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.
