The Basics Behind Smart Lock Technology

March 5th, 2015

With the rate that technology is advancing, it’s no surprise that a better solution has been found for locking home than with a traditional key. Chances are that you’ve seen a smart lock installed in a motel or business of some type, but the focus has slowly shifted to now include the home. Over the last few years, the market has seen a steady increase of companies producing different variations of the smart lock, so consumers now have several options from which to choose. If a smart lock is something you’ve yet to hear about, this article is for you.

What is a smart lock?

A smart lock is basically an electronic device that allows keyless entry into the home.

There are two main types of smart locks – one that replaces the old lock entirely and requires professional installation, and one that can be installed by the homeowner in a few minutes, simply slotting over the existing lock. Smart locks range in price from $100 and above, depending on the type of lock chosen.

Padlocks have also been included in this technological advancement, and operate the same way.

How do they work?

Smart locks use a Bluetooth connection to control the lock, which is accessed through an application on a smart device such as a tablet or iPhone. When the registered user approaches the door, the smart lock automatically detects the Bluetooth signal and unlocks the door.

Each smart lock has its own application, allowing the user to control a wide variety of options. These vary between competing manufacturers, so be sure to do careful research before you purchase a smart lock. These options can be anything from granting access to specific people at specific times and dates, to monitoring who is coming and going from the home.

How can a smart lock benefit me?

Smart locks are an easy way to increase the security of your home. Allow a tradesperson to enter the house without having to leave instructions for a hidden key. This extends to allowing family and friends to enter the home while you’re away, to feed the fish or check the fridge is running. Also, because you no longer have to worry about needing a key to enter your home, it’s easier to get inside quickly and out of rain or bad weather.

The range of applications available allow for many other bonuses: you can check that you’ve locked the door for sure, record who is coming or going from the home, or receive notifications when someone has returned home.

What do I need to watch out for when purchasing a smart lock?

Be aware of what functions your smart lock has before you purchase, and what operating system is required on your smart device. There are certain brands of smart locks that can only be accessed through an iPhone or iPad due to incompatibility issues with the Android Bluetooth operating system. Manufacturers, however, are working on the issue.

After installing a new locking system, sit down and familiarise yourself with the application and the different options. Make sure you set the system up to your liking, and that you know exactly how the smartphone will operate. There’s nothing worse than being locked out of the house because your smartphone is set to automatically lock when you leave the home – especially if you only went out to check the mail!

3 types of smart locks on the market

• Goji is both WiFi and Bluetooth enabled, allowing notifications to be sent to the home owner. It comes with an emergency fob to manually unlock the door, and uses both Android and iOS operating systems
• Uni-key by Kwikset is one of the first smart locks to be sold in general hardware stores, and has a strong hold on the market due to its ease of use. This smart key needs an iPhone or a fob for access, and can be easily installed over the existing lock
• The August smart lock slots over your existing deadbolt and uses both iOS and Android operating systems to allow ‘virtual keys’ to be sent. This is a mid-range priced product with a lot of handy features.

With the rate that technology is advancing, it’s no surprise that a better solution has been found for locking home than with a traditional key. Chances are that you’ve seen a smart lock installed in a motel or business of some type, but the focus has slowly shifted to now include the home. Over the last few years, the market has seen a steady increase of companies producing different variations of the smart lock, so consumers now have several options from which to choose. If a smart lock is something you’ve yet to hear about, this article is for you.

What is a smart lock?

A smart lock is basically an electronic device that allows keyless entry into the home.

There are two main types of smart locks – one that replaces the old lock entirely and requires professional installation, and one that can be installed by the homeowner in a few minutes, simply slotting over the existing lock. Smart locks range in price from $100 and above, depending on the type of lock chosen.

Padlocks have also been included in this technological advancement, and operate the same way.

How do they work?

Smart locks use a Bluetooth connection to control the lock, which is accessed through an application on a smart device such as a tablet or iPhone. When the registered user approaches the door, the smart lock automatically detects the Bluetooth signal and unlocks the door.

Each smart lock has its own application, allowing the user to control a wide variety of options. These vary between competing manufacturers, so be sure to do careful research before you purchase a smart lock. These options can be anything from granting access to specific people at specific times and dates, to monitoring who is coming and going from the home.

How can a smart lock benefit me?

Smart locks are an easy way to increase the security of your home. Allow a tradesperson to enter the house without having to leave instructions for a hidden key. This extends to allowing family and friends to enter the home while you’re away, to feed the fish or check the fridge is running. Also, because you no longer have to worry about needing a key to enter your home, it’s easier to get inside quickly and out of rain or bad weather.

The range of applications available allow for many other bonuses: you can check that you’ve locked the door for sure, record who is coming or going from the home, or receive notifications when someone has returned home.

What do I need to watch out for when purchasing a smart lock?

Be aware of what functions your smart lock has before you purchase, and what operating system is required on your smart device. There are certain brands of smart locks that can only be accessed through an iPhone or iPad due to incompatibility issues with the Android Bluetooth operating system. Manufacturers, however, are working on the issue.

After installing a new locking system, sit down and familiarise yourself with the application and the different options. Make sure you set the system up to your liking, and that you know exactly how the smartphone will operate. There’s nothing worse than being locked out of the house because your smartphone is set to automatically lock when you leave the home – especially if you only went out to check the mail!

3 types of smart locks on the market

• Goji is both WiFi and Bluetooth enabled, allowing notifications to be sent to the home owner. It comes with an emergency fob to manually unlock the door, and uses both Android and iOS operating systems
• Uni-key by Kwikset is one of the first smart locks to be sold in general hardware stores, and has a strong hold on the market due to its ease of use. This smart key needs an iPhone or a fob for access, and can be easily installed over the existing lock
• The August smart lock slots over your existing deadbolt and uses both iOS and Android operating systems to allow ‘virtual keys’ to be sent. This is a mid-range priced product with a lot of handy features.