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BenjiLock uses a fingerprint to keep your gym locker secure
Fingerprint readers are already a staple feature of many smartphones, and here at CES we've found the technology built into what looks like a traditional padlock. The BenjiLock, designed by a startup from Los Angeles, supports up to four different fingerprints and saves them in an encrypted chip for easy access. It doesn't leave physical keys out altogether, however, since the company says you may need to use the included set at some point. For example, if someone you don't know makes a few attempts to unlock the device, BenjiLock automatically erases your information and will require the key to open it again.
The TappLock smart padlock opens with a fingerprint
Still fiddling with a key or combination to lock up your stuff? Get with the times, man! A company called Pishon Lab has launched a smart padlock that you can open with your fingerprint, in much the same way you unlock a smartphone. The TappLock comes in two flavors, a larger version that lasts three years and can charge up your phone, and the smaller TappLock Lite, with a six-month battery life. Thanks to iOS and Android apps, you can also unlock the device using your smartphone and store up to 100 fingerprints, letting friends use it too.
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.
Noke Bluetooth app-enabled padlock launches on Kickstarter
I was so excited about this Kickstarter campaign that launched this morning that I decided to forgo waiting until our usual Thursday crowdfunding roundup to write it up. The new project is from FÜZ Designs, the same team that brought you the EverDock last year. But the Noke (pronounced No-Key) is a much more ambitious project than the universal dock, bringing Bluetooth connectivity and the power of apps to that bane of students and bicyclists, the padlock. Somewhat akin to the Kwikset Kevo in how it works, Noke seeks out an app on your iPhone for a digital key and unlocks it in a second. Those digital keys can be shared with anyone who has the app, making it simple to let someone borrow your locked bike or open your storage locker to borrow something. Noke is water-resistant and uses a replaceable battery for power. If you don't happen to have your iPhone with you and really need to get the Noke unlocked, you're in luck -- there's a way to program a "click code" to open the lock in emergencies. Obviously Noke fills a need; the project has been live for about four hours and is already at over 40 percent of its funding goal. After you watch the launch video, you might be tempted to be a backer as well.
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.
Zotac unveils new ZBOX mini-PC, powered by VIA's dual-core Nano X2
We covered lots of ground at this year's Computex, but here's one gem that slipped past our radar: the new Zotac ZBOX mini-PC, powered by VIA's latest dual-core processor. Measuring 12 x 12 x 4cm, this little beast runs on VIA's low-power Nano X2, which is available at speeds of either 1.2 or 1.6GHz, depending on your preference. It also comes equipped with native 64-bit software support, VIA's PadLock data encryption engine and is compatible with the company's other processors, including the Nano, C7, C7-M and Eden. Plus, there's an SD card reader, two USB 3.0 ports and HDMI and DisplayPort outputs. Availability and pricing remain a mystery, though we're certainly hoping it won't be as exorbitant as some other bite-sized PCs we've seen in recent months. Steer past the break for the full PR.
Apricorn's Aegis Padlock Secure USB HDD goes Pro, solid state
You gain an immense sense of security when your gadget has a number pad on it, but if last year's Aegis Padlock Secure drives weren't quite sophisticated enough for you, this year's Pro revision might fit into your dashing lifestyle of international mystery and intrigue. The new version from Apricorn comes exclusively with 256-bit AES encryption and, if you don't mind platters, offers up to 640GB worth of storage for $199. But nothing says you've made it quite like solid state storage, and for $419 you can get 128GB of the stuff, or 256GB for $799. Nobody said living dangerously would be cheap!
Corsair's Padlock 2 offers 256-bit AES encryption inside a rugged body
Our British readers will already be painfully familiar with the comical propensity that government officials (even spies!) have for losing sensitive data while on the move. It might be an idea, therefore, to give your forgetful local representative a break with one of these new Corsair USB drives. The Padlock 2 features OS-agnostic password protection via the keypad you see above plus 256-bit encryption of the data stored on the flash inside. So even if someone is tenacious enough to pry the case open, he'll have a hard time getting anything useful out of it. Oh, and don't worry about forgetting the passcode, there's a procedure for wiping the drive clean and generating a new one. 8GB units are available immediately, and we've spotted them online priced at £46 in the UK and $59 in the good old US of A.
