Kwikset has announced Kevo, a new lock that uses your iPhone as key, made possible by a partnership with UniKey.
No more fumbling with or looking for your keys. All you need to unlock your Kevo lock is your smartphone. You don’t even need to take your smartphone out of your pocket or purse; it’s as simple as walking up, touching your lock, and walking in. The ultimate level of convenience.
Kevo communicates via your phone using the Bluetooth Low Energy profile. It will support the iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 at launch, as well as the iPad 3, 4, mini, and latest iPod touch.
You manage the lock using a free app from the App Store that lets you setup the lock, send, disable or delete eKeys, and manage Kevo fobs that can be used to open the lock if you don’t have a compatible Apple device.
The Kevo Fob (included with the lock) offers the same touch-to-open technology and convenience. Leave your fob in your pocket or purse and when you touch the lock, it will recognize your fob and unlock the door. Additional Kevo Fobs will be available for purchase.
Notably, the lock has a unique and patent pending feature to detect if the authorized user is inside or outside of the house, so there will be no accidental unlocking from an unauthorized user outside.
Kevo operates on 4 AA batteries and with normal use, the batteries should last for a year before needing replacing.
It’s expected that Kevo will ship this summer for around $250.
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