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The Smart Knob promises a smarter, more secure deadbolt lock that lets us issue time-limited unlock codes or give trusted visitors a way in. Thanks to some hands-on time here at Engadget Expand, we’ve learned that it’s even more clever than we thought. The PIN-verified, phone-based code generation system cycles through a seemingly “infinite” range before it hands out a number; someone overstaying their welcome isn’t likely to stumble across the new code by accident. And while some might be disappointed that there’s no built-in Bluetooth or WiFi to get codes, that actually works to its advantage, according to the project’s Clark Li and Merrick Lackner. As Smart Knob doesn’t need an internet connection, it could be useful even out in the woods.

As for the lock itself? Having had a look first-hand, we’re more inclined to believe claims that it’s easy to install. At least from what we’ve seen in the prototype, it really is just a keypad resting on top of the existing deadbolt. There isn’t anything special that goes behind or through the door. To us, that makes it easier to justify the $99 price the Smart Knob team is targeting for the base hardware — it’s something you could put on your front door at home, not just at the office. The only added costs would be for ongoing notifications and similar services that would require a more extensive effort. We should know how well the Smart Knob works when it launches closer to the end of the year.

Zach Lutz contributed to this report.

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One of the things that a lot of people have long lamented as missing from the iPhone is near field communications technology. NFC technology allows smartphones to do all sorts of interesting things such as share content or make purchases by simply holding the phone close to a compatible device. A new product called CalypsoKey has surfaced that adds NFC to the iPhone.

The system includes a case for the iPhone adding NFC technology which allows users to store their entire selection of NFC identification cards inside the Calypso case. Using the device you can unlock doors, check in at your office, or even open your garage. Calypso decided to keep things simple, avoiding the use of an app or the iPhone itself, instead providing batteryless NFC data storage in the case itself, so it never needs recharging.

The case has a 13.56 MHz RFID antenna inside with 1k memory capacity. It also has a second 125 kHz RFID antenna built-in. The two antennas make the case compatible with most RFID-based NFC access points for locking systems. The company doesn’t show exactly how you transfer NFC data to the Key, but does mention it’s compatible with Kaba RFID locks among others.

The NFC-enabled CalypsoLoop case sells for $119(USD) with the CalypsoRing costing $129. The CalypsoKey versions of the case are only available for the iPhone 5.

Apigy made waves last year when they released the Lockitron, a door lock system that was remotely operated via phones. They’ve recently unveiled a significantly improved version of the device, adding tons of new features at a much lower price. That said, it still works as before, i.e. it turns your phone into both a house guard and a security risk.

The first version of the Lockitron was a full deadbolt lock that connected to the Internet via Ethernet. The newer version is much more practical because it no longer comes with its own lock – it attaches to existing deadbolt locks – and it has Wi-Fi connectivity as well. The old Lockitron also supported automatic opening via NFC, but the newer version now uses Bluetooth 4.0 to detect your phone and automatically unlock the door.

The new Lockitron is also more talkative. It sends notifications if your door was unlocked, if its battery is low and, thanks to a sensor, can even tell you if someone’s at the door – as long as they knock, that is. All of the other features are still present in the new device. In terms of security, the signal that the Lockitron app sends is encrypted and you can also remotely disable the app should your phone be lost or stolen.

You can reserve a Lockitron from its official website for $149 (USD). Apigy ran its own fundraiser and has surpassed its target amount, which bodes well for the product.  That said, the device has garnered a considerable amount of negative feedback from YouTube commenters for obvious reasons. But if you think about it, a regular deadbolt is no more or less secure than this device, especially since it’s now just basically a smart mechanism that moves the lock and not the lock itself. You can still use your key if you want or need to and you can use the remote disable feature if you lose your phone.

[via Reddit]

Who doesn’t remember using combination locks at school or at your gym? Well it looks like Master Lock has taken it upon itself to push the old combination lock into the future, thanks to its new padlock, which features an electronic interface.

The Master Lock DialSpeed Padlock has a light-up interface where the combination wheel should be, and it allows you to program multiple personalized codes, as well as setting up a permanent master code if you should forget your code. It has a boron carbide shackle, a wide metal body that’s easy to grasp and easy to open with one hand.

The DialSpeed Padlock sells for $25(USD). The only real flaw I can see with this is that it is battery powered, though the battery should give you five years of service before needing a replacement.

[via Uncrate]