The Door Industry Journal

Tuesday, 11 August 2026

Raising the bar

Stricter regulations are not a burden, but a catalyst for driving better standards in hardware says Sam Nuckey, Managing Director of Window Ware...

As an industry, we’ve always evolved in response to regulation, but the current landscape feels markedly different. Today’s drivers, particularly developments around PAS 24 and the ongoing consultation surrounding Document Q, are doing more than simply raising standards.

They are reshaping expectations across the entire supply chain and, crucially, reinforcing the value of quality hardware in a way we haven’t seen before.

For many years, hardware was too often viewed as something specified to meet a price point rather than a performance threshold. It’s a mindset that is becoming increasingly outdated.

PAS 24 has long been recognised as a benchmark for enhanced security performance, but as its influence grows and Document Q continues to evolve, the gap between basic and best-in-class hardware is now almost impossible to ignore.

This shift creates a level playing field where quality wins and presents a significant opportunity. When standards demand higher levels of security and performance, there is no longer justification for using inferior products, and it instead places the emphasis firmly on reliability, durability and proven compliance.

This is something we should actively champion as an industry. The Document Q consultation is particularly important because it underscores the expertise within our sector. It sends a clear message that we are an industry that takes pride in delivering products that protect people and property. Every home deserves to be safe and secure, and higher standards help ensure it is delivered consistently and it’s a huge opportunity for our industry.

Alongside this, there are wider market dynamics at play that could further drive demand. The ongoing conversation around positioning windows and doors as energy-efficient home improvements, eligible for grants or incentives, has gained renewed momentum.

In the aftermath of other products such as air source heat pumps becoming more notorious for not achieving the energy efficiency results expected, if successful it could be transformative and create a real shift in demand in home upgrades, placing even greater emphasis on high-performance products.

In that context, hardware becomes even more critical. Energy efficiency and security are linked to the overall performance of a window or door, and both rely heavily on the quality of the components used. As scrutiny increases, so too does the need for products that can stand up to it.

For Window Ware and every other business committed to quality, these market drivers present a clear direction of travel, and it’s one that promises long-term value for manufacturers, installers and homeowners alike.

www.windowware.co.uk

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Monday, 10 August 2026

‘Forever home’ renovations drive demand for premium aluminium

Economic uncertainty has changed the way many homeowners now approach major spending decisions. Rather than upsizing or relocating, increasing numbers are choosing to improve the homes they already have, investing in spaces designed to meet their long-term needs and lifestyles.

While the ‘move or improve’ debate is nothing new, the concept of the ‘forever home’ is becoming increasingly influential with homeowners placing greater emphasis on quality, durability and timeless design choices that will continue to add value and enjoyment for years to come.

For the fenestration sector, this shift is creating a growing demand for premium products and materials, particularly aluminium systems, as consumers look beyond short-term costs and focus more heavily on long-term performance and aesthetics.

As Scott Foster, group marketing director at Endurance® Aluminium explains, homeowners are becoming far more considered in their purchasing decisions as they pursue the perfect ‘forever home’...

“People are thinking much more carefully about where they invest their money. For many homeowners, moving house is either financially unattractive or simply not the right solution anymore, so instead they’re investing in improving the property they already love.

“When customers take that long-term approach, priorities naturally begin to shift. Rather than looking purely at the upfront costs, they start focusing on quality, durability, appearance and how products will perform over many years. These days, creating a space that is ‘Instagrammable’ is increasingly becoming part of the checklist too.”

This changing mindset is particularly evident in the growing popularity of aluminium glazing systems. Once viewed primarily as a commercial product, aluminium has become increasingly desirable to homeowners thanks to its slim sightlines, contemporary appearance and long-term resilience.

Modern homeowners are also increasingly design conscious with glazing playing a major role in the overall look and feel of a property. Large expanses of glass, minimal frames and clean architectural lines continue to grow in popularity across renovation and extension projects, particularly as homeowners seek to create brighter, light living spaces.

