# Smart Home Locks Sony's 'Qrio' is Designed as a High-Tech Key Replacement By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2016-10-19 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/qrio References: [first-flight.sony](https://first-flight.sony.com/pj/qrio_smartlock) The Qrio Smart Lock is an invention from [Sony](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sony-smart-switch-ecosystem) that's being introduced as a device to update the traditional lock-and-key systems for households with a much more convenient alternative for security. Qrio is touted as "the world's smallest smart lock," capable of being compatible with a number of old-fashioned lock systems, without the need to replace them entirely. The Qrio system simply fits over tip of an existing door lock and enables a homeowner to take control of securely opening or closing a door from their mobile devices. What's more is that through messengers like [Line](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/philips-hue-secure) and [Facebook](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/facebook-verified), people are able to share their keys with friends and family. The Qrio smart lock is just one of the many design-focused products that has come out of Sony's First Flight project. Others include e-ink remote controls, IoT device configurators and devices that release personal scents. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.0/10 - Popularity: 23% | Activity: 89% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Home](https://www.trendhunter.com/home) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Smart Home Security:** The Qrio Smart Lock demonstrates an opportunity for further innovation in the smart home security industry with mobile device control and compatibility with old-fashioned lock systems. - **Convenient Key Management:** Qrio's ability to share keys through messenger apps shows potential for innovation in keyless entry and personalized access management. - **Design-focused Iot Products:** The Qrio Smart Lock is just one example of innovative design products coming from Sony's First Flight project, indicating potential growth for the design-focused IoT devices market. ### Where This Applies - **Home Security:** The Qrio Smart Lock innovation targets the smart home security industry and offers improvements in convenience, accessibility, and control. - **Keyless Entry Systems:** The Qrio Smart Lock's mobile device control and key sharing capabilities suggest wider opportunities for innovation in personalized access management. - **Iot Devices:** The Qrio Smart Lock is part of Sony's First Flight project that focuses on design-focused IoT products, indicating potential for innovation in this market that merges technology and design. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Easily Installed Intelligent Locks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/securaki.md) - [Smart Lock Boxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robern-iq-digital-lock-box.md) - [Home Smart Lock Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/home-smart-lock-system.md) - [Easy-to-Install Smart Locks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ezviz-dl01s-smart-diy-lock.md) - [Next-Level Digital Lock Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/proximkey.md) - [Minimalist Biometric Door Locks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aqara-u100-smart-lock.md) - [Discreetly Connected Smart Locks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/level-lock-pro.md) - [Smart Home Security Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eufy-security-video-smart-lock.md) - [High-Tech Residential Security Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/residential-security-system.md)