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Kwikset’s latest smart lock recognizes your fingerprint
Forget using an app or security code to access your smart lock -- Kwikset's new Halo Touch smart lock is fingerprint-enabled. The device stores up to 100 fingerprints from 50 users and offers one-touch locking and unlocking.
Kwikset and Mighton unveil HomeKit-friendly smart locks
Apple is bent on extending HomeKit's reach at CES this year, and you don't need to look much further than the smart lock world for proof. Kwikset and Mighton Products are both unveiling locks that can take advantage of HomeKit, such as unlocking the door through Siri. Kwikset is unveiling contemporary-looking versions of the Premis (above), a touchscreen-equipped deadbolt that comes in thoroughly modern (if not exactly adventurous) nickel and black hues. It's reaching the US sometime in 2019 for $229.
The new Ring Stick Up Cam works with Ring Alarm security system
Amazon is rolling out a bunch of new gadgets today, a few of which are focused on home security. Among those is a new Ring Stick Up Cam, which will come in both wired and battery-powered versions. It can be used indoors or outside, comes in black and white and will be able to work alongside the Ring Alarm security system when used indoors. These are the first cameras from Ring that are meant for indoor and outdoor use and they'll feature motion detection, 1080p HD resolution, night vision, two-way talk, a siren and a wide viewing angle. Users will be able to program them to start recording once Ring Alarm is triggered.
The best Alexa-compatible smart-home devices for Amazon Echo
By Rachel Cericola This post was done in partnership with Wirecutter, reviews for the real world. When readers choose to buy Wirecutter's independently chosen editorial picks, it may earn affiliate commissions that support its work. Read the full article here. Imagine walking into your home at night, arms overflowing with groceries. To turn your smart lights on, you'd need to put the bags down, pull out your phone, unlock it, open the app, find the control for the lights you want, and then tap the icon. With an Amazon Echo and Alexa, you simply say, "Alexa, turn on the kitchen lights." And it's not just lights; Alexa is capable of controlling everything from basic smart plugs to garage doors.
Kwikset goes keyless with its 'Obsidian' smart lock
Most app-enabled smart locks like the August or any of the Schlages will still include a traditional cylinder mechanism, you know, just in case. The new Obsidian lock from Kwikset, however, has no need for your puny keys. Like, at all.
Kwikset's second-gen Kevo is ready to lock up your smart home
When it launched in 2013, Kwikset's Kevo smart lock was the first to allow users to unlock their front door with just a tap on the deadbolt. Today, Kwikset is launching the second generation Kevo with the same touch-to-open feature that made it The Wirecutter's pick for best smart lock, plus some added security features and a refined design.
The best smart lock
By Jon Chase This post was done in partnership with The Wirecutter, a buyer's guide to the best technology. Read the full article here. After spending more than three months researching and testing eight leading models in both side-by-side tests and real-world everyday use, we feel that the Kwikset Kevo with the optional Kevo Plus module is the best choice for most homeowners. It's the most versatile lock we tested—you can control it via a standard key, a wireless key fob, or a smartphone (at close range or remotely, over the Internet). It consistently had the fastest unlock/lock response times of all the locks we tested, and the mechanical whir of its moving parts was among the quietest.
Kwikset's latest smart lock lowers the price by ditching the frills
Kwikset is no stranger to connected locks, but the $219 price for its Kevo lock might put you off if you're used to securing your door with cheaper conventional locks. That might not be a stumbling block for much longer, though: the company has trotted out a Traditional Signature Series Deadbolt lock with an easier-to-swallow $150 price tag. It'll still talk to any Z-Wave home automation network that supports locks (such as a Wink hub), giving you a way to remotely unlock the door or get alerts. The cost-cutting mostly comes through the absence of extras you might not need, like a gateway device or a keypad. This won't be the cheapest lock if you're starting fresh, in other words. However, it'll definitely make more sense if you're already living in a smart home and just want the entryway to match.
