March 30, 2025
Tech News
In a significant move, Yale has unveiled a new smart lock designed to integrate seamlessly with smart home ecosystems like Google Home and Apple Home. This full-deadbolt replacement, powered by Matter-over-Thread, enhances smart home connectivity and convenience through standardized, cross-platform compatibility.
The Yale Smart Lock features a keypad and comes in three finishes—white, grey, and black—making it easy to match with a variety of home styles and video doorbells, including Google Nest. It offers a battery life of up to 12 months using just four AA batteries. Users can manage passcodes and receive lock event notifications through the Yale Access app and other Matter-compatible platforms.
Meanwhile, Elvie—a UK-based pioneer in women’s health technology—was recently reported to be undergoing financial difficulties, despite reaching a valuation of $241 million in previous funding rounds. The company has been exploring strategic options, including the potential sale of assets.
Industry experts note that the femtech sector continues to evolve, with companies navigating a competitive landscape filled with both opportunity and pressure to innovate. As the market matures, many startups are exploring partnerships and acquisitions to expand their reach and improve long-term sustainability.
Tech Explained
Matter – Matter is a connectivity standard that aims to unify smart home devices across different platforms. This protocol enhances compatibility, allowing devices like the Yale Smart Lock to interact seamlessly with ecosystems such as Google Home, Apple Home, and Amazon Alexa.
Thread – Thread is a low-power and secure networking protocol designed for Internet of Things devices. It enables devices to communicate over a mesh network, improving reliability and minimizing energy consumption, which is essential for smart home applications like the new Yale Smart Lock.
Bluetooth – Bluetooth is a wireless technology utilized to exchange data over short distances. In the context of the Yale Smart Lock, Bluetooth facilitates communication with the Yale Access app, allowing users to manage access and settings from their smartphones.
Femtech – Femtech refers to technology specifically designed to meet women’s health needs. As exemplified by Willow and Elvie, this sector includes products like connected breast pumps and period trackers aimed at improving health outcomes and convenience for women.
Venture Capital – Venture Capital is financing provided to early-stage companies with high growth potential. Startups like Willow and Elvie have leveraged this investment type to fuel their innovations and expansions in the competitive landscape of women’s health technology.
