Smart Lock Lets you Open Door With Your Mobile
It could mean the end of panicking when you've forgotten your keys.
A US firm has launched a 'smart lock' that can let you into your home using a mobile phone - and you don't even need to take the phone out of your pocket to open the door.
The August lock costs $249 and can even be set to automatically let in friends or workmen.
August was created by technology entrepreneur Jason Johnson and industrial designer Yves Behar, and the gadget finally goes on sale and in Apple Stores this week.
'We have worked tirelessly over the past two years to build a sophisticated and simple way for you to manage access to your home,' the firm said.
'With a smartphone and intuitive iOS and Android mobile app, August will allow you to send a virtual key to anyone you choose to invite to your home.'
The August lock is made of 'durable anodized aluminium' and can be activated and managed using a mobile app and online.
It is connected to the existing door lock and is battery-operated.
The makers claim that it takes just 10 minutes to install.
The designers claim that the August lock package includes deadbolt adapters and faceplates that work with around 90 percent of locks on the market in the US.
August works with any Bluetooth-enabled smartphone, although the apps will only launch on iOS and Android to begin with.
The encrypted locking technology issues registered devices, or invited devices, with unique codes that can't be copied.
To open the door, the lock takes a few seconds to scan and confirm the visitor's identity. Once the identity is confirmed the circle of red dots on the front of the device turns green and the August lock twists to release the door. A doorbell chime will also ring to let homeowners know when someone enters the house while they're in another room.
Homeowners can also use their key if they forget their phone or they want to save batteries, although August will email reminders to warn homeowners when their batteries are getting low on power and remind them to replace them.
To grant keyless access to friends, family and other visitors the homeowner must send them an invite.
This can be done using existing contacts from the homeowner's phone's address book, or using Facebook contacts, but the other person must have the app to receive the unique access code.
When someone enters the house, the homeowner is sent a push notification. Another notification is sent when the person leaves. This means homeowners can keep track of how long cleaners or builders spend in the house and every visitor's details. The lock can also be used to let people into a party, for example, without having to open the door each time. A Guestbook function additionally lets visitors leave comments and photos.
The lock automatically closes after 10 seconds to secure the door.
Research carried out by the company found that 40 percent of people carry five or more keys with them and 20 per cent carry a key they no longer use.
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