“Where once windows and doors were seen as functional, they are now a key part of the overall aesthetic vision for many homeowners. Aluminium is increasingly viewed as a premium solution because it delivers on both performance and aesthetics, offering strength, durability and low maintenance alongside the sleek, modern appearance many customers are looking for,” Scott continues.

“Homeowners want products that look exceptional but also stand the test of time, and aluminium gives them that combination.”

Energy efficiency also remains a major driver behind renovation activity, particularly as homeowners continue to face rising energy costs and increasing awareness around sustainability. Premium glazing systems can play a significant role in improving energy efficiency and comfort, making them an increasingly important part of renovation plans.

Importantly, the shift towards premium home improvement products is also creating new opportunities for installers.

As consumers become more willing to invest in quality, conversations are moving away from purely price-led selling and towards long-term value. Installers who can confidently demonstrate the benefits of premium systems, including durability, aesthetics, efficiency and lifecycle performance, are often better positioned to secure higher value projects.

“The most successful installers are increasingly those who can sell on value rather than simply competing on price,” says Scott. “Homeowners undertaking major renovations are typically making emotional as well as financial investments into their homes, so they want reassurance they’re choosing products that genuinely deliver.

“That creates significant opportunities for installers who understand premium products and can clearly communicate the long-term benefits to customers.”

The trend also reflects wider changes within the home improvement market, where consumer expectations continue to evolve. Homeowners now carry out extensive online research before making purchasing decisions and are increasingly influenced by quality, reputation and overall customer experience rather than headline pricing alone.

For manufacturers and installers alike, this means premium positioning, product quality and service standards are becoming increasingly important competitive differentiators.

While economic uncertainty may have slowed some areas of discretionary spending, the ‘forever home’ trend demonstrates that homeowners are still prepared to invest when they see genuine long-term value. For the glazing industry, and particularly for premium aluminium systems, that shift is helping to reshape both consumer expectations and future market opportunities.

www.endurance.co.uk

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Sunday, 9 August 2026

McMurtry Spéirling PURE fan car makes global public debut

The Spéirling PURE will soon make its global public debut under the glistening Californian sunshine at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering on Friday 14th August as part of Monterey Car Week.

At the 23rd edition of an unmissable event on the global automotive calendar, the Spéirling PURE will be on static display at the McMurtry stand, ready for attendees to soak up all the new details and proportions of the production car for the first time.

With 95% new components compared to prototype models, the Spéirling PURE delivers truly accessible F1-level performance that any driver can enjoy, with a strong focus on a plug-and-play ownership experience.

After The Quail, the Spéirling PURE will progress to Laguna Seca Raceway on 15th August for Monterey Motorsports Reunion. McMurtry co-founder and Managing Director, Thomas Yates, will be attending both events.

In the weeks following, the Spéirling PURE will be on display at a number of McMurtry dealer partners and tracks across America. Details will be announced soon.

Thomas Yates, McMurtry co-founder and Managing Director, comments: “The Quail really will be a significant moment in McMurtry’s history, and we cannot wait to witness the reaction of the public, our customers and the media in seeing the Spéirling PURE in production form, in person, for the first time. It’s one thing to see the images online, but to truly absorb the car’s design, proportions, details and finish, nothing compares to when the car is there in front of you.

“Feedback from our earliest deposit holders has shaped the car just as much as our own engineering ambition did. Their input helped turn a record-breaking prototype into something extraordinary and genuinely usable. Very soon, we’ll be delivering the first customer car, and Spéirling PUREs will be out in the wild on race tracks and hillclimbs across the globe.”

What’s new from prototype to production

In production form, the Spéirling PURE represents the culmination of relentless research and development to produce a hyper track car that comprises 95% new components compared to prototype models. Improvements made from prototype models include:

Powertrain

● An increased battery capacity - now 100kWh, up from 60kWh batteries used in prototypes - to improve overall running time, using Molicel P50B NCA 21700 cells.

