Eufy, Anker's smart home arm, has announced its first smart lock that uses palm vein recognition to unlock your door. The $399 FamiLock S3 Max is a video doorbell with a 2K-capable camera and an interior screen that shows a live video feed through the door lock.

The FamiLock S3 Max is a significant addition to the smart lock market, which is expected to see significant growth in 2025. The lock's palm vein recognition feature is a new biometric method that joins fingerprint unlock and facial recognition as alternative ways to access homes. Research has shown that palm vein recognition is more accurate and secure than fingerprint readers, as it works by recognizing the flow of blood through veins.

The practical applications of palm unlock are numerous. For families with younger kids or older adults, palm unlock can be a more convenient and reliable option than fingerprint readers, which can be finicky. Additionally, palm unlock requires less precision than hitting a small fingerprint reader, making it a more accessible option for those with dexterity issues.

The FamiLock S3 Max supports up to 50 different palm prints, which are stored locally on the device. Users can also unlock the door using a keycode on the touchscreen keypad, the Eufy app, or a physical key. The lock has a 15,000mAh removable rechargeable lithium battery, which provides between six and 12 months of battery life, depending on usage.

The 2K camera on the FamiLock S3 Max has a 150-degree vertical and 180-degree diagonal field of view, providing a head-to-toe perspective of the porch. With 8GB of onboard storage, users can view recorded footage without a required subscription. The camera can connect to Eufy's hub, the HomeBase 3, for smart alerts, facial recognition, and increased local storage, and works with Amazon Alexa and Google Home smart displays.

Notably, Eufy has faced security and privacy incidents in the past, including a major incident in 2022. However, the company has since published a new set of privacy commitments on its website and has worked with cybersecurity experts to address these issues.

The FamiLock S3 Max's screen shows a live feed on the door lock, allowing users to see who is at the door before opening it. This "digital peephole" feature can be particularly useful for family members who do not have access to the app, such as children or babysitters. The lock will be available on March 17 for $399 on Amazon and Eufy's online store, with existing Eufy customers eligible for a $70 discount on pre-orders.

In comparison, Lockly's Vision Prestige smart lock, which uses facial recognition to unlock, will launch in Q4 for $499. Eufy's FamiLock S3 Max offers a more affordable option with similar features, making it an attractive option for those looking to upgrade their home security.

Overall, the Eufy FamiLock S3 Max represents a significant step forward in smart lock technology, offering a convenient, secure, and integrated solution for homeowners. As the smart lock market continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how Eufy's latest offering fares in the competitive landscape.