Kwikset's Kevo Smart Door Lock Adds Free Guest eKeys, Scheduling for Standard eKeys

[ChrisA]

....
I don't like the idea of all my future connected devices accessing the internet directly. But if they could sit behind something provided by Apple it should help security and allow for all these devices to be controlled by 1 interface.

So you are asking that some one build an firewall/router with integrated VPN? That's been available for decades already. They are not expensive and sold "everywhere". You might even own one now and not know it.

The way it works is you use a VPN into your home network, basically an encrypted tunnel. This is widely used technology and solves the exact problem you thought of. Many companies use it so there employees can access the company's internal network. It can be made VERY secure if you use things like one-time passwords that quickly expire.

What's needed is a way to allow people who don't understand the technology to set this up. But this is just a matter of interface design

 

[ArtOfWarfare]

Interesting. I still like the keypad locks better, though. Eliminates the possibility of forgetting your keys/phone. Well, maybe you could forget your code, but that hasn't been a problem. And my Schlage gives me 19 codes for free!

Seems pretty easy to have it compromised though. Google Glass can pick up passcodes being typed in without the person wearing them even paying attention to you, and from an odd or obscured angle.

I like my digital key. It's not possible to duplicate it just from having a video or picture of me holding my key - it would require you to actually come up and have the right machine to duplicate it, which I'm much more likely to notice than you just taking a picture that happens to include my key in the background.

A major security threat I have right now is Dropbox... I'm planning on switching to a SFTP server that I have in my control which relies on SSL fingerprints to ensure no MitM attacks and relying on a key file which I'll keep on a USB stick on my person at all times. Partially because I find it fun. Partially because security is a lucrative market to be in and I'd like to at some point start selling my security methods to people in tin-foil hats. Maybe I can get Snowden to be a spokesperson or something.

 

[nws0291]

The main problem is they use a junk lock mechanism for the smart lock. It's easy for a novice criminal to defeat this lock through traditional methods.

I am waiting for something like the Goji lock but is still as secure as a decent commercial grade deadbolt.

 

[spazzcat]

I'm saying it would be nice to let a contractor in from your phone. If these were connected to wifi and you could unlock your front door from your phone would be more practical.

I think some of them do have this feature, but not sure how they work

 

[Locoboof]

Kwikset's Kevo Smart Door Lock Adds Free Guest eKeys, Scheduling for Standard...

I think some of them do have this feature, but not sure how they work

Maybe I just need to look harder lol

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Personally I am not going to trust the security of my home with this thing. Wifi is just prone to being hacked quickly, from anywhere, and even with bluetooth that just means that there is already a hack app that you can use to unlock any of these.



I guess it stands to reason if a burglar wants to get in, they will find a way, but I just don't need to spend $300 for something that makes it even that much more convenient for them.

I think ChrisA explains it very well in a post above.

 

[JAT]

Seems pretty easy to have it compromised though. Google Glass can pick up passcodes being typed in without the person wearing them even paying attention to you, and from an odd or obscured angle.

If I ever hang out with someone wearing Glass, please shoot me.

 

[BrentD]

I don't understand the outrage at them charging $1.99 for extra electronic keys over the 2 that are included. Normal mechanical locks usually come with 2 keys as well. If you want extras you still have to go have a copy made and pay for it. Yes, the lock costs significantly more with this one, but so does the technology and R&D in it. Paying for more keys isn't a new concept.

 

[tasset]

I don't understand the outrage at them charging $1.99 for extra electronic keys over the 2 that are included. Normal mechanical locks usually come with 2 keys as well. If you want extras you still have to go have a copy made and pay for it. Yes, the lock costs significantly more with this one, but so does the technology and R&D in it. Paying for more keys isn't a new concept.

Mostly because people equate charging for a "virtual" key to gouging when there is no physical metal key or 2 minutes of a shop's time for keying a duplicate. Nevermind the same could be said for digital books and music.
The virtual keys included for me are sufficient. I guess if one can afford to give a plumber, a housecleaner, a dog sitter, etc virtual keys it would add up, but then if you can afford those things....

