to human behavior.

The announcements at CES 2026 centered on three pivotal pillars: the integration of the Matter standard, the robust reliability of Z-Wave technology, and significant advancements in biometric updates. These pillars support Xthings’ vision of a lock that is not just connected, but truly context-aware. By combining the interoperability of Matter with the low-power mesh networking of Z-Wave, and enhancing them with cutting-edge biometric sensors, ULTRALOQ is positioning itself at the forefront of the next generation of smart home security.

Matter Integration: The Universal Language of Smart Homes

One of the most critical barriers in the smart home industry has been fragmentation. Consumers have historically been locked into specific ecosystems—Apple HomeKit, Google Home, or Amazon Alexa—often unable to mix and match devices from different manufacturers. With the Matter protocol, Xthings is addressing this issue head-on with the new ULTRALOQ line.

Seamless Ecosystem Interoperability

The implementation of Matter in ULTRALOQ smart locks ensures that the device works natively with all major smart home platforms. This is not merely a software update; it is a fundamental re-architecture of how the lock communicates. Matter operates over Thread and Wi-Fi, creating a local network that does not rely on cloud connectivity for core functions. This local control means that unlocking the door happens instantly, regardless of internet outages. For the user, this translates to a unified experience where the lock appears immediately in the Apple Home app, Google Home, or Amazon Alexa interface without complex bridging or third-party hubs.

Enhanced Security via Local Processing

Matter prioritizes security at the protocol level. By utilizing a distributed compliance ledger and encrypted communication channels, ULTRALOQ locks ensure that access credentials remain secure. At CES 2026, Xthings demonstrated how their Matter implementation allows for temporary digital keys to be shared with guests via the native home app. These keys are encrypted and can be revoked instantly. Furthermore, the Matter standard mandates rigorous device authentication, preventing unauthorized devices from joining the network. This robust security framework is essential for a device that controls physical access to a home.

Simplified Setup and Commissioning

The setup process for smart locks has historically been a friction point for consumers. Matter streamlines this significantly. The new ULTRALOQ devices utilize a QR-code-based commissioning process that pairs the lock with the home network in minutes. This ease of setup is crucial for mass adoption. We observed at CES 2026 that the Matter integration eliminates the need for proprietary apps for basic functionality, allowing users to manage their entire home security setup from a single, trusted interface.

Z-Wave Protocol: Reliability for Professional Integration

While Matter represents the future of consumer-friendly interoperability, Z-Wave remains the gold standard for reliability in professional smart home installations and security systems. Xthings recognizes that a significant portion of the market—particularly those using professional monitoring or advanced home security systems—requires the stability that only Z-Wave can provide.

Low-Frequency Mesh Networking

Z-Wave operates on a lower frequency (sub-1GHz) compared to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. This characteristic allows Z-Wave signals to penetrate walls and floors more effectively, ensuring that the lock maintains a solid connection to the hub even in large or structurally complex homes. The Z-Wave protocol utilizes a mesh network topology, where each Z-Wave device acts as a repeater, extending the range of the network. In the context of the new ULTRALOQ locks, this ensures that the lock can communicate with the central hub even if it is located far from the router.

S7 Security and Long Battery Life

The integration of Z-Wave at CES 2026 comes with the latest Z-Wave Long Range and S7 security features. Z-Wave S7 offers military-grade encryption and authentication, providing a secure tunnel for data transmission. This is vital for preventing hacking attempts on physical entry points. Additionally, Z-Wave is inherently power-efficient. Unlike Wi-Fi, which can drain battery life quickly, Z-Wave allows ULTRALOQ locks to operate for months on a single charge or set of batteries. This efficiency is a cornerstone of the Smart Access philosophy—a lock that requires constant battery changes introduces friction and disrupts the user experience.

Professional Monitoring and Alarm Systems

For users who integrate their smart locks with professional security systems (such as ADT or local monitoring services), Z-Wave is often a requirement. The new ULTRALOQ locks act as a node within the broader security ecosystem. They can trigger alarm states when unlocked at unauthorized times or report status changes to monitoring centers. The Z-Wave integration ensures that these communications are prioritized and reliable, distinct from the consumer-grade traffic on a Wi-Fi network.

