Hasta La Gadget!

Smart locks are all the rage these days, and it makes sense: using a device instead of a hardware key means you’re far less likely to lose the means to opening the lock, and you can do it remotely from anywhere with a connection. TEO is a new Kickstarter Project that wants to bring smart features to that most basic of everyday security devices, the padlock.

The TEO uses an app to control a Bluetooth LE lock device, which has a basic hinge and a design that instantly sets it apart from other padlocks out there. It’s also a rights-management platform, whereby you can see the location of your TEO locks on a map, and share access to each individually with anyone else that has the TEO app as you choose. So if you need a friend to pick up the bike you left outside their apartment last night and bring it back to you, it’s as simple as granting them temporary access to that TEO.

The padlock hardware itself is designed to be at least as theft-resistant as existing options on the market, as well as rugged and able to withstand all kinds of weather while keeping the smart features operational. It’ll be made by Heliox Tech, a manufacturer based in California that has worked on U.S. military and underwater tech for nearly a decade, though the design is from Vancouver-based Form3.

Of course, using BLE means that battery is a concern; TEO says that using a sophisticated sleep mode, it will last for at least one year in its final design. Users will be able to monitor battery life via the companion smartphone application, too, to make sure they don’t run out of juice and get left with a locked locker. The company also offers support that will swap out exhausted batteries, and help with bugs that cause locks to become unresponsive.

TEO creator OckCorp is looking for $165,000 to get its product off the ground, and has already raised around $34,000 as of this writing. A $79 pledge will currently get you one of the first production units, with a target ship date of December 2014. While the basic combo lock won’t be going out of style anytime soon, this definitely suit the needs of bike sharing organizations, delivery locker companies and others who have the need for a distributed, managed solution, as well as adventurous early adopters.

Ever heard of the company Kwikset before? They happen to be a leading brand when it comes to hardware and home improvement, and this time around, they have something interesting for the masses to check out in terms of home security. After all, every man has his castle, and in order to make sure that his modern day abode remains safe and sound from any intrusions (as much as it is possible anyways), here is the Kevo smart lock from Kwikset. The Kevo smart lock happens to be a highly anticipated Bluetooth-enabled deadbolt that will transform your iPhone into your house key. I know that there will be some level of consternation among you, since losing your phone would also mean that you would have lost your house key. Let us read on how the Kevo smart lock would work right after the jump.

Touted to be convenient and versatile, the Kevo smart lock would enable owners to have the ability to unlock the door with their smartphone, accompanied by a simple touch. Not only that, you are also able to send electronic keys (eKeys) to family, friends and service people; in addition to receiving notifications whenever there is someone who enters or exits their door.

The moment an eKey is sent, recipients will just need to download the mobile app if you have not yet installed it. Once that is done, just keep the iPhone in your handbag or pocket, and the door can be unlocked with but a simple touch. There will be many different levels of permission, and Kevo Owners and Administrators have authorization to send, delete and disable eKeys within a matter of seconds. Once eKeys have been distributed, you also have the choice of receiving notifications whenever a user locks or unlocks the door, paving the way for convenient home security management. Do you think this is better than a traditional set of keys?

Press Release
[ Kwikset introduces its Kevo smart lock copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Burglars of the future beware: the age of the smart lock is coming. There’s no shortage of entries into the space these days — in fact, it was just under a week ago that we spotted the lovely Yves Behar-designed August lock. Goji’s (whoever heard of a company named after a fruit?) got a pretty nice looking lock of its own, one it’s hoping to bring to the market with help from a $120,000 Indiegogo goal. Like August, Goji’s got a sleek disk design. In the place of the green and red dots, however, you’ll find blue text that greets the user by name. The lock features bank-level encryption and will send pictures of people as they enter in through the door for added security. You can unlock it using your smartphone and can send people digital keys with your mobile device. Goji’s expected to hit around December for $278 — though you can get in a bit cheaper through the aforementioned crowdfunding campaign.

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Via: GigaOm

Source: Indiegogo, Goji