Kwikset's
SmartKey line of wares have been lacking in intelligence for quite awhile, but at long last, the outfit has finally added a pivotal feature here at
CEDIA: true remote locking and unlocking. The new remote access control solution is being dubbed SmartCode with Home Connect -- an unnecessarily lengthy way of explaining how the company's keyless locks can now communicate wirelessly with other devices. Users can also check-in on door lock status when they aren't automatically arming / disarming, and you can initiate customized scenes upon entrance and exit in order to more accurately pretend that you're Prince. There's no mention of pricing, but given that you'll need to hit up a Control4 retailer to get your hands on this puissant technology, we'd recommend bringing the bank.
Update: The MSRP is set at $349.
posted Sep 12th 2009 1:07PM
What happenned to your font size there?
Um, nothing?
The problem with locks such as these and ones with biometric readers is that they are no more secure than a regular lock. Whenever there is the ability to use a key to open a lock as a backup to other methods, that becomes the weakest point of the lock. All a malicious person has to do is pick the lock and the door is open, they don't even have to worry about the PIN\passcode\etc.
Ok, take away the keyhole, then when you get locked out of your house in the dead of winter, we will laugh
These locks are marketed as being 'more secure' when they actually aren't. That was the whole point of the comment...oh, and if you can't remember a simple pin\passcode, don't buy the damn lock.
We use one of the non-intelligent ones at my house, and it is fantastic not having to worry about keys or anything of the like, especially with kids around. It is a much simpler solution, and that is how it is marketed, not as a ultra secure lock.
Even if they take away the keyhole, there's always busting a window... Nothing is completely secure, so your point is m00t.
It's not the forgetting of pins/passcodes that does it, it's the dying batteries. We've got a pincode/key lock, and any time we put in new (good, not cheapo) batteries, they're dead within 1 month.
@Shadyman
You're system has a problem then, or are you using in 100s of times a day ?
I replace the batteries in ours about twice a year.
Anything that has electronics, could possibly be hacked/broken. It is simple electronics after all, I'll still trust my deadbolt thank you.
How do you trust your car?
I don't have keyless entry, I never add it to my vehicles. If you are going for some cheap "Fast and Furious 2" EMP bullshit, then dream on.
I think electronics like this (and keyless entry for that matter) are general considered harder to hack than locks are to pick/force.
Yeah, besides, keyless entry on his car would not work because of the interference from his tinfoil hat.
How old is your car? Even without keyless entry, you still have a simple RFID or other simple circuit in the key itself. Then you have the engine immobilizer, the drive by wire, the central controller that controls many other functions, etc.
Adding electrical lines to household products that are mechanical can be very difficult. This lock uses a battery, which simplifies the complexity. However, its another thing you have to worry about. A lock is a product that is suppose to last decades, unless this thing beeps like a firealarm when you need to change batteries, it'll be very difficult to predict when this lock will suddenly stop working.
The question is. How often do you need to lock/unlock a door remotely? Most people within your household should have a key or a spare key. There may be niche uses for locks such as these, but for the average home it's somewhat silly and an extra hassle.
Nope, I'll just bust your window out, hotwire the car and drive off laughing... Why waste time hacking when all you need is a good crowbar?
Slow day, huh engadget?
they make cars without keyless entry still?
My Cadillac STS has TRUE keyless entry. Having to pull out a fob attached to your keys to unlock isn't all that convenient. Nor is another truly keyless entry that would require you to punch in a code for entry like these devices or that some Ford vehicles have. Being able to just walk up to the entry point and access it without fumbling with anything is what I'm looking for. A key chain fob or key card fob isn't all that convenient either since you end up having to place the fob usually within about a foot of the receiver.
When I have become so lazy and dim-witted that a key or keypad is too inconvenient, you all have permission to shoot me.
@dave - it's good to have options, but the codepad is true keyless entry. My friend has it and she can go kayaking without fear of losing the key/getting it wet/having it interfere with her workout. And her young daughter knows the code, so she can go get something out of the car without having anything to lose.
I've got the typical remote in a key, but the proximity check was neat when I rented a prius.
Oh boy! Now you can remote hack/unlock a door remotely. Key bumping takes on a whole new meaning :)
Great. Now give me an universal remote and breaking locks will never be any easier.
Don't you guys already have those.
commence communication
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as a smart home i am thankful for this technology
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it will help me to rid myself of these pesky meatbags who keep escaping out the front door
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Lol
I am glad for this. I walk home from school, and if I have to go pee really badly, the 10 seconds it takes to unlock the door is too much! It really builds anticipation!
"pee" is that what kids are calling it now...
We've always said "piss".
Oh, I see what you did there TavisJohn ;-)
The iPhone killer!
Oh wait...
I have keypad locks at work and at home and it's really nice to not have to carry keys around. What's really special about these locks is that they can be integrated into a home automation/security system so that you know whether or not doors are locked . And even open or lock them from a remote location . Ever turn you alarm system on and wonder weather all the doors are locked and have to go around your house checking them? That's a big feature that security systems lack.
Another nice thing about these locks is that different codes can be assigned for different people. (Spouse,kids,Maid,etc.) Anytime a passcode is used, the homeowner will receive a text message letting them know which person in entering the home. Also, a scheduler can been ran, so that certain codes only work at certain times of the day.
I've always wanted to be able to unlock my front door as quickly and thoughtlessly as I unlock my car door. I'd hide the buttons on the front, as to not advertise the wireless weakness, but I'd certainly pick one of these up when they're under $100.
The buttons dont give any indication of wireless features. Its just numbers and a lock button.
As a former locksmith I can tell you that Kwikset locks are one of the worst in quality and security. They are so easy to pick it a joke. If you want keyless entry then go with one of the better brands, but you will pay a lot more.
Hasn't Schlage had this for over a year now?
Haven't cars had this for several years now?
We have a Schlage keypad lock on the back door - best money every spent. So convenient never to be locked out. I set up codes for friends in town, then delete them after. Additional bonus, I do not take keys with me. This way when you valet you car, they don't have your house keys to make a copy of.
This is even better, I'll GET IT FOR SURE.
The point of the lock is that it will communicate with a home automation system and provide triggered inputs for actions to happen based on programming. Two examples would be to turn on lights automatically if dark when coming home, and the ability to lock the doors when using a Good Night scene in your home's programming.
Fact of the matter: If someone wants your stuff they're going to get it.
I love the genius multiple numbers on one button idea, which I often see for cars, as well. So smart, cuz there's 10 numbers and not 5, OMG I'M MORE SECURE CUZ MORE NUMBERS!!!
Just make it easier, and have 1 button with 10 numbers on it.
Like this? http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2007/06/knock_to_open.html
video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZV25ccjVQc
why not swap key locks for card slots instead.