● A standardised, modular McMurtry battery design with futureproofing built in for evolution upgrades.

● Increased regenerative braking energy recovery, up to 200kW at all states of charge.

● New Helix drive motors with additional torque, mated to an upgraded gearbox.

● Moving the powertrain cooling system from the rear to the front of the car, bringing dual benefits in efficiency and aerodynamics. Despite the production-spec Spéirling PURE growing slightly in size to accommodate a larger 100kWh battery, airflow across the car and through its rear tunnels is much cleaner.

Chassis and Bodywork

● New exterior and interior designs, staying true to the original Spéirling philosophy.

● New carbon fibre monocoque designed to meet global motorsport safety standards. Accommodates larger battery, enhances cabin space with more elbow and leg room, improves ingress/egress via wider door opening, with a repositioned A-pillar for a wider field of view.

● Increased wheelbase from 2m to 2.2m to accommodate the new 100 kWh battery.

● Secondary door now hinged, with wider hinge spacing further aiding ingress/egress.

● A swan-neck style rear wing, incorporating a boot compartment underneath for a helmet and HANS device.

● Headlights to allow for evening/nighttime track running.

● Track day safety features including indicators, hazard lights, brake lights and main beam flash.

Downforce-on-DemandTM System

● New fan blades for enhanced durability.

● New fan motors and cooling design, plus overall assembly position relocation to improve centre of gravity.

● Under-car downforce skirt durability and travel improvements, able to perform for thousands of kilometres.

● An onboard air compressor as part of the Downforce-on-DemandTM skirt system. The skirt can be retracted independently for trailer loading and slow-speed manoeuvring, such as when in the pits. Spéirling prototypes required an external air bottle to pre-charge the system.

Suspension and Steering

● Increased suspension articulation, also with nominal ride height increase of 20% when in use.

● 11% wider front and 3% wider rear off-the-shelf slick Michelin tyres. Increased sidewall height by 15mm front and rear to improve compliance.

● Electric power steering system replaced by a hydraulic power-assisted steering system with Formula 1-style valving for lighter steering and increased driver feedback.

● Electronically-adjustable dampers as an optional extra.

No more than 100 examples of the Spéirling PURE will be produced. First customer deliveries begin later in 2026.

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Saturday, 8 August 2026

Mila celebrates 100 days of 100% next-day despatch on-time

Mila has achieved 100 consecutive days of 100% next-day despatch on-time, marking a significant milestone that underscores the company’s commitment to reliability and customer service.

The milestone reflects a consistent team-effort to be customer-centric and ensure the right products are picked, packed, and dispatched on time, and includes over 99% despatch in-full.

It comes at a time of continued investment across Mila’s product portfolio, as the business strengthens its offering with a dual focus on dependable supply and innovative, high-performance hardware solutions.

These include the Harbour Collection, a fully suited premium range covering door and window applications, and the Eurospec Multipoint Door Lock range, a high-performance locking system designed for PVCu and aluminium doors.

Mila also continues to expand its range of colour and finish options, providing ever-greater flexibility to help customers achieve design consistency.

Julie Holmes, Sales Director at Mila, comments: “Achieving 100% on-time despatch and over 99% in-full across 100 consecutive days is a fantastic achievement, showing the dedication and precision of our teams at Mila. Combined with our ongoing product innovation, it underlines our commitment to providing the best service we can for our customers.”

www.milasecure.com/uk/en

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Friday, 7 August 2026

ROBUST UK LAUNCHES NEW ADJUSTABLE DOOR HEAD EXTENSIONS

Robust UK, one of the UK's leading manufacturers of steel door solutions, now offers adjustable head extensions free of charge on all non-certified doorsets on request.

This innovative solution is designed to cover gaps of up to 15mm between the frame header and the structural opening. Unlike conventional solutions such as spacers and mastic that simply fill gaps, the adjustable frame header extension creates a professional-looking installation, every time, enhancing the overall appearance.

