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.
Ideal 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.
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.
In 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.
