A couple of years ago, Samsung unveiled its first UWB (Ultra-Wideband)-equipped smartphones. The company also revealed plans to make those smartphones compatible with UWB-based smart door locks and digital car keys. Today, the world's first UWB-based smart door lock has been launched by Zigbang, which is compatible with Samsung Wallet.
Samsung collaborated with Zigbang to bring the first UWB-equipped smart door lock. Those with a UWB-equipped Galaxy smartphone and the Samsung Wallet app can enter and exit a home with Zigbang's new door lock. Unlike smart door locks that require NFC, this door lock doesn't need to be tapped with the smartphone. Moreover, with the Zigbang app, registered family members can know who is entering and exiting the home.
The new smart door lock is also compatible with Samsung's Find My Device network, so when a smartphone is lost, the user can simply log into the Find My Device website and delete the digital key for Zigbang's door lock. Samsung said it would collaborate with more brands to bring UWB-based smart home devices.
The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, Galaxy S21 Ultra, Galaxy S22+, Galaxy S22 Ultra, and Galaxy Z Fold 4 are compatible with UWB. Similar to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, UWB uses radio waves for wireless connectivity. However, it uses high-frequency bands, offering accurate location (within centimeters) and direction of compatible devices.