Kwikset Launches 2nd Gen 'Kevo' Smart Lock With Improved Security [Updated]

[MacRumors]

Lock manufacturing company Kwikset today released the second generation of its Kevo smart lock, keeping the same aesthetic of the original Kevo but bringing in a "refined user experience," more compact interior design, and improved security. Like the original Kevo, the second generation of the smart lock lets user easily gain entry into their home thanks to Kevo's ability to register a paired smartphone within a certain distance, subsequently unlocking itself when a user taps on the outside part of the lock.

The inside design change of the Kevo smart lock​

The first major addition to Kevo is a new in-app installation process (found within the Kevo app on the App Store [Direct Link] and Google Play Store), which streamlines the steps it takes to add the smart lock into your door with an "interactive installation experience." In terms of design change, the company only altered the look and size of the interior module of the Kevo, making it sleeker and smaller, while keeping the circular outside part the same as the first generation.

"Kwikset listened to homeowners' everyday experience with Kevo 1st Gen and put their feedback at the center of the Kevo 2nd Gen development strategy," said Keith Brandon, Kwikset Vice President of Residential Access Solutions, Spectrum Brands, Inc. - Hardware and Home Improvement Division. "I truly believe the time to buy Kevo is now for any consumer waiting for technology to evolve before purchasing a smart lock."

The biggest change comes in the form of improved security on the smart lock, which has the latest version of Kwikset's patented SmartKey security to provide "strong resistance" against attempts at forced entry. According to the company, the updated Kevo also passes "the most stringent lock-picking standards" and uses a feature called "BumpGuard" in order to prevent lock bumping.

The outside design of the Kevo lock remains unchanged​

Kwikset is selling the second generation Kevo on Amazon for $229.00 in polished brass, satin nickel, and venetian bronze. The new Kevo is also expected to be available to purchase across the United States in brick and mortar stores, but Kwikset didn't specifically mention when the second generation smart lock would begin making its way to retailers following today's online launch.

Update: Regarding HomeKit compatibility, Kwikset told MacRumors that while Kevo is currently unable to support Apple's connected-home platform, the company "will continue to prioritize HomeKit on our product roadmap."

Kevo is not currently Apple HomeKit-compatible. Kevo requires a longer development process to become compatible with HomeKit due to the custom nature of the Kevo platform. Kwikset truly believes in the secure smart home technology offered by Apple HomeKit and specifically developed Premis, which launched at CES this year, to be compatible with the HomeKit platform.

That said, Kwikset is investing in the Kevo platform and continuously updating its products. Kwikset introduced its first HomeKit compatible smart lock at CES and will continue to prioritize HomeKit on our product roadmap.

Article Link: Kwikset Launches 2nd Gen 'Kevo' Smart Lock With Improved Security [Updated]

 

[TheRealTVGuy]

Let me know when I can lock/unlock using my Apple Watch, and ONLY my Apple watch. (No synced iPhone, no access to wifi, JUST select a virtual "Smart Key" like I select an Apple Pay credit card, tap the lock, and BOOM!)

 

[Munky]

Meh. Let me know when it's home kit compatible.

 

[doelcm82]

Let me know when I can lock/unlock using my Apple Watch, and ONLY my Apple watch. (No synced iPhone, no access to wifi, JUST select a virtual "Smart Key" like I select an Apple Pay credit card, tap the lock, and BOOM!)

Meh. Let me know when it's home kit compatible.

I expect MacRumors would let you know when either of these happens, even if you didn't request it.

 

[BobVB]

Meh. Let me know when it's home kit compatible.

Yes, with so many HomeKit deficient devices out there why does any article leave out HomeKit compatibility verification?

 

[KazKam]

It's too stylized to fit into any decor, IMO. That shape, and the ornate bezel on the lock... blech.

 

[Chupa Chupa]

Meh. Let me know when it's home kit compatible.

Not sure why Homekit compatibility is necessary w/ a lock. I have the non-Homekit version of the August lock and don't really see where Homekit would make it any easier. I have mine in my garage. When I'm near my house it unlocks automatically. Not having to pull out a key or device w/ a handfull of groceries is a beautiful thing.

I also have a Hue light that is geofenced and Homekit does come in handy there. When I go upstairs I just tell Siri to turn that light off.

The problem w/ Homekit is that Apple requires manufacturers install special components in their device which sometimes means reengineering. End result is they don't bother unless demand reaches a critcal mass. Apple needs to make it easier or Homekit is going to wither on the vine.