Comcast's Xfinity Home works with automation tech you already own
Comcast's Xfinity Home has been automating living spaces for a while, but now the company is opening up the cloud-based system to more gadgets. Starting this summer, customers can add devices from August, Automatic, Cuff, Leeo, Lutron, Rachio, SkyBell and Whistle to the kit that already wrangles motion sensors, connected outlets, cameras and more. We're talking about things like August's smart locks, Automatic's car tracker and Cuff's smart jewelery. What's more, Comcast is teaming up with Nest as part of the Works with Nest effort to bring that smart thermostat into the fold, too. In addition to those new partners, Comcast will open up an SDK later this year alongside a Works with Xfinity Home certification program to make sure approved devices can be used with minimal headaches.
CES 2015: Kwikset Kevo smart lock gains remote access, Nest integration with upcoming update
A number of new products for the connected home are being announced at CES 2015, but it's somewhat of a surprise to hear about existing products receiving a significant upgrade. The Kwikset Kevo Bluetooth Smart Lock (which TUAW reviewed in April of 2014) is receiving an upgrade to what will be called Kevo Plus this spring, supplying a significant uptick in capability. Kwikset also announced integration with Google's Nest Thermostat that is available today. The existing Kevo works over Bluetooth, meaning that a device running the Kevo app must be within a short distance of the deadbolt lock in order to lock or unlock it. While homeowners can send an electronic "key" to others to let them use the lock, they've never had the ability to remotely lock or unlock doors. Kevo Plus provides that capability through a free Bluetooth-enabled gateway that plugs into an Internet router with an Ethernet connection. Kevo Plus will require a membership subscription (price not stated), and that membership will also allow unlimited electronic keys and real-time activity monitoring in addition to remote lock/unlock. Future updates will also allow event scheduling, which locks and unlocks doors based on pre-set times, and lock grouping, so multiple Kevo locks can be locked and unlocked with one tap. But wait, there's more! Starting today, Kevo owners can have the Kevo app set their Nest thermostat to an energy-saving "away mode". This feature is one of 15 "works with Nest" partnerships announced today at CES.
Kwikset's Kevo lets you lock your home while on vacation in Tahiti
Kwikset launched its Kevo Plus service today, which finally brings its number-one-requested feature to life: remote locking and unlocking. Launching in spring of this year, the service will enable new and existing Kevo lock owners to upgrade their systems via a Bluetooth-enabled gateway shipped with their introduction package. The Plus platform will come with unlimited Scheduled (for a home cleaning service for example) and Anytime eKeys, remote locking and unlocking and real-time monitoring. The gateway connects to your home's internet router and interacts with the Kevo lock via Bluetooth Low Energy to either track activity or activate the lock itself. Apple products are supported across the board, though Android support is currently limited to Lollipop on the Moto X, Moto G and the Nexus 6. No word on pricing for the Plus service, but with a bit of shipped hardware attached to the deal, we suspect it'll cost more than $20.
