The functionality is currently available in public preview via the Google Home app ahead of a wider rollout scheduled in the coming weeks. A single digital credential can manage multiple compatible entry points, allowing all members of a shared household to carry individual keys. Users must connect through a Matter-enabled Google Hub equipped with a Thread Border Router to maintain the system. Smartwatches powered by Wear OS are not compatible with this access feature at launch.
Key points
Household members linked to a shared Google Home account can maintain individual digital…: Household members linked to a shared Google Home account can maintain individual digital keys on their own phones.
Operating the smart locks requires a Matter-enabled Google Hub that features an integrate…: Operating the smart locks requires a Matter-enabled Google Hub that features an integrated Thread Border Router.
The open smart lock standard Aliro enables both contact-based NFC and hands-free UWB acce…: The open smart lock standard Aliro enables both contact-based NFC and hands-free UWB access methods.
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Google has added digital home key support to Google Wallet, allowing Android users to open smart locks by tapping their phone against them or simply approaching. The feature is currently available in public preview for the Google Home app, and will roll out to everyone “over the coming weeks,” according to Google’s announcement.
Google Wallet can finally unlock doors with digital home keys
Android users can add digital keys for compatible smart locks in Google Home to their Wallet app.
Android users can add digital keys for compatible smart locks in Google Home to their Wallet app.
This was a long time coming, given Samsung and Apple users have had this convenience for a while now. While Google Home already has some unlocking functionality, this update allows users to leverage the Near Field Communication (NFC) and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) tech in their phones with compatible smart locks. Multiple locks can be controlled via Google Wallet using a single digital home key. All household members linked to the same Google Home account can also add their own key to their personal Google…
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