Fitters will welcome the fact that the adjustable extensions for door headers avoid the need for frame packers, and dispensing of the need for mastic will also ensure a more aesthetically pleasing result for the end customer.

Ultimately, Robust’s new adjustable header extensions reduce the risk of remakes or unsightly gaps following site survey mis-measurements or in the instance of particularly out-of-square structural openings, supporting smoother project delivery and avoiding unnecessary cost.

Installation is simple and efficient thanks to the use of jacking screws, and each unit is manufactured so that it can be trimmed on-site to the exact required length, ensuring a precise finish every time.

Previously, gaps of up to 10mm would have required filling with mastic, a process that could delay projects, look unsightly, increase costs and often involved specialist trades. Robust’s new adjustable header extensions eliminate these issues and increases the gap tolerance by 5mm, allowing fitters to complete installations quickly and efficiently while maintaining a high-quality finish.

Paul Williams, Commercial Director at Robust, explains: "Our new adjustable head extensions provide installers and project managers with the ability to achieve an aesthetically pleasing finish to a doorset, even on challenging projects. It was developed in response to customer requests for a completely flexible solution, allowing customers to overcome any issues with mis-measurements up to 15mm between the frame header and structural opening.”

www.robust-uk.com

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Thursday, 6 August 2026

DORIX Delivers Layered Security with The Alnwick Cylinder

Expert door, lock and access solutions company, DORIX, has joined Secured by Design (SBD) with its high security cylinder, The Alnwick, which meets the initiative’s rigorous police security standards.

DORIX is committed to making high-quality security solutions accessible to all, from individual homeowners to professional clients. The company offers a wide range of door, access and lock solutions for residential and smart homes, along with hotels, serviced apartments, retail outlets and offices, gyms and sports clubs, hospitals and clinics, educational institutions, distribution and transport facilities and more.

Based in London, the company was founded by a team of industry specialists, and their ethos combines the heritage of British engineering with the latest security hardware and software advances. The name, DORIX is derived from ‘Dor’, emphasising their focus on entrances, and ‘Ix’, representing innovation and continuous development.

John Gill, VP Sales & Marketing at DORIX added, “Joining Secured by Design is an important step for DORIX. It reflects our commitment to raising the standard of physical security through layered protection and rigorous engineering. The Alnwick is just the beginning we’ll be seeking accreditation on more of our portfolio in the coming months.”

The Alnwick cylinder, featured here on the DORIX SBD dedicated member’s page, takes its name from Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, renowned for its strong walls and defences against attacks and sieges. Inspired by the castle’s layered fortifications, the cylinder has been engineered to withstand sustained attacks and deliver robust multi-layered security.

Certified to the highest UK and European security standards, The Alnwick is rated BSI 3 Stars, Sold Secure Diamond, it is FD30/60 fire-door rated, and now has Secured by Design accreditation. DORIX is so confident about its performance that the cylinder is backed by £10,000 anti-burglary guarantee.

The Alnwick has been rigorously engineered to defend against both common and advanced attack methods, including:

Snapping, picking, bumping, pulling, and drilling
Freeze attacks and glue-based sabotage
Manipulation resistance via a patented 9-pin mechanism
A snap-secure cam that preserves internal operation during an attack

Available in half, double, and thumbturn configurations, the cylinder is offered in a range of finishes including satin nickel, polished chrome, and polished brass — combining security with design flexibility.

Lyn Poole, SBD Development Officer, said, “It’s a pleasure to welcome DORIX on board as an SBD member starting their products off with the Alnwick 3 Star lock, with an anti-burglary guarantee. I look forward to seeing what they add to their Police preferred products soon and working with them in the future.”

www.dorix.com

www.securedbydesign.com

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Wednesday, 5 August 2026

DHF launches new best practice guide to help members navigate PSTI requirements

The Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) has published a new Best Practice Guide, A Beginner's Guide to PSTI for members of DHF, to help them understand and comply with the requirements of the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PSTI) Act 2022 and associated regulations.

