Wyze’s Palm Lock: Biometric Innovation for the Smart Home

In a significant advancement for smart home technology, Kirkland, Washington-based startup Wyze has introduced its new Palm Lock, a biometric door lock that uses the unique vein patterns in a user’s palm for secure access. Unveiled on September 16, 2025, this $129.98 device represents the next evolution in home security technology, moving beyond traditional keys and even fingerprint recognition to a more seamless biometric approach. The technology bears similarity to Amazon One’s contactless palm verification system, which isn’t surprising given Wyze’s founding in 2017 by former Amazon employees. The connection to Amazon was further strengthened when Melissa Kirmayer Eamer, who spent nearly two decades at Amazon including as vice president of its Devices division, joined Wyze as president and chief operating officer earlier in the summer.

The Palm Lock builds upon Wyze’s existing smart lock portfolio, which includes the fingerprint-enabled Lock Bolt. According to the company, palm biometrics offers superior speed and reliability compared to fingerprint verification. Security was clearly a primary concern in the design process, as the Palm Lock encrypts and stores all biometric data locally on the device itself, rather than in the Wyze app or cloud. This local storage approach provides users with additional peace of mind regarding their biometric information. Beyond palm recognition, the lock features an illuminated keypad that supports up to 50 unique access codes, allowing homeowners to grant temporary or scheduled access to guests without sharing their biometric data. Integration with Wyze video doorbells allows users to control the lock directly from their doorbell’s live view, adding another layer of convenience and security.

Smart home integration is another key aspect of the Palm Lock’s functionality. The device works seamlessly with popular voice assistants including Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, enabling users to lock, unlock, or check their door status through simple voice commands. For added security, voice-activated unlocking requires a PIN, preventing unauthorized access through voice commands alone. The lock also incorporates sophisticated sensors, including a gyroscope that detects the door’s movement and angle in real time. This enables an auto-locking feature that secures the door once it senses that it has fully closed, preventing false locks or jams that might leave a door unsecured unintentionally.

Privacy and security extend beyond the biometric features with several thoughtful additions. The lock includes “anti-peep technology” that allows users to enter random digits before or after their actual code, making it difficult for onlookers to memorize the sequence. If someone attempts to tamper with the lock through multiple incorrect unlock attempts, the device sounds an alarm and provides verbal alerts. Similarly, if a door is accidentally left ajar, the lock will emit a warning chirp. Power management is addressed through a dual battery system, with a removable lithium-ion battery providing up to six months of regular operation, complemented by a secondary backup battery that can power the lock for up to two weeks if needed. For those who prefer traditional methods or need a fallback option, the Palm Lock retains the ability to use a mechanical key by sliding down a cover to access the conventional lock.

Wyze has come a long way since its founding, transforming from a security camera manufacturer into a comprehensive smart home technology provider. The company now offers more than 70 different products across various smart home categories. Its growth has been supported by significant financial backing, including a substantial $110 million funding round in 2021. This expansion has established Wyze as a notable player in the tech startup ecosystem, currently ranking 12th on the GeekWire 200 list of top Pacific Northwest startups. The Palm Lock represents not just another product addition but a strategic move into more sophisticated biometric security solutions for the consumer market.

The introduction of the Palm Lock reflects broader trends in smart home technology, where convenience and security are increasingly merging through biometric solutions. By leveraging the unique vascular patterns beneath the skin of a user’s palm, Wyze has created a security solution that’s both highly secure and remarkably convenient—no more fumbling for keys or remembering complex codes. As homes become increasingly connected and automated, technologies like the Palm Lock suggest a future where physical keys might become obsolete, replaced by our own unique biological signatures. With this innovation, Wyze continues to demonstrate how former employees of tech giants can create nimble startups that drive meaningful innovation in consumer technology, making sophisticated security features more accessible to average homeowners at competitive price points.