Ring unveils first smart lock with a hand-crank backup for dead batteries

Ring, the smart home company owned by Amazon, has introduced its first smart lock, a device that includes a hand-crank mechanism designed to let users unlock their door even if the lock's battery has died.

Addressing a common smart lock concern

Battery failure has long been one of the most cited drawbacks of smart locks, with users occasionally finding themselves unable to enter their homes if a lock's power runs out unexpectedly. Ring's hand-crank backup is aimed directly at that concern, offering a manual way to operate the lock without needing to replace or recharge a battery on the spot.

The move marks Ring's expansion beyond its established lineup of video doorbells and security cameras into the physical access control space, placing it in competition with established smart lock makers.

Part of a broader smart home push

As Amazon continues to build out Ring's product line within its broader smart home ecosystem, the new lock is positioned to integrate with the company's existing suite of home security devices and app-based controls.

Pricing and availability details for the new lock were included as part of the launch, positioning it as Ring's entry point into a product category it had not previously competed in.