Alpha Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Yokohama, Kanagawa; Representative Director, President & Executive Officer: Tetsuyuki Tsukano; hereinafter "Alpha") will launch the residential smart lock "ed Lock Connect Bitkey Edition" (hereinafter "this product"), co-developed with Bitkey Inc. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director, President & CEO: Masanori Hotsuki; hereinafter "Bitkey"), starting June 11.

Features of "ed Lock Connect Bitkey Edition"

This product is a smart lock that expands the functionality of Alpha's "PREMIUM SMART LOCK" series "ed Lock Connect" by equipping it with a Bluetooth communication module that links with Bitkey's "homehub" app.

### 1. Enhanced convenience through diverse unlocking methods and digital keys In addition to unlocking via PIN, IC card, and mobile FeliCa from the existing "ed Lock Connect", this product adds an unlocking function via a smartphone app, further improving convenience. By linking with the "homehub" app, users can issue digital keys with specified dates, times, and number of uses, enabling remote and temporary access management. Furthermore, since it is a digital key, the risk of key duplication can also be reduced.

### 2. Updating smart lock functions post-installation via "homehub" integration Through integration with "homehub", the value of the smart lock is continuously enhanced even after installation. In addition to achieving operational efficiency for the real estate industry by linking with property viewing reservation and property management systems, it also supports Bitkey's "homehub inHome Service", enabling the use of absent-entry services. These linked systems and services will be sequentially expanded in the future.

### 3. "Type-C Power Supply" support for peace of mind during battery depletion This product can operate for approximately one year using four AA lithium batteries. Even in the unlikely event that the batteries run out, the main unit can be powered externally via a USB Type-C port to start up. This contributes to reducing the burden on management companies and property owners, such as handling resident lockouts that typically occur late at night or on holidays.

"ed Lock Connect Bitkey Edition" Product Overview - Product Name: ed Lock Connect Bitkey Edition - Dimensions: - Outdoor unit: Width 59mm x Height 201mm x Depth 39mm (thickest part) - Indoor unit: Width 70mm x Height 125mm x Depth 65mm (including thumbturn) - Color: Silver - Batteries: AA lithium batteries - Battery life: Approximately 1 year (when used 10 cycles a day at room temperature, with one unlocking and locking action counting as one cycle) - Supported Software: iOS 16 or later, Android 11 or later - Communication Method: Bluetooth 4.2 or higher - Unlocking Methods: "homehub" app, PIN, mobile FeliCa, IC card - PIN: 4 to 8 registered digits - IC cards: MIFARE® (ISO14443A), Tag-it pro (ISO15693), FeliCa®

About Bitkey Inc. Under the mission and vision of "Connect. People can be more free," Bitkey operates the connect platforms "homehub" and "workhub." They are utilized in a wide range of facilities, including condominiums, office buildings, airports, government offices, and logistics centers. By seamlessly linking "hardware" like smart locks with "software" like systems and services, they aim to create new ways of living and working. "homehub" is a connect platform provided by Bitkey that eliminates the fragmentation existing between daily life, services, and physical objects by "connecting" them, supporting the realization of a comfortable lifestyle for everyone. Representative linked products, such as smart locks (including this product), enable centralized management on the system by linking with "homehub."

About Alpha Co., Ltd. Since its founding in 1923, Alpha has expanded its line of key and lock-related products across a broad range of fields—including residential keys, padlocks, coin lockers, automotive keys, and door handles—creating numerous pioneering products of their time. Based on the technology and expertise cultivated through 100 years of experience, Alpha delivers "safety and peace of mind" across various access scenarios for many customers and stakeholders.

About "PREMIUM SMART LOCK" Alpha offers the "PREMIUM SMART LOCK" as a higher-grade premium smart lock that delivers "peace of mind," the true origin of what a key should provide. Based on the concept that "peace of mind" is the core value Alpha can offer, and that "continuing to use it with peace of mind is what makes it premium," Alpha has named its smart lock product lineup "PREMIUM SMART LOCK." With durability that withstands bad weather and long-term use, and a robust support system for quick response in the unlikely event of a failure, Alpha accommodates any situation. Aligning with diversifying lifestyles, they deliver a higher grade of premium peace of mind to "homes" across Japan.

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: New Product
  • Products / services: PREMIUM SMART LOCK / homehub