Google Wallet Embraces Aliro: A New Era for Smart Locks and Digital Access

In a significant leap forward for digital access and smart lock technology, Google Wallet is now adding support for Aliro, a standard developed to revolutionize mobile-based access control. This development represents a major step in creating a seamless, interoperable ecosystem for smart locks, allowing users to unlock doors with their Android devices and Wear OS smartwatches. As the Aliro standard gains traction, it promises to transform how people access homes, offices, hotels, and public spaces, making traditional physical keys increasingly obsolete.

The introduction of Aliro marks yet another milestone for the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), the organization behind the widely-adopted Matter standard for smart home interoperability. With backing from major industry players, Aliro aims to simplify access control, enhance security, and promote universal compatibility among smart locks and access control readers. This article explores the significance of Aliro, its core principles, and what its integration with Google Wallet means for the future of digital access.

The Birth of Aliro: A Standard for Smart Locks

The Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) first unveiled Aliro in November 2023, presenting it as a universal communication protocol designed to reduce complexity in access control systems. Aliro functions as an interoperability certification standard that ensures mobile devices and access card readers from different manufacturers work seamlessly together.

CSA, which boasts a membership of over 675 global technology companies, is dedicated to fostering open Internet of Things (IoT) standards that simplify device interoperability. Aliro is one of its latest efforts to create a universal approach to digital access, ensuring that different brands and products can integrate effortlessly with one another.

Tobin Richardson, President and CEO of the Connectivity Standards Alliance, highlighted the importance of collaboration in developing Aliro:

“As we’ve seen with the introduction of Matter, it’s been proven that global collaboration around a shared mission along open standards is the best way to achieve broader adoption of new technology. The Alliance and its members are now using that same model to unlock the potential of digital access experiences with the creation of a new standard and credential that makes adoption easier for mobile device and access control reader companies.”

Aliro’s development involved nearly 200 companies dedicating time and resources to refining the standard since 2022. This collaborative effort ensures Aliro is well-positioned to become the universal foundation for mobile access control, fostering innovation and making digital keys an everyday reality.

Core Principles of Aliro

Aliro is built on four core principles that define its approach to access control: simplicity, flexibility, security, and interoperability. These guiding tenets ensure that Aliro-based solutions are user-friendly, adaptable, secure, and compatible with a wide range of hardware and software systems.

1. Simplicity

One of the primary goals of Aliro is to reduce the complexity of integrating digital access solutions. This includes simplifying the onboarding process for manufacturers and making it easier for system owners and installers to deploy and manage access control solutions. By streamlining troubleshooting and ensuring straightforward implementation, Aliro lowers the barrier to entry for smart lock adoption.

2. Flexibility

Aliro supports a variety of installation scenarios, including common entry points (such as building lobbies) and individual access points (such as private office doors). It is designed to work across multiple transmission technologies, including Near Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth Low-Energy (LE), and Ultra-Wideband (UWB). This flexibility ensures that Aliro is compatible with a broad range of use cases, from residential and commercial buildings to hotels and educational institutions.

3. Security

Security is a crucial aspect of any digital access system, and Aliro has been designed with state-of-the-art security measures. The standard incorporates asymmetric cryptography and credential data protection to prevent unauthorized access and enhance trust in mobile-based entry systems. This focus on security ensures that users can rely on Aliro-enabled smart locks for high-stakes applications, such as securing offices, hospitals, and government buildings.

4. Interoperability

Aliro’s emphasis on interoperability ensures that access control devices from different manufacturers can seamlessly work together. This approach eliminates vendor lock-in and allows businesses and consumers to choose smart locks and readers based on their needs rather than being restricted to a single ecosystem. By fostering collaboration among manufacturers, Aliro accelerates innovation and speeds up the adoption of mobile access solutions.

Google Wallet Integration: What It Means for Users

With the integration of Aliro into Google Wallet, Android and Wear OS users will soon be able to unlock Aliro-compatible access control readers using their smartphones and smartwatches. This functionality, introduced with version 25.11 of Play services, further expands Google Wallet’s capabilities beyond payments and identification cards.

For users, this means added convenience and security. Instead of carrying physical keys or access cards, individuals can rely on their mobile devices for secure entry into buildings. Whether accessing a home, office, or hotel room, users can expect a frictionless experience with a simple tap or proximity-based authentication.

However, widespread adoption of Aliro depends on the availability of certified smart locks and access control readers. While many manufacturers, including Allegion, Apple, ASSA ABLOY, Google, Infineon, Kastle Systems, Last Lock, NXP Semiconductors, Qualcomm, Samsung, and STMicroelectronics, have expressed support for Aliro, it may take time before compatible hardware becomes widely available.

The Future of Smart Locks and Digital Access

The introduction of Aliro represents a major step toward a future where mobile devices serve as the primary means of access control. By eliminating the need for physical keys and proprietary access cards, Aliro enhances both security and convenience for consumers and businesses alike.

As Aliro gains traction, we can expect increased adoption across various industries, including:

• Residential Buildings: Homeowners and renters will benefit from seamless digital access, reducing reliance on traditional keys.
• Commercial Offices: Businesses can improve security and employee access management with mobile credentials.
• Hospitality Industry: Hotels can provide guests with smartphone-based room keys for a contactless experience.
• Healthcare Facilities: Hospitals and clinics can streamline secure entry for staff while maintaining stringent security standards.
• Educational Institutions: Universities and schools can issue mobile credentials for students and faculty, simplifying campus access.

Lisa Corte, VP of Strategic Alliances at ASSA ABLOY and Chair of the Aliro Working Group Marketing Committee, emphasized the impact of this collaborative effort:

“With a team of industry leaders, thousands of engineering hours, and broad support from diverse member companies, our goal is to make a big impact when it comes to transforming the way people unlock openings using their smartphones and wearables.”

Conclusion

Google Wallet’s support for Aliro is a significant milestone in the evolution of smart locks and digital access control. By embracing an open standard, Google is paving the way for greater interoperability, security, and convenience in mobile-based access solutions.

While the full impact of Aliro will depend on the widespread availability of compatible locks and access readers, the foundation has been laid for a future where digital keys become the norm. As more companies adopt Aliro and integrate it into their ecosystems, users can look forward to a world where their smartphone or smartwatch is all they need to access homes, offices, and public spaces. The era of truly seamless and secure digital access has begun.