 

[knemonic]

I wouldn't buy them based simply on the fact that if they're not HomeKit compatible, they are no secure enough for the purpose they serve. This is the only device I won't buy until I feel really sure it's at least reasonably secure and HomeKit seems to be the only protocol that supports decent security.

 

[cwoloszynski]

I want THIS unit but HomeKit enabled. I don't want the Premis (with the ugly keypad). I hope that Kwikset moves this forward to HomeKit standards.

As I understand, this would ensure that the device is much more secure and less likely to be able to be hacked electronically. The early BT locks were all easily hacked. Apple HomeKit requires substantial security in the code to run these devices.

Hope the next version comes out sooner rather than later.

 

[nutmac]

Not sure why Homekit compatibility is necessary w/ a lock. I have the non-Homekit version of the August lock and don't really see where Homekit would make it any easier. I have mine in my garage. When I'm near my house it unlocks automatically. Not having to pull out a key or device w/ a handfull of groceries is a beautiful thing.

The reasons for HomeKit is numerous.

1. No need to use vendor's app. You can use Siri, iOS 10's Home app (or Control Center), or many other great third party apps.
2. HomeKit allows you to invite more people.
3. With Home app, you can see status of every HomeKit devices in your home.
4. With Home app, you can group devices and create automation.
5. Even if vendor stops supporting the app, as long as the device is registered to your account via HomeKit, they will continue to work.
6. With Apple TV or iPad at home, you can remotely control the device without using the vendor's cloud service (which is sometimes good but often poor).

 

[ArtOfWarfare]

I wouldn't buy them based simply on the fact that if they're not HomeKit compatible, they are no secure enough for the purpose they serve. This is the only device I won't buy until I feel really sure it's at least reasonably secure and HomeKit seems to be the only protocol that supports decent security.

Being secure is like being a rectangle, while being HomeKit compatible is like being a square.

Yes, HomeKit compatible does mean secure, but that doesn't mean that non-HomeKit compatible isn't secure.

I won't buy this because the price is insane.

I turned my garage door into a connected garage door by buying a $30 box that gives my garage door an internet connection. Why does doing the equivalent with my front door cost 7x as much?

Also, the LED and logo on the outside is a huge security no-no. As soon as a vulnerability is discovered, hackers are going to find it trivial to identify vulnerable houses from the branding that's now on your front door.

It's kind of like having a welcome banner on your web server - just don't do that, or else hackers are going to learn information about what software you're running, and it'll help them find vulnerabilities to exploit.

 

[Yuniverse]

How do these compare with the 2nd generation(Homekit enabled) August locks? Other than the Home-kit, does the August locks have bump-protection?
[doublepost=1472576298][/doublepost]

Being secure is like being a rectangle, while being HomeKit compatible is like being a square.

Yes, HomeKit compatible does mean secure, but that doesn't mean that non-HomeKit compatible isn't secure.

I won't buy this because the price is insane.

I turned my garage door into a connected garage door by buying a $30 box that gives my garage door an internet connection. Why does doing the equivalent with my front door cost 7x as much?

Also, the LED and logo on the outside is a huge security no-no. As soon as a vulnerability is discovered, hackers are going to find it trivial to identify vulnerable houses from the branding that's now on your front door.

It's kind of like having a welcome banner on your web server - just don't do that, or else hackers are going to learn information about what software you're running, and it'll help them find vulnerabilities to exploit.

the point about the LED is dead-on. Why be conspicuous? It could actually attract criminals.
BTW, which $30 box are you using on your garage door?

 

[tasset]

I have the original Kevo (originally on the front entrance, now on the back door) and now a Schlage Sense that does work great with HomeKit and Siri. At this point there is no excuse for Kwikset to not include HomeKit support other than they have their own ecosystem desires marginalized.
[doublepost=1472576610][/doublepost]

Let me know when I can lock/unlock using my Apple Watch, and ONLY my Apple watch. (No synced iPhone, no access to wifi, JUST select a virtual "Smart Key" like I select an Apple Pay credit card, tap the lock, and BOOM!)

That may be great, but until the Watch is truly iPhone-independent it's not going to happen. Especially if you mean relying on bluetooth only. I don't see HomeKit/Siri ever not using wifi.

