Goji - Crowdfunded Wireless Smartphone Controlled Deadbolt Fails To Launch

I'm not sure if you have seen or know about the Goji Smart lock that was being crowdfunded via multiple separate crowdfunding sites in the last couple of years, but a report out a couple of days ago indicates that this particular product has failed to launch.

The Smart Lock market has been evolving for a number of years now and according to sources, is expected to rise from the current fledgling $8 Billion market to $120 Billion by 2025.

There are a number of entrants that have evolved in recent years and we have written about a few of them. Products like the August Smartlock, the Lockitron and others. We have found that many of these "new breed" of stand alone wireless smart locks are being developed by entrepeneurs who lack industry knowledge, experience and longevity.

The large industry players like Assa-Abloy, Yale, Schlage, Kwikset, Master and others who have been in the security product manufacturing industry for a great many years, are also firmly entrenched in the Smart Lock market. But the difference between these industry stalwarts and the current breed of new entrepeneurs has much to do with their successes developed over many years of R&D, interaction with their customers and tried and proven manufacturing practises that continue to produce the high-quality requested by the consumer driven market.

Goji, obviously was seen to have merit and raised about $800,000.00 through multiple crowdfunding sites including Indiegogo and Fundable.

This news is not surprising really. there are many entrants to the smart lock market that appear to not have done their due diligence and market feasibility studies prior to launch. Goji had developed a promising looking product that operated with Android and iOS operating systems, but I suggest that the actual integration of these sophisticated smart phone operating systems proved too much for the Goji team to master.

Goji CEO Gabriel Bestard-Ribas is quoted in a letter written earlier this week,

Kuna - Smart Security Camera And Wireless Peephole

The Kuna is a sensational new product recently released to the mass market that can become your video peephole, a product that fills a wide and unfulfilled market segment.

We have posted about wireless peepholes and closed circuit camera systems in the past and received some interesting feedback about these products, but once in a while along comes a product that singularly changes the perspective. And does so for a realistic entry price.

The Kuna system offers distinctive styling while appealing to both the nouveau and rustic styled home owner.

This intelligent product combines the benefits of real time security with convenience, in our wired/wireless lifestyle.

Simply replace your current outdoor light with the easy to install Kuna. Connect to your wifi and app and that's it. Because the unit is hardwired to our residence (in place of the current light fixture), no batteries are required. Low voltage application means no electrician is required to complete the install. It is a real DIY product.

(source...)

Apple Withdraws August And Kevo Smart Locks From Its Shelves

According to an article in Techhive, a tech industry online magazine, Apple have pulled the popular August and Kwikset Kevo Smart Locks from their stores.

Apparently Apple have decided to only include products that adhere to their chosen HomeKit Smartphone platform.

While this may be interesting news for Apple iPhone users and existing owners of August and Kevo products, I think it is not surprising.

Apple is a forward thinking tech giant that offers premium quality products at premium prices and aligning themselves with cheap stuff doesnt really seem an appropriate fit for America's leading company.

We have posted articles about the August Smart Lock and also the Kwikset Kevo in the recent past and we continue to remain totally unimpressed by the products.

There is no doubt that electronics embedded in door locks is here to stay. But the quality of door lock, you choose to have on your home or office can say much about you. Choose wisely.

(source...)

Popular Mechanics Article Shares Opinion About New Age Smart-Locks

A new article has appeared today in Popular Mechanics magazine (online - and due to be printed in the October 2015 print edition) giving readers an opinion of the authors feeling about the new smart locks that are being seen across America.

The article, written by popular guest author Schuyler Towne (also an admin at Lockpicking101.com), offers an opinion that is supported by many lock industry professionals, home handymen, DIY'ers, building contractors and any homeowner that has seen the failure of their new prized smart lock.

Schuyler makes a really good point that many residential locks today might look really good, but dont actually improve the security of your home. In fact, the emergence of electronics in many smart locks has forced the manufacturers to skimp a little on the security aspect of these locks, by packing the needed wiring in place of better construction, using battery technology that really hasnt improved since the last century, all in the aim to keep costs competitive.

Like many locksmiths and other industry professionals, Schuyler points out that the age of the mechanical key will still be with us for a great many years to come. Sure, the beauty of being able to operate your entry with your smart phone is appealing (at least until the smartphone battery dies or the lock batteries wear out), but in reality, most of us are still going to be carrying the mechanical key "just in case", no?

Or the ability to give temporary access to the babysitter or the scheduled utility repair-person with a one off access code, certainly does present a part of the appeal factor because you no longer need to give them a key or leave one out under the flower pot, right?

But in reality, leaving out your spare key can open another can of worms. By NOT using a restricted key or key control system.

We do offer some better quality "smart" locks that can be installed with restricted key control cylinders instead of the ones that come with the average lock, that prevents unauthorized duplication.

