The Matter-over-Thread smart lock by Yale offers “seamless integration” with Google Home, while also being compatible with Apple Home and Amazon Alexa. This new offering enters the market amid rising device prices, largely attributed to tariff impacts.
The launch of the Yale Smart Lock with Matter is set for June 24, 2025, at the price of $189.99. This price point marks a $20 increase from its initial announcement earlier in March.
Yale’s advantageous position comes with its new smart lock designed primarily for integration with Google Home and its Matter protocol. The device promises to work with various smart home ecosystems, including Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, and Home Assistant, due to its Matter-over-Thread connectivity.
Catelyn Herman, a senior product manager at Yale, has noted that the increased pricing is a direct result of rising tariff and manufacturing costs. All core features of the smart lock remain unchanged from the initial announcement, including the discontinuation of the previous collaboration with Google, the Nest x Yale lock.
This innovative smart lock is offered in white, black, and gray, set to be available in the fall. The lock design boasts a year-long battery life using four AA batteries, facilitated by its Matter-over-Thread connectivity, which is expected to enhance response speeds relative to traditional Wi-Fi or Bluetooth locks.
Users can expect several control options, such as inputting codes via a backlit push-button keypad or unlocking with a key. The smart lock also supports remote locking and unlocking through the Google Home app, in addition to voice command features via Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Apple’s Siri.
However, contrary to the previous Nest x Yale collaboration, which could interact with Google’s Nest Secure system, this version will not offer such integration at launch. This absence is unexpected given both companies’ history of collaboration with home security leaders like ADT.
In terms of automation, the Yale Smart Lock includes an auto-lock feature but lacks an auto-unlock capability. As per studies conducted by Yale, consumer preference leans towards having both push buttons and a keyed entry option, which the new lock conveniently provides.
This lock can integrate seamlessly with any Matter-compatible platform, but it is particularly optimized for Google Home, enabling users to manage lock features such as creating and monitoring access codes directly through the Home app interface.
Exploring the set-up process, it’s worth noting that the Yale Smart Lock can be configured directly within the Google Home app or alternative Matter applications. Though operating the lock requires a Matter controller and Thread border router, consumers primarily using the Google Home app will find it suits their needs more effectively.
While there are alternative connectivity options such as Yale’s Wifi Connect bridge, potential buyers may find investing in Google’s ecosystem more beneficial. Overall, the Yale Smart Lock aims to deliver a robust and user-friendly smart home experience.
In conclusion, the Yale Smart Lock with Matter represents a significant advancement in smart home technology, promising enhanced compatibility and user experience for those integrated within the Google Home environment, while also supporting other popular smart home ecosystems, reports 24brussels.
