Anyone who has always desired a smartphone controlled lock will be glad to know that the tech world has just done that; delivered such a door lock right to your hand. Stiff competition, coupled with a desire to increase the convenience of managing door locks, has seen the invention of electronic locks all having one thing in common; a feature enabling users to control and manage them using a smart phone.
Operation
Some necessitate the replacement of the whole lock system to install for the first time, while others allow users to simply place a smart device on an existing deadbolt. Accessing the house only requires either tapping the lock with one finger or simply walking up and waiting for the lock to first recognize your and then unlock. No more searching for keys. The only thing users of these locks need are smartphones. Interestingly, taking the smartphone out of the purse or pocket is not necessary. Once you touch your lock, your smart phone communicates with the lock whilst inside your purse before the door opens for you to walk in. Thanks to portlandlocksmithpros.com for providing some information about these smart locks.
Examples of New Locks That Can Be Opened With Smart Phones
August
August is undoubtedly the most sophisticated of all smart locks, thanks to its spectacular design-it has a brushed aluminum circular touch and perfectly replaces the conventional deadbolt besides enabling users to manage and control it from android, web or iOS app. It notifies users when certain persons enter and leave their house, and even allows them to issue infinite digital keys to other family members and friends, customizing the duration during which such persons have access, including what days or even hours they are allowed to access the house. August uses Bluetooth minimal energy to recognize that a phone that has the right key is near. There is, therefore, absolutely no need to take out the phone, this smart lock unlocks automatically.
GOJI
Goji is a smart lock made up of an elegant electronic lock designed to replace the deadbolt on a door. Besides being paired with a smartphone to manage and control access, the lock can also be controlled with the normal deadbolt keys, a feature that comes in handy for your family member who may not have a smart phone. Installation is also very easy since it does not require drilling or wiring. Additionally, and unlike many other smart locks, Goji has a camera which is designed to take a guest’s snapshot, send the same to the owner’s phone who will then decide to either allow that guest access or not. It also comes with an LED screen which displays a polite message to the person entering or leaving the house.
Kwikset Kevo
This smart lock instantly transforms the user’s smartphone into a key, thanks to its Bluetooth-connectivity. To unlock, the user touches the Kevo which in turn sends an “Open” signal. Users purchasing the entry level form of this lock are given two fob keys, two eKeys and two conventional keys. The latter comes in handy when the lock runs out of power. The main feature is the eKeys, which are encrypted codes that can be implemented with a smartphone. Since eKeys cannot be duplicated, they are more reliable than the traditional keys. Moreover, they can allow access to a member who is either scheduled or with “anytime” access.
Lockitron
Lockitron fits right over the padlock on the back of the door. The lock’s major feature is its ability to work with any type of smartphone and uses a mobile web application that allows the user to lock and/or unlock the door by simply using a tap. It has a built-in Wi-Fi, and hence can send notifications to its owners regardless of where they are. Keyless entry is granted to users with iPhone 4S or 5 since the lock recognizes via Bluetooth 4.0 when such users walk up. It boats of the easiest set up compared to other smart locks.
SCHLAGE
Schlage is somewhat an old school smart lock in that it has a keypad that grants users access to a house with a 4-digit code. The lock can, however, still be controlled and managed through a smartphone with Nexia Home Intelligence. It allows users to create as many as 19 private codes for various household members. The users can even customize the codes to work in certain time periods only. Later on, the codes can be deleted and new ones created as desired. The users can also lock or unlock the door from anywhere. It sends out notifications every time each of the several codes is used indicating the exact one that has been selected.