Kwikset Kevo: Using your iPhone to lock and unlock doors
Life just got a little easier for iPhone owners. Imagine that you're trying to get into your house while carrying a few bags of groceries. Wouldn't it be nice to be able to simply tap the deadbolt lock with a finger to get it to unlock instead of digging through a pocket to get your keys out? For owners of Kwikset's Kevo Bluetooth Electronic Deadbolt Powered by UniKey (US$219), that's not just a dream -- it's reality. I recently had a chance to test one of the intelligent Bluetooth-enabled locks, and it's probably the best home automation device I've installed. Sure, I can turn lights on and off with a tap on an app or get a notification that my washing machine is overflowing, but Kevo is something everyone in my home can use every single day. Kevo can be installed either on a new door or as a retrofit for a door that already has a deadbolt installed. I am probably the worst candidate for installing something like this, because I have all of the home improvement skills of a worm. Yet following the excellent instructions, I was able to install the Kevo deadbolt, calibrate it, and start using it in less than 30 minutes. The box includes all of the Kevo hardware. On the outside of the door is what looks like a standard deadbolt lock -- it actually has a ring of status LEDs built into it, and the outside of the lock is touch-sensitive. On the inside of the house is a small box that contains the electronics, a motor that opens and closes the lock, and an easy to turn manual locking lever. The Kevo comes in all of the standard lock finishes: satin nickel, polished brass, or Venetian bronze. I'll spare you the details of the installation, but I found it simple to remove the existing deadbolt and install the Kevo. Once I was done, I installed the free Kevo app and was guided through creating an owner account on MyKevo.com. The app and lock require you to have an iPhone 4s or newer, a fifth-generation iPod touch, a third-generation iPad or newer, or any iPad mini. Android support will be available when the Each Kevo lock comes with at least two eKeys -- these are encrypted electronic keys that are set up with the app. At the present time, new owners can get five extra eKeys for a total of seven. Need to let a friend or contractor have temporary access to your home? You can send them an eKey via email to give them access, then disable that key once they're done with their visit or work. Don't worry; there are also two regular keys you can give to Grandma and Grandpa so they can get into the house. Those eKeys can have different access levels. The person who sets up the Kevo lock and app first gets owner access; some users can be given admin access so that they can send, edit and delete eKeys and see notifications, and other users can only do two things -- lock or unlock a Kevo deadbolt. If you install more than one Kevo lock and want one physical key to be able to open both, no problem -- the Kevo deadbolt uses Kwikset's SmartKey re-keying technology. The lock also supplied superior pick resistance (meeting the UL 437, par. 11.6 standard), and bump keys can't be used to break in. When the lock is set up and a smartphone is running the app and has a valid eKey, you just go through a simple calibration process. This basically involves locking and unlocking the door several times. How do you do that? Touch the outside casing of the lock. It lights up with blue LEDs while contacting your phone, then turns amber when the deadbolt is locked. To unlock, just tap your finger on the casing and the blue LEDs light up again. You hear the bolt turning, and the light goes green. There are other red LED combinations to inform you of when to replace the batteries in the inside "box" of the Kevo. What happens if I lose my iPhone or it is stolen? As quickly as I can, I need to get to another device with the Kevo app or go to the MyKevo website, log in with my account, and then disable or delete that phone. Some other niceties of the app include the ability to see a full history of every action associated with a lock. You can get notifications when a specific user opens a certain lock at a particular time, nice if you want to make sure that your petsitter is really dropping by while you're on vacation. What I like most about the Kwikset Kevo is that it addresses a key issue of Internet-connected door locks from Kwikset and Schlage -- there's a possibility that those locks could be hacked remotely. With the Kevo, you have to be physically present with your device (or a fob or key) to open the door. So although I can't unlock the door for someone halfway across the world with a tap, I can send those people I know and trust an eKey in a few taps. Conclusion The world of connected devices is expanding every day, and using your iOS device as an authentication device for locking and unlocking your doors is a wonderful way to introduce yourself and your family to it. Kwikset has made retrofitting your home with Kevo deadbolts amazingly easy (especially if you already have deadbolts installed), and the system works very well. While Kevo is more expensive than a traditional deadbolt lock, the ability to distribute and control eKeys makes it much more versatile. Rating: 4 stars out of 4 stars possible
Kevo lock up for pre-order tomorrow, starts shipping in September
Amongst the seemingly endless stream of companies looking to replace your house keys, Kwikset and UniKey's Kevo system certainly seems one of the more promising options. When we had a chance to fiddle around with the device back in May, the companies didn't have much to say in terms of release schedule. Turns out you're going to have to wait until September to toss those keys in the trash -- though you can get on the list for a unit of your own tomorrow, when Kevo goes up for pre-order at $219 a pop. More info after the break.
