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Apr 12, 2001
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First introduced at CES, the Kevo Plus is a new product that accompanies the Kevo, a popular Bluetooth-enabled smart lock. The Kevo Plus adds online connectivity to the Kevo, allowing for remote access for the first time.

With the new Kevo Plus, it's now possible for Kevo users to lock and unlock their doors from anywhere in the world, in addition to unlocking them when close by with Bluetooth. Kevo Plus connectivity is enabled through a Bluetooth-enabled gateway that plugs into the router with an Ethernet connection to form a secure interaction between the Kevo and the Kevo Plus Gateway.

kevoplusgateway.jpg
The Kevo Plus Gateway​

To get remote access, existing Kevo users will need to upgrade their accounts to Kevo Plus, paying a one time upgrade fee of $69.99 on the Kevo website. After paying the fee, they'll receive the Kevo Plus gateway, which will be able to receive remote commands when a user is away from home and communicate those to the Kevo via Bluetooth. A single Kevo Plus Gateway is able to connect with and interact with multiple Kevo locks.

To support the new remote access functionality, the accompanying Kevo app has been updated. In addition to support for the Kevo Plus gateway, the update adds InHome Locking and Unlocking, letting users lock and unlock the Kevo with an iPhone if they're within Bluetooth range. This new feature does not require Kevo Plus.

kwikset_kevo.jpg

The Kevo Smart Lock is available from several retailers such as Amazon.com and Apple.com for $190 to $220. The Kevo Plus add-on can be purchased from the Kevo website for $70. The Kevo app is available from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]

Article Link: Kwikset Debuts 'Kevo Plus' Feature to Add Remote Access to Kevo Bluetooth Lock
 

edgr.sanchez

macrumors member
Sep 13, 2013
52
91
It's worth noting that this was announced at CES 2014 and delayed multiple times.

That's way too expensive for a wifi bridge. It doesn't even support HomeKit.

I have a Kevo on my front door, and while I LOVE having a smart lock, Kevo does a crappy job at it.

You can only have two phones connected to the lock, if you want to have extra devices connected, you have to purchase extra ekeys. Guest keys are free but they're only good for 24 hrs.

It's also very slow to respond. Most of the time it takes two tries before it recognizes your phone, and your phone has to be very close to the lock. If you've got a thick case on the phone and it's in your pants with your pocket not facing directly towards the lock, it will most likely not work.

Also, I don't understand why they didn't implement a sensor so that the lock knows when the door is shut. As it is now, if you're carrying bags and graze it or if you have guests that don't know that the lock is touch activated, the Kevo will lock itself even though the door is wide open. Then the bolt will hit the door frame on the way back.

I guess it's a good v1 implementation, but I'm open to other devices that will tie in with HomeKit and other smart devices. I'd like to have my Philips Hue lights turn on in the hallway when I unlock the door for example. I know this can be achieved using IFTTT and/or GPS, but i'd like for it to be tied to the smart lock, because it's not just me that will be opening the door. It might also be guests.
 

imola.zhp

macrumors 65816
Jun 1, 2010
1,372
1,048
Mud Island (Memphis), TN
Dang.

I have Kwikset locks on my house was hoping to get a HomeKit Kevo so that using smart key I could easily have a smart lock be the same key as all of my existing locks.

Guess I'll have to look into Schlage, not happy Kwickset!
 

techiegirl

macrumors 65816
Sep 7, 2007
1,261
323
I have the Kevo lock and we can have up to 7 ekeys (iPhones) active. I'm not sure how you only have 2. It is buggy though and I'm not always receiving notices when the door is locked/unlocked.
 

WJKramer

macrumors 6502
Jun 8, 2008
422
39
Updated but I can't figure out how to lock and unlock from app which is supposed to have been added for free.
 

CostaMoses

macrumors regular
Feb 4, 2014
153
217
It's also very slow to respond. Most of the time it takes two tries before it recognizes your phone, and your phone has to be very close to the lock. If you've got a thick case on the phone and it's in your pants with your pocket not facing directly towards the lock, it will most likely not work.

