Smart locks are starting to really become popular, last year I started following a company called Apigy Inc., which is planning to bring us Lockitron. Now I am starting to see information about a new startup called August which appears very much the same. After hearing about August, I looked up to see how many of these new locks are on the market, not looking very hard I was able to see that a big name lock producer, Kwikset. has also aimed to bring us a smart lock called Kevo. All of these locks using a bluetooth device, such as an iPhone or android phone you are able to use an app to unlock or lock a door. The lock is able to sense when you are near and automatically lock or unlock the door, or you can set it so that you need to tell it to unlock or lock from your device. With both setups you are able to log who enters and exits your house, you are also able to setup who is able to have access and for how long.
I haven’t found much information about how secure these new locks are, what kind of tests have been preformed on them. As far as I can tell though, Lockitron appears to just be an attachment to your current deadbolt while the August and Kevo appear to contain all of the hardware (Lock included)
There is no shortage of new smart locks that have been announced to come out soon. Are you interested in one? If so, which one would you prefer?
The Lockitron will start shipping July 15th. The August Smart Lock will cost $199 when it goes on sale later this year. And the Kwikset Kevo doesn’t appear to have a release date.
“Battery low, your phone is now shutting down” – right before you climb the stairs :))
Could be handy for some people. For others, a blingy thingy. I certainly don’t need (or want) anything like this.