Nature Lock to Support Hands-Free Unlocking via Smartphone and Amazon Alexa Integration

Nature Inc. (Location: Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, CEO: Harumi Shiode, hereinafter "Nature"), whose mission is to "drive coexistence with nature," will begin offering the "Smartphone Hands-Free Unlocking" feature on Monday, July 6, 2026, allowing users to unlock Nature Lock simply by holding their iPhone. Additionally, integration with "Amazon Alexa" will be supported, enabling voice control for locking and unlocking via devices such as Amazon Echo equipped with the voice AI assistant. Previously, hands-free unlocking was only compatible with the dedicated smart key, Nature Key; however, it will now also be possible with iPhones. This will enable a daily life where you don't need to take out your keys, whether returning home or already inside.

Responding to the Most Frequent User Requests Since Nature Lock's Launch

Since the launch of Nature Lock in April 2026, user surveys have consistently shown the most frequent request to be for hands-free unlocking via smartphone, with users stating, "I want to complete Nature Lock operations with just one smartphone" and "I want my children to have the dedicated smart key, while parents operate with their smartphones." Furthermore, the lifestyle of controlling home appliances by voice through the integration of Nature Remo and Amazon Alexa-equipped devices has already become established in many user households. The introduction of these two new features is a direct response to such user feedback.

Overview of "Smartphone Hands-Free Unlocking" Feature

"Smartphone Hands-Free Unlocking" is a feature that automatically unlocks Nature Lock when you approach it while holding your iPhone. This eliminates the need to search for keys or a dedicated smart key in your bag when you arrive at your doorstep, or even the effort of taking out your smartphone, realizing a return home without consciously operating the lock.

By adding a new option to the existing hands-free unlocking via the dedicated smart key, Nature Key, families can now choose different unlocking methods according to their lifestyles. For example, "children without smartphones can use Nature Key, while adults carrying iPhones can use smartphone hands-free unlocking." This feature is disabled by default, so users need to enable it via the Nature Home app to use it. If there are multiple members in a home, each can individually switch the setting on or off.

This feature is available for iPhone (iOS 26 or later) and requires an update to the Nature Home app (v57.4.0 or later) and enabling home location services.

Please note that the release of the "Smartphone Hands-Free Unlocking" feature is currently for iOS only. Android support is undecided.

For details, please check the blog: https://nature.global/?post_type=blog&p=27525

Overview of "Amazon Alexa Integration"

"Amazon Alexa Integration" is a feature that links Amazon Echo and other Alexa devices with "Nature Lock," allowing users to unlock, lock, and check the lock status by voice. Users can check the lock status from the comfort of their bed before sleeping and then lock it, completing the locking process with just their voice without having to go to the entrance. The main functions available via voice through Alexa are as follows:

1. Checking Lock Status

You can check the lock status simply by saying, "Alexa, is the front door locked?"

2. Voice Unlocking

You can unlock the door by voice command, such as "Alexa, unlock the front door." For security purposes, voice unlocking is disabled immediately after linking. It can be enabled by setting an access code in the device settings screen of the Amazon Alexa app. When unlocking, Alexa will verbally confirm the access code, and the door will only unlock if the correct code is provided.

3. Voice Locking

You can lock the door by voice command, such as "Alexa, lock the front door."

4. Registration in Routines

Locking can be incorporated into "Routines" within the Amazon Alexa app (unlocking is not supported).

To use this feature, integration with the Nature Remo series and enabling "Remote Lock/Unlock" within the Nature Home app are required. Operation history will be displayed as "Amazon Alexa" in the Nature Home app.

For details, please check the help page: https://support.nature.global/hc/ja/articles/59603759097881

About "Nature Lock"

"Nature Lock" is a smart lock that retrofits to front doors, making them IoT-enabled. It realizes a daily life where you don't have to think about operating keys, through hands-free unlocking via the dedicated smart key "Nature Key" or smartphone, and auto-locking that automatically locks the door when it detects it has closed. It boasts a battery life of approximately two years and is equipped with loss prevention features, including compatibility with Apple's "Find My" app. The hardware and firmware adopt the design and technology of "Qrio Lock" and are developed and manufactured in Japan. By integrating with the "Nature Remo" series (sold separately), users can also perform remote operations, check battery levels, confirm lock status, and receive various notifications. It also supports operation from Apple Watch and widgets, voice operation via Amazon Alexa, and can control two units simultaneously for double-locked doors.

About Nature

Nature's mission is to "drive coexistence with nature," and through the use of IoT products, it aims to shift towards renewable energy. In 2017, the company launched the smart remote controller "Nature Remo," leading the Japanese smart home market. In 2019, it entered the energy management business with the smartphone HEMS "Nature Remo E." The company continues to expand its business through the launch of a "Demand Response Support Service" for power companies in 2022 and the upcoming EV charger controller "Nature EV Switch" in 2025. By building the "Nature DER Platform," which optimally controls distributed energy resources (DER) such as solar panels, storage batteries, and EVs, Nature aims to create a new energy future by contributing to the update of power infrastructure.

Nature Inc. Overview

Company Name: Nature Inc.

Location: 1-1 Sakae-cho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 221-0052

Established: December 10, 2014

Representative: CEO Harumi Shiode

Business Overview: Development, manufacturing, and sales of IoT devices, and energy management business

URL: https://nature.global/