Developed in response to growing concerns around cyber security and the increasing use of connected technologies within the door, gate, hardware and access control sectors, the guide was produced at the request of DHF's Cyber Security Committee Chair, Dave Herbert.

The publication has been designed to provide members with a concise introduction to the PSTI Regulations. It explains which products may fall within scope, clarifies the responsibilities of manufacturers, importers and distributors, and offers straightforward guidance on achieving compliance. The guide also encourages businesses to adopt best practice beyond the minimum legal requirements while helping them avoid potentially significant enforcement action and financial penalties.

“As more products become connected to the internet, cyber security is no longer solely an IT issue,” explains DHF’s Deputy CEO, Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens. “It is increasingly a product compliance and business risk issue. Indeed, many businesses may be unaware that products incorporating connected technology are now subject to specific legal requirements under the PSTI Regulations.

"This is particularly relevant to the door and hardware sector, where technologies such as automated doors and gates, smart locks, access control systems, connected cameras, remote monitoring systems and connectivity hubs are becoming increasingly common. Many of these products may fall within the scope of the legislation.”

The PSTI Regulations came into force on 29th April 2024 and apply to relevant consumer connectable products placed on the market in the UK. The regulations establish a minimum cyber security baseline for connected products, helping to address the growing threat posed by cyber criminals targeting internet-connected devices.

Importantly, responsibility for compliance does not rest solely with manufacturers. Importers and distributors also have legal obligations and must undertake appropriate due diligence to ensure products placed on the market meet the required standards. Businesses throughout the supply chain should therefore review their products, determine whether they fall within scope and ensure that appropriate compliance procedures are in place.

The guide highlights that compliance should not be viewed simply as a regulatory burden. Demonstrating strong cyber security practices can improve customer confidence, strengthen business reputation and help organisations prepare for future regulatory developments.

Among the most important actions identified within the guide are the removal of default or easily guessable passwords, the establishment of a clear vulnerability reporting process, and the communication of how long security updates will be provided for connected products. These measures form the foundation of the mandatory PSTI requirements.

The publication also encourages businesses to review their role within the supply chain, use ETSI EN 303 645 as a benchmark for compliance, prepare robust Statements of Compliance, establish effective vulnerability reporting processes, and consider Secure Connected Device accreditation where appropriate. Members are also reminded that PSTI compliance information must accompany the product and should not simply be published on a website.

The guide notes that financial penalties for non-compliance can reach £10 million or 4% of global turnover, whichever is greater. It also highlights previous research showing that only 27% of manufacturers had a basic vulnerability reporting mechanism in place, underlining the need for greater awareness and action across industry.

“We are encouraging all members to download and review the guide and assess whether their products and business processes meet the requirements of the PSTI Regulations,” concludes Patricia.

The guide is available to members through the members' area of the DHF website: https://bit.ly/4xfVxwU

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Tuesday, 4 August 2026

More Than Security: Doors That Deliver on Every Level

Security remains one of the biggest priorities for homeowners when replacing their windows and doors. But today's customers expect much more than protection alone. Energy efficiency, aesthetics, colour choice, durability and long-term performance are all playing an increasingly important role in the buying decision.

At Astraseal, security has long been embedded into the design and manufacture of our products. Our composite and aluminium door ranges have held Secured by Design accreditation for many years, providing installers with independently tested solutions that combine enhanced security with the performance and visual appeal modern homeowner’s demand.

As the official police security initiative, Secured by Design recognises products that have been rigorously tested to help deter crime through robust design and resistance to forced entry. However, while security remains a key requirement, today's market demands products that perform across multiple areas.

That's why Astraseal's door ranges are engineered to deliver far more than security alone.

Manufactured using the latest systems Astraseal's composite and aluminium doors combine advanced multi-point locking systems, reinforced construction and PAS 24 compliant hardware with outstanding thermal efficiency, weather performance and durability.

