In some fields the world is moving forward really rapidly. Almost everything is being automated, and leading the field are portable computing devices like smartphones and tablets. Producers of new technologies, provide us with a wide range of mobile applications which now let owners control practically everything from a distance. It seems that there are almost no limits to the number of applications for smartphones which attempt to make our lives ‘easier’. Take remote home automation for example. There are numerous solutions in this area; applications to control lighting and heating, activate burglar alarms, raise or lower shutters, or manage entertainment systems, to name but a few, so why not replace your front door key with your smartphone?
Lockitron
Lockitron a wireless access solution launched by Apigy Inc. is a software and hardware solution to control entrance to properties. Although the product is not yet available, it has managed to find enough potential customers, through crowdsourcing, to announce a product launch this summer. On the official Apigy blog one can follow the different stages of development and implemention of the new technology, put there no doubt, to reassure customers. The release date has been postponed a couple of times but it is currently expected to be in July. In the package offered there is a metallic clip-on box (available in 4 different colors) which you fit over the locking mechanism of your door. Opening or closing the door is done by means of a application on your smartphone. But what exactly can you do with it?
The main function is of course the possibility to lock and unlock the doors remotely from your phone. With the Lockitron you will be able to let someone into your home , even if you are far away. It might be one of your kids, who forgot their keys when leaving the house or there might be guests arriving before you get home. You not being there will no longer matter. You will be able to open your dead bolt from anywhere. All that is it necessary is an Internet connection and 4 AA batteries which provide the device a year of life.
With its intuitive interface and accessibility for every smartphone (and an adaptor for most door locking mechanisms) it seem a convincingly designed product although the price is a little steep at nearly €140
Nevertheless remote locking is not the only feature that Lockiton’s producers provide us. It also has built-in lock sensor, which alerts you via an in-app message when the door is opened (whether by key or phone). What is more, you can even be informed when someone is just knocking on the door. The manufacturers have also found a solution to operate the Lockitron from a feature phone by way of a simple text message. Finally Apigy offers keyless entry with Bluetooth 4.0 technology. What does that mean? That means that the door will unlock when your mobile is in Bluetooth (4) range, and you will be able to enter your home without removing your phone from your pocket.
Threats and vulnerabilities
Home security is of course not something that you wish to leave entirely to technology and the blog site’s frequently asked questions section ‘frequently’ concerns questions on safety and security. First of all, they claim on the official website that the Lokcitron depends on the same security protocols as are used in online banking. But what if someone steals your mobile or you just simply lose it? In that case you have the possibility to disable access by resetting your account password. Suddenly finding out you have no battery left is unlikely as you will receive special alerts which will let you know when you are running low. For the owners of Phone 4S or iPhone 5 (because of Bluetooth 4.0 technology) there is additional advantage that the Lockitron will work even if the internet is down or power out.
To conclude, it is probably too early to get rid of your house keys altogether. Like with almost every new technology, as long as you are use it wisely, you can obtain benefits and but for the 14,000 customers already signed up, it is aready a must have!
8 réponses à “Keyless access to your home”
I think this device is a really good idea. I’m curious if its difficult to suspend the account when you for example lose your phone. I will think about installing it in my house For sure !!
For a demonstration on remote functions already available on Android see this video
This is a pretty cool invention and technology. I really liked the fact that it can tells you if someone is at the door, so when you are not there you can be notified that someone waiting for you.
However, I think the main purpose of new technologies is to make our lives easier. And locking or unlocking a door with a key is already something very fast, easy and secure enough to do. I consider Lockitron to be a gadget.
I found this idea awesome since it is a safe and easy to way to access somewhere and to give access to someone else as well.
I agree with Mateusz as I find the concept appealing. It might have some security issues such as hacking your phone remotely (and then grant access to your house without even noticing). They must give an alternative if your phone is broken or lost (as mentioned by Mateusz), like multi-account app (available for all the family members).
Though I’m still waiting for an app which will allow me to open my car, my house and all the other locked items I own.
I think is a very good idea, but if you have your keys in your phone and you lose them you will be in big trouble, because you will not be able to enter to your own house!
Even if people have the keys in their smartphones, I think regular keys will still be in our pockets for few years more.
In my opinion the idea is really great but it will take at least 5 or 10 years to get used to thing like this. I would like to use this device now but just to try something new,now it doesn’t look very safe!
I think these kinds of applications are really useful for old and disabled people. If the idea will be developing in a good way it can be a big improvement for our daily life.
But on the other hand this is intextricably intertwined with some discouraging aspects like stealing because our smartphone will be more worth more if thanks to an app like this a thief can break into our house or garage.