 

[octothorpe8]

Considering the Iphone battery life which never lasts a full day without recharging, I can see myself or my houseguest sleeping on the doormat just because there is no way to power up the Iphone to open my darn door.

What a life. I can imagine spending my day running around the city and planning smart use of my smart phone so that I can open the door to my home at nite, before it shuts down due to empty battery. It is ridiculous, really.

.

You see that jagged slot in the middle? It fits a metal key.

 

[centauratlas]

I can't believe that after the insane amount of money they get for these things, they CHARGE you for each key.

I agree. I have three z-wave locks (Kwikset, although there are others) that allow you to lock, unlock with your phone, have their own codes for each person etc. Paired with the Vera 3 and it controls everything from the iPhone and iPad when needed.

Seems much better than these.

 

[furi0usbee]

I can't believe that after the insane amount of money they get for these things, they CHARGE you for each key.

That's IAP in action my friend!

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What if I'm out for a jog,I take my phone and the batter dies? What if I loose my cellphone? What if my wife leaves her cell in the house and is locked out?

Well, what if you leave your keys at home, and your wife loses her keys while shopping? My guess, you go through a window, or you call a locksmith. Oh the choices. Technology is no replacement for the absent minded... not that you fall into that category, but some people do dumb things and no tech can ever help them.

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You see that jagged slot in the middle? It fits a metal key.

LOL. I'm getting some good laughs today on here!!!

 

[Locoboof]

That's IAP in action my friend!

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Well, what if you leave your keys at home, and your wife loses her keys while shopping? My guess, you go through a window, or you call a locksmith. Oh the choices. Technology is no replacement for the absent minded... not that you fall into that category, but some people do dumb things and no tech can ever help them.

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LOL. I'm getting some good laughs today on here!!!

I know that....but only referring to make me want to buy this particular lock for 220.00 that is a feature I would like.

 

[furi0usbee]

I know that....but only referring to make me want to buy this particular lock for 220.00 that is a feature I would like.

I hear you. I feel though that companies will hold back features or use IAP to charge for things that should be included with premium purchases. I mean this isn't a $20.00 lock. You may get everything you want in the end, but they nickel and dime you so hard that if you ultimately knew the actual cost, you may have thought twice about buying it in the first place.

 

[Locoboof]

I hear you. I feel though that companies will hold back features or use IAP to charge for things that should be included with premium purchases. I mean this isn't a $20.00 lock. You may get everything you want in the end, but they nickel and dime you so hard that if you ultimately knew the actual cost, you may have thought twice about buying it in the first place.

That is is a very good point. I could see that happening.. Lol

 

[furi0usbee]

All these "what ifs?" How about what if you don't be autistic and use a key like a regular person. Are you inbred or something?

Not cool man.

 

[576316]

This looks to be a really great product. Allowing users restricted across to the lock is a great idea! You could grant a friend access to your house during a specific hour while you're away or something. The possibilities are great!

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I hear you. I feel though that companies will hold back features or use IAP to charge for things that should be included with premium purchases. I mean this isn't a $20.00 lock. You may get everything you want in the end, but they nickel and dime you so hard that if you ultimately knew the actual cost, you may have thought twice about buying it in the first place.

They definitely need to offer this at a cheaper price if it's gonna become widespread. I imagine a household would want more than one too. The future is nearly upon us, but that future shouldn't be designed for millionaires.

 

[Locoboof]

All these "what ifs?" How about what if you don't be autistic and use a key like a regular person. Are you inbred or something?

First of all I find the phrase "don't be autistic" rude and offensive. I personally know friends that have children with that and it's not a phrase to throw around lightly.

I could use a key,but the point was in reference to me buying a 220.00 lock. So what you meant to say was.... "Why buy this lock when you could just make duplicate keys". But, by your point...that could refer to anything. Such as...

Why buy a iPhone if I could just use a blackberry phone from 5 years ago to make calls?

Why buy a car with navigation if I could just read a map?

Why have a garage door opener when I could get out and open it up myself?

You see my point? It's all about what a person deems functional and convenient to them to justify the purchase. So my point was in order for me to buy this,I'd like to see that feature added.

