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Sesame's smart door lock lets you in with a simple knock
There's no shortage of smart door locks, but they typically require that you bring out your phone or enter a code to get in. Wouldn't it be nice if you could just knock, like you're visiting a friend? Candy House thinks that's a decent idea. It just unveiled Sesame, a smart lock that lets you get in with a secret knock on either your door or your phone -- you don't have to pull out a device, tap a number pad or even speak a command (though that's available) to open things up. The design should fit on your existing deadbolt lock within "seconds," and an optional WiFi bridge gives you both remote access as well as an easy way to determine which friends are allowed inside.
Chrome OS lets you lock lost or stolen computers
Losing a gadget sucks, but having to change all your passwords to make sure no thief gets to your bank accounts is much worse for some people. That's why it's awesome that Chrome OS devices can now be locked when stolen or lost -- if they're Enterprise/Business or Education computers, that is. Google has introduced the feature as an update to the admin console, and according to Google employee François Beaufort, there's no way to do it for personal devices yet. That's unfortunate, but seeing as Chromebooks are doing especially well in the education sector, we're not entirely surprised. Those who do use a school/work-issued Chromebook only have to ask their IT admin to lock it remotely from the web-based control system. After that, people who switch the device on will only see a lock screen with the company's or school's address and phone number, in an attempt to guilt them into finding the rightful owner.
August Connect adds internet connectivity to its smart lock
August already has this smart lock thing down (at least in theory). When it works, August is as desirable as anything else on the market. But the company can't just sit still and wait for the rest of the industry to catch up. The August Connect aims to be a cheap and easy way to keep the company ahead of the curve. The small device connects to a power outlet near your Smart Lock and gets it connected to the internet through the power of WiFi. That means you can finally check the status of your lock remotely, "buzz-in" the plumber from your office, and get notifications about any little change. The Connect basically adds a bunch of features many say the August should have had from day one. But these remote-access options open up a whole bunch of questions about security and we think most would rather the company play it safe when it comes to the safety of their homes and belongings.
The key to unlocking this smart luggage lock is NFC
eGeeTouch seems to have solved a travel problem we weren't even aware we had. Rather than having to fumble with a dial code or a key that's been TSA approved, the company's keyless smart lock uses NFC and a battery that should perform for 30,000 cycles between changes. Push the unlock button to activate, swipe the included NFC badge or your phone over the lock, and then slide the catch to unlock the lock. Battery die mid-trip? No worries: You can still use the device's physical key or a USB port on the side that will power it while you activate the lock to open it. While the eGeeTouch's developers don't have any immediate plans to sell the lock as a standalone device, they're already in talks with luggage vendors to have this on the market by the second quarter of the year.
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.
60 seconds with the world's first Bluetooth padlock
In just a matter of three months, the Noke smart padlock managed to make its way from Kickstarter to our Expand event as an Insert Coin contender, so of course it's rather special. First of all, it's a Bluetooth 4.0-enabled steel bolt that can be unlocked with a click on the shackle when your iPhone or Android phone is nearby. Secondly, the companion app lets you share your Noke locks with family and friends, thus saving you the hassle of passing on a physical key. You can even set the repetition and security level for the authorization, as well as tracking history by users or by locks.
This Bluetooth padlock will open for you and whomever you deem worthy
The plain old padlock is getting rather dull, but add Bluetooth to it unlocks (pun intended) a whole new level of possibilities. As the name suggests, this waterproof Noke smart padlock by Fuz Designs doesn't come with any physical keys; instead, you unlock it by first getting near it with an assigned iOS or Android device (with Bluetooth LE), and then click the Noke's hook. Better yet, you can also assign a Noke to your best pals, thus eliminating the need to pass a key around. But what if your phone runs out of battery? Well, that's where your pre-assigned click pattern comes in: Simply tap that in on the hook and your Noke will magically open up. On a similar note, the device itself can last over a year with a CR3032 battery, which can be easily replaced even when completely out of juice (but it'd still be locked, of course). Check out the demo video after the break, and then you can head over to the Kickstarter page to grab one for an early-bird price of $59. Update: Canada's OckCorp previously tried to raise funds for a similar project but failed to reach goal.