There was a software update for the locks (different than the app store update) that I just installed yesterday. It takes about 10 minutes per lock, but is super easy to do.

Before the newest software update, I also had trouble unlocking the door with my iPhone. I would often have to pull it out of my pocket and hold it next to the lock to get it to work. Now it seems to work with the phone a good 3-5 feet away from the lock.

I hope you update and have as good of luck!

P.S. I agree about $70 being too expensive for the bridge. I don't think it is really necessary. Instead of remotely locking/unlocking the door for a friend or relative, we can just send a free 24 hour key. I guess the only real benefit would be that you could check and lock it if you weren't sure if you locked the door after leaving for a trip.
 
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2457282

Suspended
Dec 6, 2012
3,327
3,015
Ah, the good old failure of the Internet of things.

One gateway here, one there...a different one for lights, appliances, sensors...

A different type of app for each product. The joy!

:facepalm:
Indeed, I got the Hue starter kit and added one light (total 4) but then stopped. The homekit thing has taken too long and is still going to require a gateway. So if I a lock or other devices I will need more gateways. Homekit hopefully solves the multi app problem (although I have not seen that yet), but the multi gateway seems to be an ongoing issue. There are a few companies that are trying, but I have not seen anyone that can automate the temp, lights, outlets, security and door all through one gateway. That is why I had such high hopes in Homekit.

But my hopes have been dashed for a while now. So I continue to put off any further investment into IoT until someone shows up with a solid implementation and solid products.
 

dantol

macrumors newbie
Oct 13, 2015
8
1
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jwilson25

macrumors regular
Aug 25, 2009
182
96
OK, I asked them on Facebook, and apparently the device itself needs a Firmware update to complete this and they are rolling it out slowly. They asked me to PM them my account login email and they will push the firmware update to me quicker. No update yet....

https://www.facebook.com/kwiksetlocks/posts/10153654079673050?comment_id=10153654636983050&reply_comment_id=10153654658373050&total_comments=1&comment_tracking={"tn":"R4"}

Thanks for the info, I message them as well, hopefully we'll hear something shortly
 

dantol

macrumors newbie
Oct 13, 2015
8
1
Thanks for the info, I message them as well, hopefully we'll hear something shortly

The Rep I was chatting with also mentioned to me that with the Kevo Plus upgrade you'll get unlimited ekeys, vs $1.99 per extra after 2. So that's nice.

With the upgrade to Kevo Plus, you'll have unlimited eKeys, in addition to the other remote access functionality. If you choose not to upgrade to Kevo Plus, you'll still have 2 permanent eKeys, and unlimited guest eKeys.
 

rworne

macrumors 6502a
Jul 23, 2002
653
124
Los Angeles
A far cry better than when they first announced it. Back then they were going to charge a monthly fee.

It pissed me off to no end because I hate the nickel and diming going on for "cloud connectivity". Once I found out it was a one-time fee, I jumped at it.

My Kevo works great, aside from being a tad oversensitive when locking. If the phone is inside the house, within 20+ feet of the lock, it can lock you out of the house if you brush against it. interestingly enough (and thankfully), it will not unlock this way and requires the phone to be right next to it to do so.
 

tmilowski

macrumors newbie
Oct 29, 2014
13
5
It's worth noting that this was announced at CES 2014 and delayed multiple times.

That's way too expensive for a wifi bridge. It doesn't even support HomeKit.

I have a Kevo on my front door, and while I LOVE having a smart lock, Kevo does a crappy job at it.

You can only have two phones connected to the lock, if you want to have extra devices connected, you have to purchase extra ekeys. Guest keys are free but they're only good for 24 hrs.

It's also very slow to respond. Most of the time it takes two tries before it recognizes your phone, and your phone has to be very close to the lock. If you've got a thick case on the phone and it's in your pants with your pocket not facing directly towards the lock, it will most likely not work.

