While several high-profile smart deadbolt systems such as Lockitron and August have experienced significant delays, Kwikset has been shipping its Kevo Bluetooth deadbolt for some time now, and today the system is receiving a software update to provide new access options for users.
Similar in appearance to other electronic deadbolt locks with a relatively large housing on the inside of the door, the Kevo system allows users to lock and unlock their deadbolts with a simple touch, relying on a Kevo iPhone app or physical fob to determine whether access should be granted. After a simple set-up process, the Kevo deadbolt can determine relative positioning of the device or fob, only granting touch access when the user is outside the door. A standard key can also be used to operate the deadbolt.
Much of today's upgrade centers around the system's eKeys that allow users to unlock the door using the Kevo smartphone app. The new features include free and unlimited Guest eKeys that can be sent to guests to allow access for 24 hours, as well as a new Scheduled eKey type that allows to restrict the days and times a standard eKey is valid.
From giving a neighbor day-long access to keep an eye on your kids, or letting in a weekend guest who beats you home from a busy day at work, the Guest eKey provides ultimate convenience and flexibility.
The new Scheduled eKey enhances home access control by allowing users to set day and time constraints right from their phones. Ideal for house cleaners, dog walkers, nannies or others that need regular access at pre-determined times, like on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-3 p.m. Kevo owners can schedule these eKeys to be active prior to sending, so they don’t have to remember to grant or revoke access to these users in real time.
Kevo comes with two free Anytime or Scheduled eKeys, and additional ones can be purchased in-app for $1.99 each. The new Guest eKeys are available free of charge without limits.
Kevo is available from Apple, Amazon, and other retailers for approximately $220. The updated Kevo app for iPhone is available now through the App Store [Direct Link], and the app also facilitates a firmware update for the lock itself.
Top Rated Comments
Can't most of these issues (What if I leave inside, lose, forget etc) be applied to normal keys as well??
What if I'm out for a jog,I take my phone and the batter dies?
What if I loose my cellphone?
What if my wife leaves her cell in the house and is locked out? It would be nice to send a signal from another phone to unlock the door. Or go to a neighbors house,use their computer,login and unlock your front door.
Just like my garage door opener. I can open it from any smartphone or PC.
When they accomplish that,I'll be the first to buy one.
You see that jagged slot in the middle? It fits a metal key.
I imagine this is a fairly regular request they have. And as you point out it can be very useful to lock/unlock from almost anywhere.
But as with everything, once you're on the internet - the security risks rise so much.
This gets me thinking about Apple's HomeKit. There's been talk of having a HomeKit server type device (possibly even a new Apple TV box). That could sit between your home network of devices and the internet. Not just locks like this, but the DVR, washing machine, fridge, lights, oven - whatever. This would act as the security layer between the internet and your devices.
I don't like the idea of all my future connected devices accessing the internet directly. But if they could sit behind something provided by Apple it should help security and allow for all these devices to be controlled by 1 interface.
My biggest gripe with sending people the eKeys is actually that the user has to install the app AND sign up with their email address! That kind of offsets the temporary convenience factor in my opinion.