ZDNET's key takeaways As part of its Zeno Series, Lockly's Visage smart lock is available now for $349.
The Lockly Visage comes with facial ID support, automatic unlocking when you're near, and Apple Home Kit compatibility.
The Lockly app can be more user-friendly, as it's difficult to find certain settings, and it's pricier than most locks. $349 at Amazon $349.99 at Best Buy more buying choices
I've always been drawn to Lockly because of its PIN Genie technology -- a system that displays a unique rotating keypad layout that changes the number of positions each time you use it.
This helps prevent intruders from guessing your code by watching your hand movements or the smudge patterns on your lock.
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Lockly has since upgraded its lineup with the Lockly Visage, alongside Zeno Series companions, the Lockly Vision, Lockly Secure Pro Zeno, and Lockly PIN Genie Pro Zeno. All the latest Zeno Series locks have unique features: the Visage supports facial biometric ID, the Vision has an integrated 2K resolution video doorbell, the new-generation Secure Pro features a sleeker look, and the PIN Genie is a more affordable alternative with Home Key support.
As I've used the Lockly Visage, my primary focus has been on its standout feature: the ability to unlock via facial recognition. Many of us use facial IDs on our smartphones, tablets, and other devices, so having it on a smart lock sounds like a reasonable next step. That said, I still felt slightly uneasy about my door unlocking just by getting a glimpse of my face.
I wondered how the lock could use my facial biometric data and how easy it would be to unlock my door with a photo, for example. This would be a security nightmare, not only when you consider intruders but also in domestic violence and stalking situations, where the perpetrator would already have access to many photos of a potential victim.
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