Meet Skylock, the smart bike lock that can save you after a crash
There are plenty of smart bike locks that warn you about thieves, and some will even let you share your bike if you're the generous sort. However, their utility often stops when you start riding -- which is where Velo Labs' new Skylock comes in. The security system compares its own motion sensor data with that of your smartphone to tell if you've been in an accident. If you tumble off and don't respond within a set time frame, Skylock will alert emergency services that you're in trouble.
Okidokeys gives you more options than you could ever possibly need to open your front door
We first got word of the Okidokeys smart lock system roughly an hour ago, and just now got a chance to see the thing in action -- well, we got a chance to see it in various states of disarray on a table at tonight's CES Unveiled event. The primary module hooks up to the lock on the inside of door, with no trace of the mechanism visible from the outside. Trigger it via your mobile device and it rotates to unlock the door. There's also a large button you can use to unlock it sans smartphone from the inside. The system starts at $179. There's also a bundle priced somewhere in the mid-$200s, which will get you an RFID reader. The reader doesn't attach directly to the module, so you can put it anywhere on the exterior of the house to unlock via a bracelet or card you keep in your wallet. Or, if you're so inclined, you can still use your old-fashioned key. Using the Android or iOS app, you can also unlock the door remotely and grant access to users. The sets are available for pre-order now, with shipping set for spring. The company was also showing off a garage door module that works with its proprietary app. No word on pricing for that yet. Nicole Lee and Richard Lai contributed to this report.
Okidokeys smart locks let you manage your front door remotely
There are goofy product names, and then there's Okidokeys, a moniker that achieves new levels of silliness. All said, however, the company seems to take its line of smart locks pretty seriously. Its parent company, OpenWays Group, already provides smartphone-based door lock solutions to hotels. The company's leveraging the 256-bit AES cryptology security it's used in those products for Okidokeys, home locks you control with an Android or iOS handset via Bluetooth. There seems to be a pretty wide array of options here, letting you enable a hands-free unlock when you're near the door or associating objects like an RFID card, in case your smartphone should run out of juice. Using the company's online portal, you can manage accounts, giving people limited access to the door so, say, your babysitter can only get in during a designated time, and if anyone tries to break in, you'll get an alert on your phone. You can also unlock the door from afar, should someone forget their key. The line of locks starts at $179. Pre-orders open up this month, with the product is set to ship in the spring.
Lock8 thwarts every kind of bike thief through GPS and smart alarms (video)
Many attempts at smarter bike locks, well, aren't -- they won't last long against thieves with the right tools. If Lock8's new security device ships, however, those ne'er-do-wells won't have it so easy. The smartphone-controlled lock includes the GPS tracking you'd hope for, but it also includes sensors that trigger alarms and notifications for just about any kind of theft attempt. A smart cable warns if someone tries a bolt cutter; an accelerometer can detect drills and saws, and there's even a temperature sensor to fend off blowtorches. Owners can rent their rides, too. Lock8 is crowdfunding the technology, with pledges starting at £69 ($111) for those who want a lock and six months of free GPS service. If the company meets its £50,000 ($80,340) goal, bikes worldwide should be much safer by May 2014.
August smart lock delayed until Q1 2014, available for pre-order now
The August smart lock was set to ship to customers beginning later this year, but for reasons unknown, it's now delayed. The $199 Yves Behar-designed deadbolt, which can be controlled via a smartphone app connected over Bluetooth, is available for pre-orders beginning today, and will now debut with silver, bronze, black and red finishes. Additionally, August will also now support a feature called EverLock, which recognizes when you've closed a door behind you and automatically engages the bolt. Check out the new colors in the gallery below; if you like what you see, you can hit up the source link to place an order.
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.
Goji's Smart Lock snaps pictures, welcomes you by name
Burglars of the future beware: the age of the smart lock is coming. There's no shortage of entries into the space these days -- in fact, it was just under a week ago that we spotted the lovely Yves Behar-designed August lock. Goji's (whoever heard of a company named after a fruit?) got a pretty nice looking lock of its own, one it's hoping to bring to the market with help from a $120,000 Indiegogo goal. Like August, Goji's got a sleek disk design. In the place of the green and red dots, however, you'll find blue text that greets the user by name. The lock features bank-level encryption and will send pictures of people as they enter in through the door for added security. You can unlock it using your smartphone and can send people digital keys with your mobile device. Goji's expected to hit around December for $278 -- though you can get in a bit cheaper through the aforementioned crowdfunding campaign.