Whether customers are choosing a traditional composite entrance door or a contemporary aluminium statement door, they expect products that keep homes secure, warm and energy efficient all year round.

Through continuous investment in manufacturing technology and product development, Astraseal ensures every door leaving its Northamptonshire manufacturing facilities is built to consistently high standards. Operating across three production sites totalling more than 110,000 square feet, the company manufactures thousands of products every year for installers across the UK.

Colin Stanley, Operations Director at Astraseal, comments: "Security remains one of the biggest selling points for homeowners, but it's rarely the only consideration. Customers want doors that look fantastic, improve thermal performance and provide lasting reliability. Our Secured by Design accredited products allow installers to offer all of these benefits from a single solution."

Alongside performance, choice has become increasingly important.

Astraseal offers an extensive range of door styles, helping installers cater for everything from traditional renovation projects to contemporary new-build homes. Customers can choose from a wide variety of designs, glazing options, hardware finishes and colours, including access to Astraseal's specialist in-house spray facility.

With more than 150 RAL colours available, alongside woodgrain and metallic finishes, installers can offer truly bespoke solutions tailored to individual homeowner preferences. Dual-colour options provide additional flexibility, while durable coatings are designed to resist fading, peeling and cracking and are backed by a 10-year guarantee.

Astraseal continues to invest heavily in manufacturing processes, automation and customer support systems to help customers work more efficiently. The recent launch of a new trade website and customer portal provides quick access to quotations, technical information, certification and order tracking, helping installers save time and keep projects moving.

Combined with nationwide delivery, dedicated trade support and one of the industry's broadest product portfolios, Astraseal offers a genuine one-stop solution.

In today's competitive market, Secured by Design accreditation remains a valuable differentiator. But when combined with exceptional thermal performance, modern styling, extensive colour options and dependable manufacturing, it becomes part of something bigger.

www.astraseal.co.uk

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Monday, 3 August 2026

EG Direct Introduces the Aqara Smart Lock Range to the UK Door and Gate Industry

EG Direct is pleased to introduce the growing Aqara Smart Lock range to the UK door, gate, lock and security industries.

As an official Aqara distributor in the UK, EG Direct is bringing a new generation of smart access control products to trade customers, offering flexible solutions for gates, glass doors, rim lock entrances and everyday domestic doors.

With customers increasingly looking for keyless access, app control, remote management and integration with wider smart home systems, smart locks are becoming a valuable opportunity for installers, locksmiths, gate automation specialists and security professionals.

The Aqara Smart Lock range includes the newly launched U500 Series, covering the Smart Gate Lock U500, Smart Glass Door Lock U500 and Smart Rim Lock U500, alongside the Smart Lock U200 Lite & U200+ Kit. The upcoming Smart Lock U600 is also expected to arrive in the UK later this year.

Built for Smarter, More Flexible Access

Aqara smart locks are designed to give users more ways to manage access without relying solely on traditional keys.

Depending on the model, unlocking options can include fingerprint, passcode, NFC, app control, Apple Home Key, mechanical key access and remote operation through compatible smart home systems.

For trade professionals, this provides a practical way to add value to existing door, gate and security projects. Whether the requirement is for a domestic front door, an external gate, a frameless glass office door or a traditional rim lock entrance, Aqara offers a smart lock solution for a wide range of applications.

Matter Support for Future-Ready Installations

A key advantage of the Aqara Smart Lock range is support for Matter, the smart home connectivity standard designed to improve compatibility across leading platforms.

With Matter support, Aqara smart locks can work with ecosystems such as Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant and more, depending on the lock model and required compatible hub, Matter controller or Thread Border Router. This gives customers greater flexibility and helps installers offer a more future-ready access control solution that is not limited to one single platform.

Aqara U500 Series: Smart Access for Gates, Glass Doors and Rim Lock Entrances

The Aqara U500 Series has been developed to bring smart access control to a wider range of entry points, including external gates, frameless glass doors and traditional rim lock applications.

