Building a smart home can be a complex endeavor. While some devices need to be integrated directly with your existing HomeKit hubs, others might require an additional hub to bridge the connection. To complicate matters further, even products from the same manufacturer might have differing hub requirements and utilize various connection methods. It quickly becomes apparent just how intricate and daunting the process can get.
Nuki, the renowned smart lock manufacturer, has significantly simplified the integration process of its devices into your HomeKit setup — all thanks to a groundbreaking feature called Thread.
Introducing the Matter-Compatible Smart Lock
Nuki’s Smart Locks now utilize Thread for connectivity, rather than relying on WiFi or Bluetooth. Nuki boasts that this new connection method is “more responsive than Bluetooth, and more stable and efficient than Wi-Fi.”
So, what does this mean for the average user? Simply put, a Thread-enabled device functions as its own router by using its independent wireless protocol. This allows the lock to connect seamlessly to any device that accepts this protocol, such as your HomePod or Apple TV. Previously, setting up Nuki’s lock required a dedicated Nuki hub to link with the main hub. However, this is no longer the case with Nuki’s fourth-generation locks, all of which support Thread connections — a feature not even the best HomeKit door locks currently offer.
For those interested in the Smart Lock Pro, the price remains straightforward at 285 Euros/$307. However, if you own or plan to purchase the standard smart lock, an additional “Remote Access via Thread” feature is available in the Nuki App for 49 Euros/$52, on top of the 169 Euros/$180 base price. All Nuki products are also Matter-compatible, which expands their usability across a wide array of smart home platforms, including HomeKit, SmartThings, Alexa, and more. For additional details and purchasing options, you can visit the Nuki website.
