IoT firm Xthings is providing DIY enthusiasts and smart home users with more customisation, privacy and control by expanding its integration with open-source home automation platform Home Assistant.

The California-based company is making sure its Ultraloq smart locks seamlessly connect with Home Assistant, Apple Home, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings and Alexa.

The Ultraloq U-Bolt Z-Wave series liberates users from proprietary ecosystems. Leveraging Z-Wave, these locks deliver low latency, privacy and cloud-free integration with Home Assistant for a personalised experience.

The first products included in this expanding partnership are:

• U-Bolt Z-Wave (black/silver): Priced at $180, this lock provides Z-Wave connectivity and local control for seamless Home Assistant integration.
• U-Bolt Pro Z-Wave: Priced at $220, this model adds features such as fingerprint recognition and enhanced durability.

The locks can be synced with Home Assistant (www.home-assistant.io) to trigger lights, HVAC or cameras based on unique unlock patterns, or alarms can be auto-armed when doors are secured.

User can create time-specific virtual keys (for example, 3pm to 5pm) or revoke access instantly via Home Assistant’s dashboards. Lock activity can be synched with Google Calendar for streamlined staff scheduling. Encrypted notifications can be sent for abnormal lock activity, bypassing third-party apps.

“We’re thrilled to renew our partnership with Xthings and expand the certified Works with Home Assistant Ultraloq products in the coming months,” said Miranda Bishop, partnership manager at the Open Home Foundation (www.openhomefoundation.org). “Xthings’ commitment to open protocols perfectly aligns with the mission of the Open Home Foundation to deliver privacy, choice and sustainability in home automation.”

The Z-Wave 2.0 upgrade offers 40% faster response times and extended range for larger homes. An open-source software development kit (SDK) will allow developers to create tailored firmware for specialised use cases, such as Airbnb hosting workflows.

With a focus on blending technology with convenience, Ultraloq (u-tec.com/pages/ultraloq) products are designed to provide a secure and keyless entry experience for homes and businesses, making smart security more accessible.

Xthings (xthings.com) is a technology provider of smart integrated products. Its brands include Ultraloq, Ulticam, Bright, U-Tec and Anviz, and it provides a service for more than two million users through Xthings Cloud.