If you're like me, you use wireless smart lock because you live in an apartment or apartment building and cannot install wiring to the front door. And you know what a pain replacing a battery can be. I'll be lucky if I survive a few months before replacing the four AA batteries in my aging Eufy C30. So when I got the chance to take a look at the Lockin V7 Max here on CES 2026a smart lock that works wirelessly but doesn't need to be recharged, let's just say I was more than intrigued. I became even more interested when I learned that it does not rely on solar energy.
“AuraCharge does not require sunlight or manual charging and provides an endless power supply,” said Bill Chen, CEO of Lockin.
In addition to three biometric identification tools such as palm and vein scanning, you can also use the keyboard.
Optical wireless charging
The company calls its proprietary technology AuraCharge, or optical wireless charging. The V7 Max charges using a beam of light that wirelessly powers the smart lock from inside the door using a base station that relies on line-of-sight within a 4-meter radius. The base station must be plugged into an outlet, but can charge the smart lock almost continuously as long as it is not moved or locked.
The base station itself is not particularly large, about the size of a small speaker, so you can place it on an entry table or mount it. According to Lokin, the optical output is safe for the eyes and has double safety certification from TÜV Rheinland and SGS.
Lockin says the V7 Max is designed to ease battery concerns because, unlike disposable cells, lithium-ion batteries and solar-powered locks, it is not reliant on replacement or lighting and is not limited by battery life.
The V7 Max has a display on both sides, allowing you to view two-way video.
Designed as a slim 15mm mortise smart lock, the V7 Max has all the high-end features of Lockin. It has three types of biometric security: finger vein, palm vein, and 3D facial recognition. You can also use the keyboard and voice input. Lockin's AI allows you to customize the user experience for 10 core scenarios, including theft prevention, delivery detection and management, and video indexing for keyword searches.
It also functions as a video intercom with two HD cameras on both sides with panoramic views. There are also two 5-inch touchscreens inside and outside the lock, which supposedly show you people at the door and allow you to interact with couriers and other people. V7 Max supports Google, Apple, Amazon and Samsung smart home systems, as well as the Matter protocol.
The AuraCharge Station resembles a speaker and requires a 4-meter line of sight for wireless charging.
There is also a new model, the Veno Pro Wireless, an updated version of the deadbolt smart lock. Dowry forwhich will also use AuraCharge wireless charging if you want a more traditional smart lock look with a keypad, as well as new features like vein and palm detection. This should be a more affordable option and I would likely choose it if I got it as it works as a standard deadbolt replacement rather than a more complex installation like a mortise lock.
The new Veno Pro is a more standard deadbolt replacement and shouldn't cost as much as the V7, but still supports optical charging.
Finally, the company also produces the Aeon solar-powered smart lock, which uses perovskite solar technology, which Lokin claims has higher energy conversion efficiency than conventional solar panels. While it does depend on the availability of sunlight, Lockin says it can still charge using the light of an overcast sky, which could be very interesting for those who don't live in sunny California or Texas. I didn't get to see the model at CES Unveiled, but I expect to see it at their booth later this week.
The V7 Max has an attractive design, but is more difficult to install.
All three smart locks will be available for pre-order after CES and will begin shipping in early 2026. Amazon And Lockin.com. We don't have exact pricing yet, but the Lockin V7 Max could cost up to $1,300, making it a fairly expensive option as it's scheduled to release in late July or early August.
