Latch releases the Latch R Series - first smart access product

Boston, MA Latch has released the Latch R Series, the first smart access product to work at lobby level doors, turnstiles, elevators, and other spaces controlled by electronic access. With the Latch R, users in apartment buildings, commercial offices, and corporate campuses can now unlock their doors with smart phones, smart-cards, and special door codes, all while monitoring and managing guest access through an on-board wide-angle camera and digital log.

Latch R Series

Beyond just a breakthrough experience for users, the Latch R functions as a standalone access control system that eliminates the need for access control panels, reader devices, and building wiring that can cost up to $3,000-$5,000 per door. Through onboard Wifi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, and Wiegand communications, the Latch R introduces an unparalleled way for building managers, residents, delivery companies, and guests to seamlessly access the modern building at a fraction of the cost of legacy systems. The Latch R was designed alongside the Latch M for individual apartment and office doors that debuted last year. The two products combine to form a complete access system that works for both hardwired and battery-powered environments.

Designed for everywhere. The Latch products were created by Thomas Meyerhoffer, Latch co-founder and chief design officer. Meyerhoffer is an award-winning designer who has gained international attention with previous work, including his past tenure at Apple.

“This is the second object we launched using our innovative interface that is offering a variety of ways to enter spaces. The simple interface was designed to deliver a seamless and trustful experience” said Meyerhoffer. “It’s very exciting for us to have more people using our system designed for the new life patterns in today’s cities.”

A different approach. Luke Schoenfelder, Latch co-founder and CEO, realized that the real opportunity was to create an access system that serves the complete range of customers and requirements. “While many companies have focused on home automation gadgets, the R Series recognizes that a whole generation of users need smarter devices in the apartments and workplaces where they actually spend the most time ” said Schoenfelder. “We have built our system to work through enterprise contexts that have been largely ignored and our philosophy is to make these environments great by default, providing an unmatched experience to the thousands of people who live and work in urban buildings.”

Latch R Series door

“Before the Latch R, the access control industry was dominated by reader and panel systems that cost thousands of dollars per door and resemble the mainframe infrastructure of early computing. We’ve harnessed the power of modern design and technology to integrate an entire closet’s worth of equipment into a device that is the size and price of your smartphone."

Funded, tested, and trusted by industry leaders. “We’re thrilled to be deploying the new Latch R at our headquarters in New York City and are excited about bringing this new experience to employees and guests on our campus. We have significant requirements around client confidentiality, security, and access and Latch gives us the flexibility and experience we need,” said Stephen Plumlee, COO of R/GA.

The Latch R is available to reserve today at Latch.com for $399 with a 2 year service contract and can be combined with the Latch M to complete a building-wide smart access system.

Latch is the world’s first smart access system designed to work for every door. The company was founded by a team of former Apple employees and raised $16 million in private funding while operating in stealth since 2013. Based in New York City, Latch is at the forefront of changing the user experience around access.