 

[macduke]

I bought the Schlage Sense lock for my new home a couple months ago and it has been fantastic. I love using my Apple Watch to open my door when I get home, and it's great for our in-home daycare because I can set passcodes for all the parents during daycare hours and they can easily let themselves in and go downstairs to drop off or pick up their kid.

 

[ksnell]

I still don't understand how this technology works. What keeps someone from ringing the doorbell, having you walk to the door from the inside with your phone to check who it is, then they tap the lock and unlock the door from the outside?

 

[Coldsmoke55]

I wouldn't recommend a kwikset lock to anyone. They just don't get it. It's slow, inconsistent, and worst, the lock randomly allows anyone access. I have had mine for just about 18 months and have gone through a number of firmware updates but few real improvements to its security and usefulness. I am canning the lock next week.

 

[Kevin2055]

What if the watch run out of battery?

Let me know when I can lock/unlock using my Apple Watch, and ONLY my Apple watch. (No synced iPhone, no access to wifi, JUST select a virtual "Smart Key" like I select an Apple Pay credit card, tap the lock, and BOOM!)

 

[thisisnotmyname]

I was very interested in the Kevo when I was looking at new smart locks (the touch to open intrigued me) but the lack of home kit integration was the fact that pushed me over to using August on my locks. I really do like that touch concept though, there are times I haven't gone far enough away to trigger the proximity unlock on my August locks but I've been gone long enough to have them auto lock on me. I'd rather just touch the lock than fish my phone out or type in a code on the keypad.

 

[macosxuser01]

Let me know when I can lock/unlock using my Apple Watch, and ONLY my Apple watch. (No synced iPhone, no access to wifi, JUST select a virtual "Smart Key" like I select an Apple Pay credit card, tap the lock, and BOOM!)

You can already with Alarm.com system

[doublepost=1472578339][/doublepost]

What if the watch run out of battery?

That's why I like the keypad one and it's Z-Wave compatible

 

[tasset]

You can already with Alarm.com system

[doublepost=1472578339][/doublepost]
That's why I like the keypad one and it's Z-Wave compatible

Surely Alarm.com requires cloud (and therefore connected to a phone or wifi) to be able to do that, and also requres an Alarm.com subscription service.

 

[ActionableMango]

What if the watch run out of battery?

You use the physical key, like a barbarian.

 

[Bromeo]

I have two of the original Kevo. I'm hesitant to upgrade, yet I hope they've improved some of the deficiencies: slow to lock/unlock, can't use untethered Apple Watch, noisy motor, sometimes the iOS app need to be relaunched, the lock doesn't know that the door is open and sometimes throws the cylinder with a false activation, and Kevo often won't see phone if in back pocket. The SmartKey cylinder has pros and cons.

Despite all this, I keep using them as they do work well enough most of the time, and the convenience means the doors are more likely to be secured since it's so easy. I have mine set up for triple-tap to lock without needing the phone, which is faster than tapping, waiting for the spinning lights, seeing the magenta "slightly out of range" error, getting the phone out so it can receive it better, tapping again, and finally having it lock.

Contrast this to modern keyless entry on your car, and Kevo seems clunky. I push the button on my car door with the fob in my pocket, and it instantly locks or unlocks. There is no waiting for spinning lights, etc. That's what I want for my house, but with the option of using my Watch or my iPhone as the fob.

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

The folks at blackhat say those locks are really easy to hack and break into. Not much 'protection'. And in that case, 'bumping' would be the least of the problem...

 

[Iconoclysm]

Let me know when I can lock/unlock using my Apple Watch, and ONLY my Apple watch. (No synced iPhone, no access to wifi, JUST select a virtual "Smart Key" like I select an Apple Pay credit card, tap the lock, and BOOM!)

It's already beyond the point where you'd need the watch. You don't need to tap anything but have the phone nearby then tap the lock.
[doublepost=1472580068][/doublepost]

The folks at blackhat say those locks are really easy to hack and break into. Not much 'protection'. And in that case, 'bumping' would be the least of the problem...

Windows are also easy to break. If a thief is well researched enough to be able to hack my lock after he figures out what it is, he should probably just get a job.

 

[ActionableMango]

A few years ago, about 8 homes were hit in a 3 mile radius in my town, including my next-door neighbor. In all cases the front door was simply kicked in. My neighbor used the deadbolt. You could see where the deadbolt simply cracked through the trivial amount of wood framing holding it in place.

No bump keys, no lock picking, no smartlock hacking. Why bother with all that nonsense when a stout kick will do.