Of course most restricted key control cylinders are significantly more expensive and can add significantly to your cost, but how much is the contents of your home really worth to you?

How much is your families safety and security really worth, compared to the average smart lock, where almost anyone and their relative can access so easily?

The article appears in the source below.

(source...)

August Smart Lock Reviews - Not so Smart II

We have mentioned about the August Smart lock numerous times over the last couple of years and finally have found a number of reviews about this product that we feel important to share.

Some of the reviews below are from multiple countries and experiences and may not be an accurate portrayal of the product, however often online reviews are helpful to convince a would be purchaser that they are making the correct decision about a product or service.


These first set of reviews are sourced from the Apple App Store. There are multiple pages of reviews there. We are including a selection from the first page... (click on the link above to read more)

The impetus here is not to denigrate the product offering, but more to provide our readers with more information about the product to assist with their personal research.

(reviews after the jump)

Bricwave - Express Smartphone Charger/Flash Drive

The Express by Bricwave™ is a new product currently seeking funding through Kickstarter (in fact has has exceeded it's goal as of today, with still 9 days to go).

The product makes it to this blog because of it's portability with it's keyring attachment.

I see many benefits with this product. there may be multiple choices across the market, but few are made to similar quality control standards.

This product is available for iPhone (lightning) or Android (micro-usb) devices.

It contains a express function for high speed charging and a 64GB flash drive for storing, transferring or running applications and programs.

A unique product that has many uses.

(source...)

Kadalock - Bluetooth Low Energy Bicycle Lock System Connects to Drink Bottle

Kadalock is a new take on the bicycle lock that has merits. Simply install beneath your existing drink bottle rack and you are ready to go.

Using a strong tensile cable and waterproof padlock body, this intelligent lock for your bicycle is novel, unique and nouveau.

In low energy mode, which puts the padlock to sleep to maintain battery life, you simply activate the lock by physical touch. When the unit powers on, your Bluetooth enabled smartphone provides the required identification for the padlock to unlock. Simple, keyless security that looks good.

Other features include, notifications for attempted theft, low battery warning etc.

(source...)

Open Sesame - Simple But Smart

We have spoken about other brands of smartlocks with increasing regularity, here.

There are some interesting products that have made their way to market and along the way, some users find little bugs that make them just somewhat difficult to set up, install and operate.

Enter the Sesame Smartlock. Installs to almost any deadbolt lock on the market. Is super easy to use and set up and is wifi connected (if desired), so you can operate the lock remotely.

Options, like guest access, lockout function, even sense.

Or simply design your own unique knock code to open the lock (or lock it)

This product is currently seeking funding through Kickstarter. If it successfully reaches it's goal, shipping is expected to start in April 2015




(Source...)

Symlis Sparrow - Portable Sync/Charge Cable In a Portable Form Factor

The Symlis Sparrow is a novel product that is designed to fit on your keychain (hence why it makes it to this blog).

Smartphone users across the world in need of extra charge for their product are often hampered by requiring to always be carrying their OEM charging cable.

This intelligent and very new product is currently sourcing crowd funding through Indiegogo.

You can purchase it through Indiegogo.

It offers a small form factor and portable charging cable for either Apple or Android phones and tablets. It also provides a built in flash drive for access to files you want to view on your device/s.

It is not an actual battery charger. But it is a cute keyring.

(source...) 

Gokey - The Ultimate Companion for your iOS or Android Device

When it comes to all-around devices, Gokey is unique. It lives on your keyring, doubles as a portable charger with up to 2 hours of charge time, becomes a locating beacon for your mobile device or your keys, operates as a music remote control, a remote shutter for your all important selfies and a storage device for up to 32Gb of memory.

The memory can be password protected and fits to any USB port.

The USB connections allow you to both charge and deliver to your computer or simply charge from a power connected USB port.

Being a keyring related device is why it makes it to this web log.

Personally, I am especially interested in the GPS tagging it can create.

Originally a crowd funded product and almost available for commercial release, this is another example of the current technological age we find ourselves in and more disruptive technology aimed at making modern life just a little bit easier.

(source...)

Garage Door Beacon

The Garage Door Beacon is a novel product that effectively brings your automatic garage door into the 21st century.

Using Bluetooth as it's communication protocol, the Garage Door Beacon has successfully integrated this modern disruptive technology into the everyday use for all the family.

Many homeowners across America enjoy automatic garage door openers for ease in entering premises or simply garaging your vehicles.

Using a small product like the Garage Door Beacon, enables a simple connection to your existing automatic door opener and can be set using the Bluetooth technology to authorise individual operators via individual PIN codes.

Now, it is quite well known that garage doors are not the most secure points of entry to any dwelling, however the incidence of failing remotes, non-functional external keypads and other operability problems continue to be a source of business for repairers and is likely to not stop anytime soon.

