by Shane Henson — August 7, 2013—Recognizing that smartphones have become digital extensions of the body, with 79 percent of people ages 18 to 44 having their smartphones on them for 22 hours a day, Kwikset has partnered with UniKey Technologies Inc. (UniKey) to “revolutionize” access technology by transforming the smartphone into a key that does not even have to come into contact with the door lock.
According to Kwikset, a brand of the Hardware & Home Improvement division of Spectrum Brands Holdings, Kevo is the first deadbolt intelligent enough to communicate with a smartphone and unlock with a simple touch. This technology is so convenient that the user does not even need to remove the smartphone from their pocket or purse when unlocking their door. It could be a great solution for facilities and building managers searching for an easier but still secure way to allow employees access to buildings, as they would no longer have to carry about key fobs or keys.
The Bluetooth-enabled deadbolt allows for an entirely new interface for keys, using the latest Bluetooth Low Energy 4.0 technology. The Kevo mobile app turns a smartphone into an electronic key (eKey) and allows the deadbolt to recognize and respond quickly to the touch of a finger, all while communicating seamlessly with the Kevo app in the background of the smartphone, says Kwikset.
“UniKey’s innovative touch-to-open system creates a platform for how we will interact with locks in the future,” said Phil Dumas, president of UniKey. “By uniquely combining existing mobile and Bluetooth technologies, we’re bringing your front door into the digital age without compromising the look or security of the lock.”
Kevo is compatible with smartphones that support Bluetooth Smart Ready/Bluetooth 4.0 and have the Kevo mobile app installed. The app is currently available for iPhone 4S and 5, as well as the fifth-generation iPod touch, third-generation or higher iPad, and iPad mini. The app will become available for additional devices, pending software upgrades to support Bluetooth Smart Ready/Bluetooth 4.0. Development of the app for Android and Blackberry is currently underway.