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Not cool man.

Not at all

 

[furi0usbee]

First of all I find the phrase "don't be autistic" rude and offensive. I personally know friends that have children with that and it's not a phrase to throw around lightly.

That guy's first sentence shows his depth of understanding. His second sentence shows his lack of humor and poor taste. His third sentence tells us the type of person he is. He did that quicker, I might add, than taking out your keys and opening that damn lock!

 

[Locoboof]

That guy's first sentence shows his depth of understanding. His second sentence shows his lack of humor and poor taste. His third sentence tells us the type of person he is. He did that quicker, I might add, than taking out your keys and opening that damn lock!

Haha! Well said!

 

[rdlink]

Kwikset HAS announced that they will release a bluetooth gateway for the lock, which should allow remote control of it. My biggest concern is if they think charging $1.99 for a virtural key is fair, I can't imagine a cloud service would be free. If that's the case, all mine are going in eBay and I will not recommend them.

This guest key is a start, but still misses the mark. This still requires the arbitrary process of creating an account. Guest keys should simply work without an account. Just download the app and the guest key loads. I think Kwikset is picturing a future where everybody just has an account and you can load keys in and out of it. Yeah, that's not going to happen.

This is what happens when legacy technology companies try and make a stand in the digital world, they can't let go of their superfluous revenue streams. They may have been first, but they will be passed quickly if they continue to charge. I don't blame UniKey, I think they want to do the right thing, but Kwikset has their hands tied.

So can you tell me how you imagine a guest is going to "validate" themselves without having to register?

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First of all I find the phrase "don't be autistic" rude and offensive. I personally know friends that have children with that and it's not a phrase to throw around lightly.

I could use a key,but the point was in reference to me buying a 220.00 lock. So what you meant to say was.... "Why buy this lock when you could just make duplicate keys". But, by your point...that could refer to anything. Such as...

Why buy a iPhone if I could just use a blackberry phone from 5 years ago to make calls?

Why buy a car with navigation if I could just read a map?

Why have a garage door opener when I could get out and open it up myself?

You see my point? It's all about what a person deems functional and convenient to them to justify the purchase. So my point was in order for me to buy this,I'd like to see that feature added.

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Not at all

Ignore him. He's a troll.

 

[Locoboof]

So can you tell me how you imagine a guest is going to "validate" themselves without having to register?

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Ignore him. He's a troll.

Will do!

 

[IGregory]

Wow, there are a lot of experts giving opinions here. I guess I won't be making a purchase.

 

[petalino]

Isn't the whole point of this lock to not carry a key with you?
If you have to carry a key, than why use the Iphone, when the key is readily available to stick into the jagged slot and turn it?

For $200 I would like to have a nicer solution than to carry the "Iphone key" and a manual backup with me.

It kind of misses the point of having a keyless lock.

If I had a maid or a janitor than either one of these people would also have to get a metal key in addition to the electronic one..... just in case their phone is low on juice. Hmmmmmmm

Do I have a suggestion to fix this? Not really. Just trying to imagine the lock being used by regular people.

And those of you suggesting to use a fake rock to hide a key in my garden..... I don't have a fake rock or a garden, or even a flower pot outside my door. I just have a door to an apartment in a building in New York

You see that jagged slot in the middle? It fits a metal key.

 

[SurferPup]

What If?

What if Fluffy (my cat) runs off with my iPhone and hides it?

They still need to connect wifi to this,not just Bluetooth. They need to make so you can lock or unlock your door (same with August) from ANY desktop or smartphone with Internet access.
What if I'm out for a jog,I take my phone and the batter dies?
What if I loose my cellphone?

What if my wife leaves her cell in the house and is locked out? It would be nice to send a signal from another phone to unlock the door. Or go to a neighbors house,use their computer,login and unlock your front door.
Just like my garage door opener. I can open it from any smartphone or PC.

When they accomplish that,I'll be the first to buy one.

 

[Locoboof]

What if Fluffy (my cat) runs off with my iPhone and hides it?

Trolling?