Biometric Updates: The Evolution of Passive Entry

The most groundbreaking aspect of the CES 2026 announcements is the advancement in biometric technology. Xthings is moving beyond the standard capacitive fingerprint scanner to a multi-modal biometric system designed for passive entry.

3D Facial Recognition and Gait Analysis

The new ULTRALOQ locks utilize advanced 3D facial recognition sensors. Unlike 2D photo-based systems, these sensors use depth mapping to create a three-dimensional model of the user’s face, making them impervious to spoofing with photographs or masks. However, the innovation lies in how this technology is applied. Instead of requiring the user to pose in front of the camera, the sensors activate upon detecting motion within a specific radius. The system combines facial recognition with gait analysis—the unique way an individual walks. By correlating these data points, the lock can confirm identity with high accuracy as the user approaches, unlocking the door before they reach the threshold.

Multi-Modal Biometric Fusion

At the heart of the biometric updates is a fusion algorithm that processes data from multiple sensors simultaneously. The lock analyzes facial features, the angle of approach, and even thermal signatures in some models to verify identity. This multi-modal biometric fusion significantly reduces false negatives (failing to recognize an authorized user) and false positives (unlocking for a stranger). For families, the system can recognize different users and potentially adjust other home settings—such as lighting or thermostat—based on who is entering.

Edge Computing for Privacy

Privacy is a paramount concern with biometric data. Xthings emphasized at CES 2026 that all biometric processing for the Smart Access line occurs locally on the device (edge computing). No facial data or fingerprint templates are uploaded to the cloud. The biometric templates are encrypted and stored in a secure enclave within the lock’s hardware. This architecture ensures that even if the home network is compromised, the user’s sensitive biometric data remains inaccessible. This commitment to privacy is a critical differentiator in the crowded smart lock market.

Design and Hardware: Unifying Technology and Aesthetics

Technological advancements are meaningless without hardware that delivers them reliably. The new ULTRALOQ devices showcased at CES 2026 reflect a sleek, minimalist aesthetic that hides their complexity.

Exterior Assembly and Sensor Placement

The exterior assembly of the new locks is designed to house the biometric sensors unobtrusively. The 3D facial recognition cameras are integrated into a slim profile that blends with the door. The keypad, if present, features a capacitive touch surface that illuminates only when needed. This approach aligns with the Smart Access philosophy—technology is present but not dominant. The hardware is rated for extreme weather conditions, ensuring that the sensors function reliably in rain, snow, and direct sunlight.

Interior Mechanism and Motor Strength

On the interior side, the lock features a reinforced motor mechanism capable of deadbolt movement in under 0.5 seconds. Speed is essential for passive entry; the door must be unlocked precisely when the user arrives. The motor is silent, eliminating the mechanical noise often associated with smart locks. This silent operation contributes to the “invisible” nature of the user experience. The hardware is built on a modular design, allowing for firmware upgrades and potential hardware expansions without replacing the entire unit.

Connectivity Module Architecture

To accommodate both Matter and Z-Wave, the hardware utilizes a modular connectivity architecture. Depending on the user’s needs, the lock can be paired with a Matter/Thread module or a Z-Wave module (or both, depending on the specific model configuration). This flexibility ensures that the lock is future-proof. As smart home standards evolve, users can swap connectivity modules rather than replacing the entire lock. This modular approach is both cost-effective and environmentally sustainable.

The User Experience: A Day with Smart Access

To fully appreciate the implications of the CES 2026 announcements, it is helpful to visualize the daily user experience enabled by the Smart Access philosophy.

The Morning Departure

As the homeowner leaves, the lock detects the door closing and engages the deadbolt automatically. There is no need to manually lock the door. If the lock detects the door hasn’t closed fully, it alerts the user via their connected device. The system enters “Away Mode,” arming the perimeter sensors (if equipped) and preparing for remote monitoring.

The Return Home

This is where the passive entry technology shines. As the homeowner drives into the driveway or approaches the door, the lock’s sensors detect motion and approach vector. The 3D facial recognition and gait analysis algorithms verify the identity. The deadbolt retracts silently before the user places their hand on the door handle. The entry is seamless. The lighting system can simultaneously brighten the foyer, and the smart thermostat can adjust to the “Home” setting. All of this happens without the user stopping to unlock a phone or search for keys.