Engadget takes Unikey's iPhone assisted keyless entry for a spin
We're still a few years away from the self-opening home front door of the Jetsons. But that's okay -- we're making progress. A few weeks ago we told you about Unikey and Kwikset's Kevo, a keyless entry system for your own front door. Now the fine folks at Engadget have had a chance to work with the system hands on, and they seem to be impressed. The system uses the iPhone's Bluetooth LE to connect with the smartlock. Simply walk up to your front door with your phone in your pocket, tap the lock, and turn the knob. Users and security are handled via iPhone and desktop apps that allow you to share keys with family and friends as administrative, normal or scheduled users. Having someone house sit for you? Register their iPhone with the house for the week and never worry about them forgetting to return your key. Having family come into town to visit? No need to worry about having enough house keys to go around. You can even set on-off access in case someone needs to come by, but only once. At the moment the system will only support the iPhone; Android and BlackBerry 10 support is on the way. Kevo is expected to go on sale soon. Head over to Engadget for their complete run down of the system, or check out the video below. Unikey is currently taking emails at their website for people interested in pre-ordering when the lock becomes available.
New Kevo lock uses your iPhone for keyless entry
Kwikset has made a new lock it's calling Kevo that makes use of your iPhone to lose your keys for good. The idea on this one seems great, and apparently the company picked up some money from a pitch on the Shark Tank TV show. The lock has both standard key-based and wireless mechanisms, so instead of using your key, you can simply put your smartphone or a branded fob up to the lock, and it'll open up for you. You can also send a key to someone else's smartphone, so if they need to get in your house for some reason, you can send them a temporary key that only works for a given amount of time. That's great, and because the lock is still a standard mechanical lock, it'll work like a traditional lock as well if all else fails. The Kevo lock runs on two AA batteries for about a year, at which point those need to be replaced. Still, I'd love to have one on my apartment door. It's set to be available this summer.
Kwikset introduces Kevo, a smartphone-friendly lock powered by UniKey
It's not the first time that Kwikset's dabbled in wireless locks, but today the company's introducing Kēvo, a smartphone- (and tablet-) friendly lock powered by UniKey. The concept is pretty simple: pair a handset (running a special app) with Kēvo via Bluetooth, and simply touch the deadbolt to lock or unlock your door. A keychain fob is also available for those who have not yet joined the smartphone revolution. Kēvo only responds to touch when an authorized device or fob is detected nearby. A triple tap lets anyone lock your door, which is useful if a visitor leaves after you. The deadbolt is battery-powered using four AA cells that last more than a year with normal operation. It features a ring of RGB LEDs for feedback and a standard physical key for backup. Most of the magic is made possible by tech developed by UniKey. The key (natch) to the entire system is the Kēvo app which lets you manage eKeys. Once logged into the app, you can send and delete eKeys, or transfer them to another device (this also deletes the eKeys associated with a lost handset, for example) -- you can even create eKeys that only work once. Currently, the app is only available for iOS, which is a major limitation, but it supports push, email and SMS notifications and keeps a detailed log of which eKeys have accessed Kēvo and when. Pricing and availability remain a mystery, but all in all the system looks pretty clever. Stay tuned for more details, and check out the link below.
Kwikset finally adds remote locking functionality to door locks
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.
Kwikset's SmartKey gives lock bumpers a whole new challenge
No, we don't recommend testing out your lock bumping skills on any building which you don't own, but just in case you've fallen victim to a bumper in the past, Kwikset is out to put you back in charge of whatever's behind door number three. Available in handsets, deadbolts, knobs and levers, the SmartKey technology effectively eliminates the possibility of using a rigged key to exploit the lock, and better still, the included Learn Tool enables owners to re-key a lock in under half a minute if necessary. Reportedly, the side-locking bar deadbolt system features ANSI Grade 1 certification and has passed "the most stringent lock picking standard." 'Course, it's only a matter of time before the tinkerers of the world have even this all figured out, but hey, at least SmartKey puts you ever-so-slightly ahead of the curve, right?[Via Apartment Therapy]
