Ring, the Amazon-owned video doorbell maker, is entering the smart lock market with a device designed to remove the biggest worry: getting locked out when the battery dies. Both TechCrunch and Engadget report that the lock has a hand crank on the front; turning it a few times generates enough power to run the lock for about 30 seconds, enough time to use the fingerprint reader, keypad, Ring app, or Alexa.
Founder Jamie Siminoff said the idea came from his own experience with a vacation home, where a dead battery was a real concern. The built-in battery lasts about a year and alerts users through the Ring app when it needs charging. Engadget adds that the lock will cost $249 and uses a supercapacitor to generate roughly three volts, while TechCrunch notes that the device still needs FCC authorization and that Ring eventually wants to let third-party developers build apps for uses like Airbnb access.
The sources agree on the core features: the lock fits a standard single-cylinder deadbolt, requires no additional wiring, and comes in black, silver, or brass, with availability in the first quarter of 2027. Engadget provides more technical and pricing detail, while TechCrunch emphasizes the company's broader plans. Both also report that Ring introduced four new 4K cameras alongside the lock, with Engadget adding a pan-tilt indoor model. The two outlets are consistent on the product's purpose and main specifications, differing mainly in the level of extra detail.