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Talk to the Hand: Is Philips' Palm-Reading Smart Lock the Future?

Could palm recognition be the faster, easier replacement for smart lock thumbprints? Philips is betting yes.

Tyler Lacoma Editor / Home Security
For more than 10 years Tyler has used his experience in smart home tech to craft how-to guides, explainers, and recommendations for technology of all kinds. From using his home in beautiful Bend, OR as a testing zone for the latest security products to digging into the nuts and bolts of the best data privacy guidelines, Tyler has experience in all aspects of protecting your home and belongings. With a BA in Writing from George Fox and certification in Technical Writing from Oregon State University, he's ready to get you the details you need to make the best decisions for your home. On off hours, you can find Tyler exploring the Cascade trails, finding the latest brew in town with some friends, or trying a new recipe in the kitchen!
Expertise Smart home | Smart security | Home tech | Energy savings | A/V
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Tyler Lacoma
2 min read
A person holds their palm in front of a Philips smart lock on a blue door.

Palm recognition technology could be a friendlier alternative for front door smart locks.

 Philips

Smart home brand Philips, known for its Hue light bulbs, has launched a new kind of smart lock we first glimpsed at CES this year: A door designed to read your palm.

The Philips 5000 Series Smart deadbolt prepares to hit Amazon ASAP for $360, a compact deadbolt replacement with a keypad, hefty doorbell and a small scanner to read the lines of your outstretched hand. Instead of telling your fortune, it'll pop open the door for logged users.

See Philips' palm smart lock here

Many smart locks sport fingerprint readers, including the Aqara U100, so why use a palm scan? Palm "prints" are just as unique as fingerprints, and the Philips lock is touchless, so you won't be trading finger germs with all the people who use the scanner that day. Also, it's easier than trying to find a small thumbprint scanner in the dark.

We haven't tested palm recognition yet -- because smart locks don't really have it. Is it really going to be easier or faster than fingerprint technology? We can't wait to find out.

A woman opens a blue door equipped with a Philips smart lock.

Philips is releasing a retrofit lock and video doorbell in addition to its palm-reading technology. 
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The 5000 Series lock is made to be DIY-installable and works via the Philips Home Access app. Settings include both away and privacy mode options and an auto-lock option. It also works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The model includes its own chime too.

We'll let you know what we think about the palm-recognition Philips 5000 lock when we're finished with testing. The latest Philips product launch also includes a new 3000 Series retrofit with an outdoor keypad if you'd like to keep your old deadbolt ($260), and a 7000 Series video doorbell with 2K resolution ($230). Now that your appetite is whetted, check out our list of the best smart locks.