But with the multitude of products becoming available in increased numbers today, thanks to the current technology age we are in, consumers need to be vigilant and investigative to keep up on the latest products and the quality they offer.

This is why simple to install products like the Garage Door Beacon, that are hardwired to your existing power supply, offer a quality access control solution that is long lasting, sheltered from the elements, easy to setup and install and best of all intrinsically native to operate.

With smartphone apps in both Apple and Google app stores, this is almost a no-brainer for anyone who owns a home with an automatic garage door and/or a modern smartphone.

(source...)

Skybell - New Alternative To The Classic Doorbell

I have written about other versions of doorbells over the last few years, but as yet have not found the simple yet intuitive device that might solve the demands of many. Until now, that is.

The product featured in the video above, is a new product designed and built in the USA. Of simple construction and occupying a small footprint, the Skybell is designed to replace many of the common doorbells found on most of our homes.

Intercom systems have been around for about 50 years now and intercoms that include a video feed have been around for about 15 years. The technology required to build a long lasting video intercom product, has been evolving and improving frequently.

Skybell allows for connection to a home wifi system and can be viewed wirelessly on almost any wifi connected device. Your iPhone, your Android, your Mac, your Windows PC all can connect to this smart device, enabling your ability to see and hear the person at your door.

App controlled by your smart device, you can greet the person at your door, from the comfort of your current location, without physically answering the door.

What separates this from other "wireless" devices is that it actually connects to your mains. That means you never need to replace batteries.

Currently in crowdfunding mode, I expect this device to take off and finally we may have the appropriate product, so many inquirers are searching for.

(source...)

2014 MLAA Conference And Trade Exhibit

The annual Conference and Trade Exhibit for the Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia (MLAA) was recently held at a hotel and conference facility in Twin Waters Queensland.

The weekend event was held about 2 weeks ago.

Here is a short time-lapse video taken by one of my colleagues as he walked the exhibit floor.




This annual trade show and conference is the pinnacle event for the locksmith industry in Australasia, where products, classes and new releases are displayed to attendees.

Special thanks to Trevor Miliken from Albany Lock Service in Western Australia for the video.


(source...)

August Smart Lock - Not So Smart

End of May last year we wrote an article about the August Smartlock that has seen a great many pageviews.

I just came across an article in The New York Times written by an author who has been using their August lock for a little while and found some difficulties.

In the article the author suggests that people dont really need to invest sometimes hundreds of dollars for a battery powered door lock that has obvious shortcomings like battery life, proximity issues and no wifi connectivity. Without explaining the pro's of keyless entry systems, he has more or less tossed many of the current crop of similar gadgets on to the waste pile as not as secure or convenient as one might have expected.

He did explain the obvious benefits of the product, easy to install, giving temporary key access to friends or strangers etc.

And the product, similar to the Lockitron in it's intended use, does look good.

Reading through many of the comments to the article, shows that many people are looking for another kind or style of product instead.

Coming Soon - Auto-Magnetic Latching Lock with wireless release option!

View the New York Times article in the source below.

(source...)

Smartphones To Open Doors For World's Biggest Lock Company As It Eyes Deal With Telcos

Assa Abloy is the world's largest lock manufacturing company.

Last year alone it made more than $300 million, across multiple different manufacturers.

There has been a continual, albeit modest push to introduce more and more electronic smartphone enabled lock systems across their diverse range of products. 

technology companies like Samsung, Apple and Google have been at the forefront of research and development of all things smartphone, ever since Google beat Apple to market with the first Android mobile operating system.

Many startups have entered the market, touting their own novel products aimed at the residential home security market.

Products like Lockitron, August Lock, Yale Real Living and Schlage or Kwikset Z wave, to name but a few.

The automobile industry has long used the transponder chip technology to better secure our cars and trucks, but the residential entry door market has lagged behind this disruptive technology, only due to the issue relating to electricity.

You see, the reason electronic technologies work on vehicles is because vehicles already use batteries to start, run and power vehicle systems.

Most doors in a dwelling are free standing and most often NOT connected to a power source. This has lead to a surge in the number of battery powered products, like the brands listed above, entering the market. The primary drawback with these products, is the need to constantly be replacing batteries on the units to maintain operability.

There are many dwellings that use electric strikes and hardwired electric lock systems, but that technology, even though it has been around for over 100 years, is expensive to install and consequently maintain.

The market is heating up and demanding better electronic technology for use in our homes, but there has been little productive solutions to the issue of the lack of power.

Whereas the market will continue to develop and no doubt grow, I just cannot conceivably fathom the perfect or best solution to this power predicament. When the power dilemma finally gets solved, perhaps electronic and smartphone technologies will provide a benefit to us home owners who dont want to spend the required arm and leg to hard wire our doors, when a totally mechanical, environmentally friendly, green mechanical key operated hardware solution continues to provide ultimate comparative security and convenience for our homes.

