While prices for devices range widely, industry professionals indicate that dependable models generally begin around £200 to £250, with installation adding up to £210 for complex configurations. Prospective buyers should confirm compatibility with British door cylinders to avoid purchasing incompatible American-style units. Certification marks provide essential benchmarks for digital and physical robustness, but homeowners must obtain insurer approval to prevent policy voidance.
Key points
Homeowners should consult insurance providers prior to setup because policies often manda…: Homeowners should consult insurance providers prior to setup because policies often mandate specific locking mechanisms.
Many smart locks manufactured for the United States market are incompatible with standard…: Many smart locks manufactured for the United States market are incompatible with standard British door cylinders.
Quality smart lock models generally demand an initial hardware budget of at least £200 to…: Quality smart lock models generally demand an initial hardware budget of at least £200 to £250.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
As the nights draw in, thoughts turn to home security. A growing number of British homeowners are choosing to upgrade their front doors with tech-enabled “keyless” smart locks, which allow them to be opened by phone, fob, fingerprint or a number pad.
But you need to make sure you have the right lock for the door – and that your insurance isn’t invalidated by installing it.
What are they?
They allow you to get into your home without a key, instead using a code, a phone, a fingerprint, a voice assistant such as Siri or facial recognition to give you entry.
Some can be operated remotely via wifi so that if a tradesman calls to do work, you can let them in wherever you are. Many offer a combination of several options.
In South Korea, and some Scandinavian countries, they are becoming the norm, says Steffan George of the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA), a UK trade body. In the UK they are more common on offices, but interest is increasing.
The types vary in complexity. Some have the smart feature…
Developed by a California high school sophomore, the innovative assistive system Tonguage relies on standard laptop webcams to interpret facial gestures without requiring wearable sensors. The low-cost software empowers individuals with severe mobility impairments to independently operate digital interfaces and physical equipment. Her technological achievement earned her the premier international science fair scholarship presented by the engineering organization IEEE.
Computer engineer Thomas de Wolf designed the experimental mobile platform to creatively showcase the capabilities of motion-tracking outside his standard professional work. The system translates the swimming direction of a pet fish into mechanical steering signals for a motorized chassis. The underlying concept could eventually be adapted to assist individuals who live with mobility challenges.
Hosted jointly by HKNOG and HKIX in Hong Kong SAR, China, the nine-day regional summit convenes global internet leaders to explore operational trends. Attendees who pay before mid-November 2026 can lock in discounted entry for conference sessions and technical workshops. The gathering will span multiple venues to deliver in-person masterclasses, high-level partner meetings, and the concluding APNIC Annual General Meeting.