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Android phones can now open Schlage's premium smart lock
Android users in search of a smart lock now have another option available to them. On top of its existing iOS (and HomeKit) support, Schlage is adding compatibility for Google's OS to its top-of-the-line Smart Deadlock. That's not all, if you're willing to fork out an extra $70 you can also grab the company's new Sense Wi-Fi adapter, allowing you to control the smart lock from anywhere.
Indiegogo backers get their smart lock... two years later
Friday Labs has finally begun shipping the smart locks it promised its Indiegogo backers way back in 2015. Long waiting periods like this are definitely one of the most important things to take into consideration when backing crowdfunding projects. But, hey, at least this one didn't fold without shipping even a single product. In fact, the startup has also begun accepting pre-orders for those who didn't get to back the campaign. Non-backer purchases won't ship until next month or so, though, and it will set you back the device's full retail price ($249).
Control your August Smart Lock by yelling at Google Assistant
In the quest to smart-up your analog home, interactive door locks present a distinct conundrum: If things go screwy, you might not be able to get into your home. August Home's Smart Lock lets you lend out virtual passes for temporary guests but doesn't fully replace your existing deadbolt, meaning your metal key still opens your door the old fashioned way. While the product has been around since 2014, the company started integrating voice control last year, integrating Apple's Homekit last May and Amazon's Alexa support a month later. Today, they're rounding out the trio by enabling Google Assistant on the Smart Lock.
Wink's connected home tech uses Alexa to lock your doors
You can already use Alexa to control Wink-compatible connected lights, switches and thermostats, but now the IoT company is letting you use the virtual assistant to lock your doors. Wink announced today that you can employ those handy voice commands to make sure your doors are locked. The company says that smart locks from the likes of Schlage, Kwikset, and Yale that are compatible with its tech are privy to the update.
The Ellipse smart lock allows you to securely share your ride
The sharing economy took a turn toward the two-wheeled here at CES on Thursday when Lattis, "the smart city company," introduced its Ellipse Smart Bike Lock. As its name implies, the Ellipse packs as many IoT features as it can into its solar-powered frame. That includes an accelerometer to monitor for sudden stops (i.e., you crash or get hit by a car) and Bluetooth connectivity for remote unlocking and pushing theft-attempt alerts to your smartphone.
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 Gate one-ups other smart locks with a built-in camera
Smart door locks and deadbolts allow you to let anyone in your house from anywhere with an internet connection, but how many enable you to ensure the identity of the person entering? Some smart locks, such as the August, offer add-on cameras and microphones, but you have to buy those accessories separately; meanwhile doorbells like the Ring have a camera but don't allow for electronic keys or remote activation. The Gate smart lock, on the other hand, packs everything into a single device.
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.
August unveils a Homekit-enabled lock, keypad and doorbell camera
August Home Inc, makers of the August Smart Lock, announced the forthcoming release of three new products as well as a new service at a press event in San Francisco today. The new product lineup includes a second-generation Smart Lock, a Smart Keypad and a Smart Doorbell Camera. The lock itself offers a number of design improvements over its predecessor including a magnetic faceplate that won't pop off every time you manually engage the lock as well as a stainless steel indicator on the lock sleeve. Plus, being Homekit-enabled, the new Smart Lock will allow users to issue voice commands through Siri rather than opening the app itself. It's available for order today and will retail for $230. The older generation locks will be discounted to $200.
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.
Friday Smart Lock offers more ways to match your decor
There's a growing number of smart locks out there, but if design's as important to you as feature set, this one could be of interest. The device is called Friday Smart Lock, and it can be unlocked remotely through its accompanying iOS or Android app. Once installed, and with the app set up, you can grant both one-time or permanent (revokable) access to friends and family. Its creators, tech startup Friday Labs and architectural firm Bjarke Ingels Group, made the device small, so the baseplate and battery fits inside existing US single cylinder and Scandinavian deadbolts.
Your Android phone will soon stay unlocked while you're holding it
If you're frustrated that your smartphone locks while it's still in your hands, Google may soon come to your rescue. A handful of Android Police readers report that their Lollipop-equipped phones' Smart Lock security now includes "on-body detection," a motion-sensitive feature that keeps your Android device unlocked so long as it's either in-hand or in your pocket. This isn't completely secure (a pickpocket could have a field day), but you don't have to worry about someone snooping on your personal info just because you left your handset on the table for a hot minute. Just when you'll get this option isn't certain, though. Google is slowly rolling out body detection to users through Google Play Services, not software updates, so you might not know it's available until you dig through the settings at the right time. Photo by Will Lipman.
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.
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.
Congratulations to our Insert Coin winners: Poursteady and Noke
The votes have been tallied; the judges deliberated; and we have our winners for this year's Insert Coin. The judges tossed their support behind Poursteady, a robot that makes five pour-over cups of coffee and handed the company $10,000 to help get off the ground. Noke took home the $15,000 readers choice prize. While we've seen plenty of smartlocks before, this is the first time we've seen Bluetooth crammed into the padlock form factor. You can relive the entire competition, from the initial presentations by the 10 semi-finalists, to the grilling by the judges, and finally the prizes being awarded after the break.
Google details the ways Android Lollipop protects your phone's data
Android 5.0 Lollipop isn't just about a shiny new interface or whiz-bang features; there are some new ways to safeguard your phone's data, too. To underscore that point, Google has detailed Lollipop's toughened-up security features. Some of them you may know if you've followed development closely. Smart Lock lets you unlock your device using a paired Bluetooth- or NFC-equipped gadget, such as an Android Wear watch. Tougher SELinux enforcement, meanwhile, should reduce the chances that a rogue app compromises the entire system. And as much as the FBI may hate it, full device encryption is both on by default (for new devices) and tied to hardware security -- both law enforcement and thieves should have a much harder time spying on your locally stored content. It's probably going to be a while before these new defenses reach your phone, and you'll still want to be cautious when sharing things online. Nonetheless, it sounds like you won't have to worry quite so much about data breaches in the near future.
Engadget Daily: AQUOS Crystal review, the August smart lock and more!
What's that? A brand-new phone from Sharp? Yep, it's called the AQUOS Crystal and it looks good. That's not all we have on deck though -- read on for our news highlights from the last 24 hours, including the August smart lock, Google's ongoing licensing battle with Oracle, and more. Read on for Engadget's news highlights from the last 24 hours.
Engadget Daily: Internet security flaws, iOS 8 fixes and more!
The past 24 hours have been quite a ride, eh? We've seen just how easy it can be to pilfer goods from an Apple store, discovered that there's yet another internet security flaw and Cupertino has a fix for the latest version of iOS' problems. However, there are even more stories than that! For those, check out the gallery below.
Engadget Daily: Haven's barricade-style smart lock, Nissan's electric pickup truck and more!
Need to catch up on the last 24 hours of tech news? Read on for our daily highlights, including Nissan's EV pickup truck, a heavy-duty smart lock that can withstand a battering ram, the deal with Apple's iOS 8 bugs and more.