Guest Access and Management

For guests, the experience is equally streamlined. A homeowner can send a Matter-based digital key or a temporary Z-Wave code to a guest’s smartphone. When the guest approaches, the lock recognizes the authorized device (via Bluetooth or Thread) and grants access. For delivery personnel, a one-time code can be generated that is valid only for a specific time window. This level of granular control over access permissions is a hallmark of the new ULTRALOQ ecosystem.

Technical Specifications and Compatibility

We have compiled the key technical specifications announced at CES 2026 to provide a clear overview of the capabilities.

Connectivity Protocols

Biometric Sensors

Power and Battery

Security Standards

Comparing the Protocols: Which is Right for You?

With the introduction of both Matter and Z-Wave, consumers face a choice between two robust protocols. Understanding their distinct advantages helps in selecting the right configuration.

Matter and Thread: For the Ecosystem Enthusiast

Matter is ideal for users deeply invested in consumer ecosystems like Apple Home or Google Home. It offers the simplest user interface and the best cross-platform compatibility. Thread provides a self-healing mesh network that is fast and responsive. If you prioritize ease of use, voice control via assistants, and integration with other Matter devices (like lights and sensors), the Matter configuration is superior. It is designed for the modern smart home user who wants everything controlled through a single, intuitive app.

Z-Wave: For the Security Purist

Z-Wave remains the superior choice for users who prioritize security and reliability over broad ecosystem integration. If you use a professional home security system or a dedicated home automation hub (like Hubitat or SmartThings with a Z-Wave radio), Z-Wave offers unmatched stability. Its lower frequency avoids interference with Wi-Fi, and its mesh network is incredibly resilient. For users who require professional monitoring or complex automation logic that must run locally without cloud dependency, Z-Wave is the gold standard.

The Future of Home Access: Xthings’ Roadmap

The announcements at CES 2026 are just the beginning of Xthings’ Smart Access roadmap. The company has outlined a vision where the lock serves as the central authentication node for the entire home.

Expansion of Biometric Capabilities

Future updates are expected to include voice recognition and iris scanning to further enhance passive entry capabilities. The goal is to create a multi-layered identity verification system that is virtually impossible to bypass. Xthings is also exploring behavioral biometrics, analyzing how a user interacts with the door handle to add an additional layer of verification.

Integration with Vehicle-to-Home (V2H)

Xthings is actively working on standards that allow the smart lock to communicate directly with vehicles. As cars become smarter, the Smart Access philosophy extends to the garage and front door. A vehicle arriving in the driveway could trigger the door to unlock, the garage to open, and the lights to turn on, all without the user touching a device. This seamless transition between transportation and home is the ultimate expression of the Smart Access vision.

Energy Management and Sustainability

The new locks are designed to be energy-efficient, aligning with global sustainability goals. The low power consumption of Z-Wave and Thread protocols extends battery life, reducing waste. Xthings is also introducing a battery recycling program for used cells. Furthermore, the lock’s sensors can contribute to energy management by detecting occupancy, allowing the HVAC system to enter “Eco Mode” when the house is empty.

Conclusion: Redefining the Threshold

At CES 2026, Xthings did not merely launch new smart locks; they launched a new philosophy of entry. By combining the interoperability of Matter, the reliability of Z-Wave, and the sophistication of next-generation biometric updates, ULTRALOQ has created a product ecosystem that transcends the traditional lock.

The Smart Access philosophy removes the friction from entering the home. It transforms the door from a barrier into a welcoming interface that recognizes, anticipates, and responds. As we look toward a future where homes are increasingly intelligent, the ability to enter seamlessly and securely becomes paramount. The new ULTRALOQ lineup represents the pinnacle of this technology, offering a glimpse into a world where keys are obsolete, and access is simply a matter of being.

We believe that these advancements will set a new benchmark for the industry. The integration of Matter and Z-Wave in a single product line provides consumers with unprecedented choice and flexibility. Meanwhile, the passive entry capabilities powered by advanced biometrics offer a user experience that is truly futuristic. As these devices become available, they will undoubtedly reshape how we think about security, convenience, and the very threshold of our homes.

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