Also, I don't understand why they didn't implement a sensor so that the lock knows when the door is shut. As it is now, if you're carrying bags and graze it or if you have guests that don't know that the lock is touch activated, the Kevo will lock itself even though the door is wide open. Then the bolt will hit the door frame on the way back.

I guess it's a good v1 implementation, but I'm open to other devices that will tie in with HomeKit and other smart devices. I'd like to have my Philips Hue lights turn on in the hallway when I unlock the door for example. I know this can be achieved using IFTTT and/or GPS, but i'd like for it to be tied to the smart lock, because it's not just me that will be opening the door. It might also be guests.
 
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tmilowski

macrumors newbie
Oct 29, 2014
13
5
It's worth noting that this was announced at CES 2014 and delayed multiple times.

That's way too expensive for a wifi bridge. It doesn't even support HomeKit.

I have a Kevo on my front door, and while I LOVE having a smart lock, Kevo does a crappy job at it.

You can only have two phones connected to the lock, if you want to have extra devices connected, you have to purchase extra ekeys. Guest keys are free but they're only good for 24 hrs.

It's also very slow to respond. Most of the time it takes two tries before it recognizes your phone, and your phone has to be very close to the lock. If you've got a thick case on the phone and it's in your pants with your pocket not facing directly towards the lock, it will most likely not work.

Also, I don't understand why they didn't implement a sensor so that the lock knows when the door is shut. As it is now, if you're carrying bags and graze it or if you have guests that don't know that the lock is touch activated, the Kevo will lock itself even though the door is wide open. Then the bolt will hit the door frame on the way back.

I guess it's a good v1 implementation, but I'm open to other devices that will tie in with HomeKit and other smart devices. I'd like to have my Philips Hue lights turn on in the hallway when I unlock the door for example. I know this can be achieved using IFTTT and/or GPS, but i'd like for it to be tied to the smart lock, because it's not just me that will be opening the door. It might also be guests.

DITTO on all of the above points!!! I think I'll be looking for better solution.
 
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dantol

macrumors newbie
Oct 13, 2015
8
1
This is also a bummer. I have lots of Home Depot gift cards to burn. But it looks like Kevo Plus will ONLY be available directly from Kwikset.

From Facebook chat with Kwikest:

I was pushed the firmware update this morning at 1130, received an email saying it was available and to open the app. Took about 5mins to download and install the firmware.

I had to force quit the app and relaunch for the inhome feature to work but it seems to work just fine!
 

Benjamin Frost

Suspended
May 9, 2015
2,405
5,001
London, England
Ah, the good old failure of the Internet of things.

One gateway here, one there...a different one for lights, appliances, sensors...

A different type of app for each product. The joy!

:facepalm:

Yep.

Wearables will remain niche, too.

The Internet of things, which embraces wearables, are a solution looking for a problem.
 
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edgr.sanchez

macrumors member
Sep 13, 2013
52
91
A far cry better than when they first announced it. Back then they were going to charge a monthly fee.

It pissed me off to no end because I hate the nickel and diming going on for "cloud connectivity". Once I found out it was a one-time fee, I jumped at it.

My Kevo works great, aside from being a tad oversensitive when locking. If the phone is inside the house, within 20+ feet of the lock, it can lock you out of the house if you brush against it. interestingly enough (and thankfully), it will not unlock this way and requires the phone to be right next to it to do so.

Makes no sense. If they can make it only unlock when the phone is outside of the door, why can't they make it lock only when the phone is also outside?
 

unplugme71

macrumors 68030
May 20, 2011
2,827
754
Earth
Yup. I wish Apple would just make an app to control things.


Ah, the good old failure of the Internet of things.

One gateway here, one there...a different one for lights, appliances, sensors...

A different type of app for each product. The joy!

:facepalm:
 

fasttr

macrumors newbie
May 8, 2007
2
0
Schlage Sense. Just released, Homekit enabled, use the app or Siri to unlock your door from anywhere...
 
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