Read this exhibition report as an account of the direction Lockin presented, then verify any purchase-critical feature against the retail product’s own release information. The useful questions are which configuration is being sold, which functions are available in the intended region and what installation or software conditions apply. Recognition at a show and a demonstration can explain why a design attracted attention, but they do not establish every behavior of a delivered unit. Use the sections below to distinguish the power concept, entry methods, visitor features and software before requesting the corresponding retail documentation.

The CES Innovation Awards are one of the world’s largest and most renowned technology events, held with the purpose of recognizing outstanding design and engineering in consumer technology products. At CES 2026, Lockin made a major mark, winning “Best of Innovation” and garnering praise from both CNN and CNET. Lockin’s spotlight product, the V7 Max, debuted a set of innovations that completely changed industry expectations for smart locks; their utilization of wireless optical charging sets a new precedent for home security, ending battery anxiety altogether.  

Ending Battery Anxiety Forever

The most notable achievement of the V7 Max is centered on power: by utilizing wireless optical charging, Lockin has eliminated the need for recharging or replacing batteries. Solar-assisted smart locks use solar input to replenish a battery; solar input and battery storage are not mutually exclusive power categories. Usable light depends on the model and installation, and the battery still needs an appropriate maintenance plan; suitable placement and a documented backup-entry plan remain necessary. 

In contrast, the V7 Max uses AuraCharge technology (wireless optical charging) to safely transmit energy over a distance of up to four meters. This means that your lock stays powered continuously, so you never have to change a battery or charge it manually again. As noted by ZDNET, the Lockin V7 Max is a breakthrough in smart devices, “where true innovation is rare”; this technology suggests a future where you can install a smart home device and simply forget about maintenance.  

Your Body Is the Key

Lockin pushed new boundaries by examining security and accessibility side by side: it’s not just about keeping the door shut, it’s about how you get inside. The new V7 Max lock features three advanced layers of biometric security—finger vein recognition, palm vein recognition, and 3D facial recognition.

Assess each entry method by its intended interaction without treating the feature list as a comparative security test. Comparative security and accessibility depend on the exact implementation, tested conditions, and intended users; no method here is established as universally superior or impossible to deceive.

More Than Just a Lock

Furthermore, Lockin combines the functionality of locks and security cameras. The V7 Max includes three high-definition cameras and dual 5-inch touchscreens, effectively turning the device into a video doorbell as well.  

For a household that needs to see or answer visitors before opening the door, confirm the retail display, account and connection requirements. Request the manual or a demonstration of the configuration being sold if that interaction will determine the purchase.

Smart AI and Connection

Lockin presented the LockinAI suite as part of its exhibition story; a demonstration does not establish that every feature is available in a retail unit. Package-related detection, activity indexing and smart alerts should be checked against the release information for the exact product, region and software version before a buyer relies on them. A detection or notification feature also does not establish that a theft will be prevented. Use this section as a description of what was shown, and obtain the retail manual and release notes for any function that will determine a purchase. 

Additionally, The V7 Max is built for the modern smart home: it becomes a connected part of your entire home network, rather than a standalone gadget. The Lockin V7 Max fully supports the Matter standard, working seamlessly with ecosystems from Google, Apple, Amazon, and Samsung.

A Recognized Innovation

These advancements earned significant recognition. The V7 Max received the "Best of Innovation" honor at the CES 2026 Awards, highlighting the industry's excitement for optical charging and advanced design.  

Additionally, Lockin’s V7 Max was awarded “Best Smart Home Tech” by CNN Underscored, and named as a winner by CNET in the same category.

The practical next step after reading a show report is to identify which announced functions matter to your own entrance and request evidence for those functions on the product you can buy. Separate installation and power requirements from everyday entry, visitor interaction and connected software, because each has its own conditions. Where retail documentation or release information does not establish the needed behavior, leave that purchase assumption unresolved. An exhibition story can introduce the design, while the delivered configuration must supply the evidence for a household decision.

References：

Consumer Technology Association (CES). (2026, January). Lockin AI Smart Lock Named a CES 2026 Innovation Awards Honoree. https://www.ces.tech/ces-innovation-awards/2026/lockin-ai-smart-lock/ 

CNET. (2026, January). Best of CES 2026. https://www.cnet.com/best-of-ces-2026/ 

CNN Underscored. (2026, January). Best of CES 2026. https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/electronics/best-of-ces-2026 

ZDNET. (2026, January). Lockin V7 Max Smart Lock Hands-On at CES 2026. https://www.zdnet.com/home-and-office/smart-home/lockin-v7-max-smart-lock-ces-2026/ 

PR Newswire. (2026, January). Lockin Unveils V7 Max with AuraCharge at CES 2026. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lockin-debuts-first-of-its-kind-optical-charging-smart-lock-with-eternal-zero-maintenance-power-at-ces-2026-302652127.html 

Residential Systems. (2026, January). Lockin Addresses Smart Lock Battery Anxiety with New Innovations. https://www.residentialsystems.com/technology/security/lockin-debuts-smart-lock-with-zero-maintenance-power