The range includes the Aqara Smart Gate Lock U500, Smart Glass Door Lock U500 and Smart Rim Lock U500. While each model is designed for a specific installation type, they share many of the same core benefits: keyless access, smart control, multiple unlocking methods and integration with compatible smart home systems.

The Smart Gate Lock U500 is particularly relevant for the gate and access control industry, bringing smart locking technology to external entrances that have traditionally relied on mechanical keys, keypads or separate access control systems. It supports dual-side access control, with fingerprint and key unlocking available from both sides, making it suitable for iron gates, grille-style gates and controlled entry points where secure access from both directions is required.

The Smart Glass Door Lock U500 is designed for frameless glass doors, making it ideal for offices, showrooms, studios, retail spaces and modern residential projects. Its clamp-on, drill-free design makes it a practical retrofit solution where customers want smart access control without replacing or damaging the existing glass door.

The Smart Rim Lock U500 is designed for classic entrances and surface-mounted lock applications. Unlike mortise-based solutions, it offers a front-and-back surface-mounted design, making it suitable for doors where a rim lock style installation is required.

Across the U500 Series, users can benefit from convenient unlocking methods such as fingerprint, NFC, app control, Apple Home Key and mechanical key access, depending on the model. For trade professionals, the range provides practical upgrade options across a variety of door and gate applications, helping customers modernise access without always needing major structural changes.

Aqara Smart Lock U200 Lite & U200+ Kit

The Aqara Smart Lock U200 Lite and U200+ Kit are designed for standard domestic doors and retrofit installations. Both options allow users to upgrade compatible existing locks without drilling, making them suitable for many residential projects.

The U200 Lite provides an accessible entry point into smart access control, offering app control, smart automation and keyless convenience.

The U200+ offers a more complete smart lock experience, with additional unlocking methods such as fingerprint, passcode, NFC and Apple Home Key support.

For installers, the U200 range is a practical solution for homeowners, landlords and property managers looking to modernise access without replacing the complete door system.

Coming Soon: Aqara Smart Lock U600

Later this year, Aqara is expected to bring the Smart Lock U600 to the UK market. This slim smart lock has been designed specifically with UK applications in mind and is expected to offer Apple Home Key support, allowing compatible users to unlock using an iPhone or Apple Watch. The lock is also expected to support Matter over Thread, helping it integrates with major smart home platforms.

Planned features include fingerprint unlocking, numeric password entry, NFC access, app control, auto-locking, emergency unlocking methods, USB-C emergency power and up to 10 months of battery life.

A New Opportunity for Installers

Smart locks are no longer just a consumer smart home accessory. They are becoming part of the wider access control conversation. For door, gate, lock and security professionals, the Aqara Smart Lock range offers a clear opportunity to add value to projects, provide modern access solutions and meet growing customer demand for connected security.

With Aqara’s wider ecosystem of doorbells, sensors, cameras, switches, screens and many other devices, installers can also create more complete smart entrance solutions for homes, offices, rental properties and light commercial environments.

As an official Aqara distributor in the UK, EG Direct can support trade customers with access to the Aqara Smart Lock range, helping installers bring smarter, more flexible access control to homes, businesses and entry points across the UK.

www.easygatesdirect.co.uk

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Sunday, 2 August 2026

Aston Martin Dreadnought: Built to deliver digital domination in Call of Duty – Modern Warfare 4

Created in collaboration with the game’s developers and publishers, Infinity Ward and Activision®, this uncompromising and deliberately extreme creation combines Aston Martin’s high-performance, luxury DNA with the virtual landscape of Call of Duty® to deliver an immersive experience designed to dominate the most challenging and unforgiving digital environments yet rendered.

Conceived by the Aston Martin Design team, who enjoyed the freedom of working without the restraints of the physical world, they have translated the capabilities of a performance SUV into an immersive virtual world for the next generation of Aston Martin fans. Grounded in the physics of the Modern Warfare® universe, this unapologetic, uncompromising tactical all-wheel drive SUV delivers not simply a stunning exploration of extreme visual language, but also an engaging and dynamic player experience that includes the roar of a full-blooded V12 powered Aston Martin.

