Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Smart Home

Kwikset Kevo unlocks the front door with a single touch

By
kevo-touch-to-open
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Check out our full Kwikset Kevo review.

Announced on the Kwikset site last week, the Kwikset Kevo allows iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 owners to unlock the front door by simply tapping the lock with their finger. Utilizing both proximity sensors and Bluetooth 4.0, the user can choose a distance within ten feet of the door that will activate the proximity sensor within the Kevo lock. The user doesn’t have to take their iPhone out of their pocket or purse either. It’s as simple as walking up to the door and tapping the lock once. When the light on the Kevo goes from blue to green, the door is unlocked and the user can enter. 

Recommended Videos

kevo-lockIdeal for anyone struggling to carry several grocery bags, there’s no need to pull out a set of keys or enter a password on a nearby keypad to unlock the Kevo. Beyond the iPhone, the device also works with the iPad 3, iPad 4, iPad Mini and the latest iPod Touch. Unfortunately, there’s no Android support for the Kevo at this time.

Related

However, users will get one Kevo Fob with the purchase of the advanced lock. The keychain fob basically serves the same purpose as the iOS device and allows people to enter the home by simply triggering the proximity sensor. Users will also be able to purchase additional fob’s for other members of the household.

Interestingly, the iOS application allows homeowners to issue permanent or temporary electronic keys to family members, roommates or guests. However, they will also need an iOS device in addition to the Kevo application. Temporary keys can be set for specific times during the day, potentially ideal for anyone that regularly visits a home like a maid or a dog walker. When the guest leaves the home, they simply tap on the lock three times to activate the lock. The Kevo can also tell where the user is standing in relation to the door. For instance, if the user is inside the home, the device won’t unlock the front door when the user is walking within the home. 

kevo-mobile-appIn order to keep track of who is entering and leaving the home, users can log into the Kevo site in order to view a log of the lock activity. Users can also set up notifications when the lock is activated. This could be useful when a child returns home from school in addition to keeping track of the home while the family is away on vacation. 

In order to incorporate this advanced technology into the Kevo, Kwikset partnered with the creator of Unikey. Backed by both Mark Cuban and Kevin O’Leary to the tune of half a million dollars after a pitch on ABC’s Shark Tank, inventor Phil Dumas raised another $1.1 million in funding to get Unikey off the ground.

Dumas stated the company has had tens of thousands of sign-ups for information about the release of the Unikey after the Shark Tank appearance. At this time, the Kwikset Kevo is expected to launch preorders during June 2013 for around $250 and will roll out to customers during July 2013. 

Editors' Recommendations

Mike Flacy
Mike Flacy
Contributing Editor
By day, I'm the content and social media manager for High-Def Digest, Steve's Digicams and The CheckOut on Ben's Bargains…
This BLUETTI portable power station is truly weatherproof
Man using BLUETTI AC240 portable power station while camping to cook

It seems like we're covering a new BLUETTI launch here at Digital Trends every month, but that's okay. Thanks to the brand's excellent products, innovative advancements, and great features, people all over can access reliable power. Its latest launch, the BLUETTI AC240, is an IP65-rated weatherproof portable power station that delivers a comprehensive energy solution for outdoor enthusiasts, first responders, and beyond. Protected against dust, water, and elements, this expandable station creates an uninterrupted power source in any environment at any time. Moreover, it empowers users to stay connected, even with power-hungry devices, to tackle demanding tasks regardless of the current weather, environment, or location. Right now, you can save big by taking advantage of Early Bird pricing.
Buy Now
 
Why you should buy the BLUETTI AC240 all-weather portable power station

Imagine for a moment that you're camping with your family, hiking through the great outdoors, or even taking a long, scenic road trip through the countryside. In all of these situations, even when you're off-grid, you'll still need reliable access to power to charge your phone and tablet(s) and power up other electronics -- like a coffee maker when you wake up in the morning. Of course, power stations and power outlets don't exist randomly out in the wild. You could use your vehicle, but that will drain the battery and, in some cases, still won't provide enough power for what you want to do. Cue the BLUETTI AC240 portable power station and devices like it.

Read more
Snag this Roomba robot vacuum while it’s discounted to $180
iRobot Roomba 694 at Best Buy - WiFi connected robot vacuum

If you're on the hunt for robot vacuum deals because you think you need help from one of these cleaning devices to keep your floors spotless, you should head on over to Crutchfield where the iRobot Roomba 694 is available at $95 off. From its original price of $275, you'll only have to pay $180, which is an excellent price for all of the conveniences that you'll get from this machine. We're not sure how much time is remaining before this offer expires though, so you better hurry and complete your purchase while you can still pocket the savings.

Why you should buy the iRobot Roomba 694 robot vacuum
For its relatively affordable price, the iRobot Roomba 694 offers most of the important features that you would expect from a robot vacuum. It comes with a three-stage cleaning system that includes an edge-sweeping brush, roller brushes, and powerful vacuum suction. You'll be able to control the device through the iRobot Home app on your smartphone or using voice commands through smart home devices that are powered by Google Assistant or Amazon's Alexa. Once the iRobot Roomba 694 is done, or when its battery runs low in the middle of cleaning, it will automatically returns to its base station for recharging.

Read more
DeWalt Spring Black Friday sale: Power tools and accessories from $15
A DeWalt drill being used.

If you have grand plans for a major home renovation project, you need the right power tools to facilitate this. Fortunately, there’s a huge DeWalt Spring Black Friday sale going on at Amazon so you can save big on plenty of great power tools as well as accessories for enriching the experience. There are hundreds of options within the DeWalt sale so the best thing you can do is hit the button below right now and see what’s out there for yourself. However, if you want some inspiration of what to consider, keep reading and we’ll take you through what we love most.

What to shop for in the DeWalt Spring Black Friday sale
Seemingly every household renovation task can be made easier with a good quality drill. That’s why it’s a great idea to buy the which is down to $99 from $179. A considerable saving of 45%, you get a compact and lightweight drill driver which can deliver 300 unit watts out of power. Its high speed transmission has two speeds of either 0-450 and 1,500 rpm with a 1/2-inch single sleeve ratcheting chuck which provides tight bit gripping strength. It’s the workhorse everyone needs and is sure to last.

Read more