(source...)

Noke - Futuristic Padlock Controlled With Your Smartphone

Kickstarter is well known for being the breeding ground of new ideas. A service where anyone can source funding for almost any kind of project.

Access to capital funding is the most difficult and often stressful issue hampering inventors from proceeding with their ideas. Sure there are wealthy entrepreneurs, who do support ideas from time to time, usually at significant cost to the inventors. Until crowd-sourcing became the new accepted method for sourcing capital, funding took the form of painful, often laborious effort and mountains of paperwork required to prepare and very often resulted in a rejection.

The Noke Bluetooth Padlock is an example of yet another inspirational idea designed to make use of smartphone technology in attempt to make life easier.

Simply pair the padlock with your Bluetooth smartphone for easy and controllable access. This is a system designed to do away with mechanical keys (that I believe is a fundamental mistake).

Removing a mechanical, physical key from a padlock, may seem like a logical step in increasing access control capabilities, but what happens when the internal battery runs down? How do you get your padlock open?

Any electronic product, especially wireless products are open to hacking far more easily than a suitably protected high-security restricted mechanical physical key. Mechanical, physical keys have been used for centuries because they provide quality security protection that is virtually cost-less to run.

A green minded consumer will recognize that the benefits of a non-powered product. The life expectancy of a mechanical product is usually significantly longer than almost any wireless powered product available today.

Will this product take off? Probably, but consumers who desire proper security that lasts, is generally maintenance free and does not require an engineering or electronics degree to understand, will continue to protect the marketplace for many years to come, I suspect.

(source...)

After Almost 2 Years Of Patiently Waiting - It Is Here Finally!

Well, after 2 years of patiently receiving updates from the company, of unexpected delays, of production issues, of inferior components, of re-coding of software, our Crowd-Funded Lockitron product has finally arrived.

We received a 3-pack, in Bondi Blue, Obsidian Black and Pearl White.

We will attempt to video the unboxing of the product in a later post and hopefully capture the installation to an apartment door  on video soon too.

We already have 2 units sold to customers (who we are please have waited patiently for almost 2 years for this product, that they will be able to use with their iPhones) and hopefully (if the product lives up to the hype) receive significant more orders in future.

GoKey - Battery Backup, Smartphone Charging, Bluetooth Finder, Sync Cable - The All In One

GOkey Indiegogo Campaign Video from Go Devices, Inc. on Vimeo.


A new product has recently started funding on a crowdsourcing page that might be the extra boost many of us smartphone users are challenged with.

Check out the video above and see why this is yet another idea that makes our lives a little bit easier.

It does look a little bulky, I think. And given that many car keys on our keyrings are recommended to not carry extra weight (thanks GM), I'm not sure this really appeal to the masses.

(source...)

ChargeKey - iPhone, iPad, Android Charger To End Them All

The Chargekey by Nomad, is a beautifully produced and high quality mobile device charger that has recently gone on sale in the USA and Europe.

This intelligent creation provides that ever necessary accessory that we (who use smart devices) seek to have accessible at all times.

I see it everyday. Many people out and about using their phones but forgetting to bring their spare charging cable with them.

Dont worry, now you just connect it to your keyring (that is if you still carry a keyring?!?).

$29.00

But where do we plug it in? Why are there not more USB ports around the place?
Actually there are some establishments that I know of in my area that offer USB ports connected to power allowing you to bring your own charging cable to recharge your smart device on the fly (more on that in another article).

(source...)

Carlock - iPhone And Android Vehicle Tracker Made Simple

 Trust the Europeans to come out with a sensational smartphone compatible product that enables real time GPS tracking of your most prized possession - your vehicle.

This absurdly intelligent idea to use the OBD (on board diagnostic) port, found on just about every modern day vehicle and connect a small (almost hidden) dongle that operates on the GSM network (AT&T or TMobile), install the appropriate app from either Apple iTunes or Google Play and you suddenly have a super intelligent vehicle monitor.

The system works using the GSM (Global System for Mobiles) telephone network, where the dongle houses a mini SIM (Subscriber Identification Module) card that you can purchase from AT&T or T Mobile on a prepaid plan.

 Plug the dongle into your OBD port, usually located under your dash and it receives its power from there.

Install the appropriate app from your network provider to your iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPhone 5S running on both iOS 6 or iOS 7 platforms. Android 4.0 smartphones and up.


Currently available across the European Union, the plan is to release the product to the USA and Latin American markets toward the end of 2014.

The product is designed to work straight out of the box, which means no learning curve is necessary for any person to install, use and operate the Carlock. Because the product is plugged into the vehicles OBD port, it constantly trickle charges the built in battery, yet doesnt affect any of the vehicles operating systems. 

The product will come with a 2 year warranty. See the source below.

(Source...)