Stefano Saporetti, Director of Brand Diversification, Aston Martin said: "Our brand diversification strategy is built on exploring new dimensions of luxury, and expanding Aston Martin’s footprint into the gaming world allows us to engage with a new generation on their own terms. The Dreadnought isn't just a digital vehicle; it’s a strategic gateway for a younger, global audience to experience our ultra-luxury DNA. By pushing the boundaries of virtual engineering, we are ensuring that the spirit of Aston Martin resonates powerfully with the luxury consumers of tomorrow."

Dreadnought combines supercar levels of performance, advanced armour technologies and adaptive combat zone intelligence systems into a single, striking form, where every element has been imagined for elite tactical performance: from its optimised aerodynamics to its fully integrated digital command interfaces. Exquisite design details emphasise Dreadnought’s high luxury heritage: from the herringbone weave of the exterior carbon fibre to the Oxford Tan leather dashboard and door panel details, and the metallic gold gear lever. These are uniquely contrasted in this digital creation with features rarely found in an Aston Martin such as military grade armour-plating.

The Dreadnought name naturally conjures up images of military might, too, as aside from its obvious dictionary definition “fear nothing”, it also recalls the famous early 20th Century British warship, HMS Dreadnought, which was so revolutionary in terms of her armament and propulsion that she coined an entirely new class of warship, defining global naval military ambition in the early 1900s. So, including unique options like reserve fuel tanks and bespoke weapons storage seemed completely appropriate for the Aston Martin Dreadnought.

Commenting on the debut of Dreadnought in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, Aston Martin Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman, said: “The team have hugely enjoyed the not inconsiderable challenge of redefining what an Aston Martin can be when the only limit is imagination.

“To create the ultimate exotic off-road machine, I had to imagine Dreadnought not only as a digital asset, but as a vehicle living in the real world—navigating the streets of New York, powering through the monsoon-soaked roads of Mumbai, and performing with complete authenticity in every environment. That vision allowed us to create something that feels genuinely real, even within the immersive world of the game.

“To me, Dreadnought is unmistakably an Aston Martin – amplified without restraint. The quality of the details we have been able to include, right down to the iconic Chiltern Green paint colour so synonymous with this marque, underscores our dedication to delivering a truly authentic Aston Martin experience. Features as diverse as the carbon fibre chassis right through to exquisite elements such as the door hinges in anodised Satin Gold, reflect our real-world determination to be the most desirable ultra-luxury brand in the automotive sector, and beyond.”

At launch players can locate the Dreadnought in key points of interest within both DMZ and Call of Duty: Warzone modes. An Aston Martin’s natural habitat is amongst luxury properties and landscapes; Dreadnought simply has a slightly more adventurous commute.

Jack O’Hara, Co-Studio Head, Infinity Ward, lead development studio of the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare series, said: “Collaborating with Aston Martin’s design team has been an incredible journey, we’ve brought the vision of Dreadnought to life from the ground up.

"Every element, from early concepting through to animation, geometry, and in‑game physics and propulsion, was carefully engineered to deliver a high‑performance armored vehicle that stays true to Aston Martin’s distinctive design philosophy and an armored exterior, a large gas tank and the most aggressive all-wheel drive in Modern Warfare 4.

“As long-time admirers of the brand, we share a commitment to passion, precision, and an uncompromising pursuit of excellence pushing every detail and every system to its limit to create something truly exceptional for our players.”

Dreadnought makes its global debut at Fanatics Fest in New York where attendees will have an exclusive opportunity to see a full-size model of Aston Martin’s virtual SUV on the Call of Duty® stand.

Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® 4, published by Activision, will be available globally on XBOX Series X|S, PlayStation 5® and PC via Battle.net, XBOX on PC, Steam, and Nintendo SwitchTM 2 on Friday, October 23, 2026.

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