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This smart lock never runs out of battery — because I shoot it with lasers

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Summary
Nutrition label

62% Informative

Wi-Charge’s AirCord technology uses infrared lasers to beam power from its R1 wireless power transmitters to a receiver within line of sight.

The company has Class 1 FDA approval for a laser product, which means it should be as safe to use as a DVD player.

The standard transmitter, which I tested with the door lock, can deliver 100mW to devices within 10mW.

DB2S has a touchscreen keypad, a keyway for unlocking, and the option of two RFID keyfobs.

It works over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (with a separate $ 60 bridge) to connect to Alfred ’s app for managing keycodes and controlling the lock.

An optional Z-Wave module allows it to connect with Ring Alarm and other platforms such as Samsung SmartThings .

Overall, it's a solid, albeit expensive, smart lock, but it's the Wi-Charge integration makes it noteworthy.

Wi-Charge's power management algorithms optimize the charging cycles, so it’s not constantly pulsing electricity; instead, it sends power only when needed.

It still feels like the dream of whole-home wireless power may be stymied by infrastructure.

The good news is that the transmitters are flexible, installation-wise. Along with the ceiling light option, you can also wall-mount it, install one in track lighting.

VR Score

57

Informative language

51

Neutral language

54

Article tone

informal

Language

English

Language complexity

42

Offensive language

not offensive

Hate speech

not hateful

Attention-grabbing headline

not detected

Known propaganda techniques

not detected

Time-value

long-living

External references

29

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