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.
Insert Coin semifinalist: Smart Knob puts a keypad lock on your door, we go hands-on
The Smart Knob promises a smarter, more secure deadbolt lock that lets us issue time-limited unlock codes or give trusted visitors a way in. Thanks to some hands-on time here at Engadget Expand, we've learned that it's even more clever than we thought. The PIN-verified, phone-based code generation system cycles through a seemingly "infinite" range before it hands out a number; someone overstaying their welcome isn't likely to stumble across the new code by accident. And while some might be disappointed that there's no built-in Bluetooth or WiFi to get codes, that actually works to its advantage, according to the project's Clark Li and Merrick Lackner. As Smart Knob doesn't need an internet connection, it could be useful even out in the woods. As for the lock itself? Having had a look first-hand, we're more inclined to believe claims that it's easy to install. At least from what we've seen in the prototype, it really is just a keypad resting on top of the existing deadbolt. There isn't anything special that goes behind or through the door. To us, that makes it easier to justify the $99 price the Smart Knob team is targeting for the base hardware -- it's something you could put on your front door at home, not just at the office. The only added costs would be for ongoing notifications and similar services that would require a more extensive effort. We should know how well the Smart Knob works when it launches closer to the end of the year. Zach Lutz contributed to this report. Follow all of Engadget's Expand coverage live from San Francisco right here! %Gallery-183023%
Insert Coin semifinalist: Smart Knob brings keypad access to your front door
Keys? Who needs keys? The Smart Knob is an attempt to do away with those pesky metal things for property managers and renters, attaching a keypad to your front door's deadbolt. Owners of the property can issue codes remotely for a chosen period of time. Visitors can also get codes by calling the service's automated phone system. The Smart Knob is compatible with all standard circular deadbolts, and its creators insist that the installation process takes under a minute. The battery should last "up to two years" with daily use -- and when it gets low, a warning will let you know. Check out a video of the original plastic prototype after the break. The final version will, thankfully, be made of metal. Check out the full list of Insert Coin: New Challengers semifinalists here -- and don't forget to pick a winner!
Onity rolling out safeguards against hotel keycard hacks, may fix some locks outright
Mozilla staffer Cody Brocious' discovery of a quick (if imperfect) hack for hotel door locks raised alarms at the prospect that thieves could slip into rooms moments after plugging in a rogue device. The keycard system's creator, Onity, suggested in August that any solutions beyond capping the data port would cost a fee, and there wasn't a definite roadmap in place. The firm has more lately been looking to make things right. Officially, it's planning to give every affected hotel the caps over the "next several weeks," free as promised. Forbes understands that Onity may be going the extra mile, however. Reportedly leaked memos from Hyatt, the InterContinental Hotels Group and Marriott have the lock firm charging $11 per door to ship boards with hack-resistant firmware, but refunding that price as soon as it receives old boards, effectively offering a permanent fix for free. Some hotels outside of North America may not have to take even that last step. The only gotcha is a supposed requirement that hotels agree locks aren't hack-proof -- in short, please don't sue us. We've reached out for confirmation of this more extensive solution, but any truth to it would put the threat of keycard system hacks on ice for at least awhile.
Ask Engadget: how do you secure a laptop without a Kensington slot?
We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, then here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget inquiry is from Scott, who needs some peace of mind with his new laptop, since it doesn't have a security slot. If you're looking to ask one of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "I have a Lenovo U410, which doesn't have a Kensington lock slot. Do you have any suggestions as to how to keep it physically secured? Thanks!" Well, Scott, while it's not the greatest situation, there are a few alternatives you might want to try. For example: Griffin's TechSafe connects through the device's hinge, and should do a job to deter casual thieves. There's also Kensington's laptop docking station, which also clips around your device's display -- but does require you to drill some holes through your desk. Of course, that's just our two cents, now it's time for you lot out there to chip in with your own suggestions. If you've learned the secret to securing Kensington-free laptops, share your knowledge in the comments below.
