When it comes to securing your home, the most obvious and important component is a sturdy lock. Even better than that? A smart lock. The Kwikset brand of Spectrum Brands Inc. unveiled a new Touch-to-Open smart lock called Kevo Contemporary, which made its debut at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Kevo Contemporary is a DIY smart lock solution that features Touch-to-Open technology, electronic key management, and lock notifications. It is the latest product in Bluetooth Touch-to-Open smart locks, which Kwikset first introduced five years ago.
With this new Kwikset smart lock, you’ll use your smartphone as your key. Instead of fumbling for keys on the front porch, homeowners can lock or unlock the door with the touch of a finger, as long as an authorized Bluetooth device is within range. You can even grant access to your home using e-keys, and manage them easily from your smartphone.
Want to keep an eye on the kids when they’re home alone? Lock notifications keep track of who is entering and leaving the home. Worried about break-ins? SmartKey Security is a patented Kwikset feature that protects against common break-in methods. But aside from keeping you safe, Kevo Contemporary can also keep you comfortable, as the smart lock is integrated with a number of smart home products. For example, when you lock or unlock the Kevo, you can trigger home temperature adjustments and energy savings using either the Nest Learning Thermostat or a Honeywell connected thermostat. Alternatively, rather than getting up every time you hear the doorbell ring, you can sync the Ring Video Doorbell with your Kevo smart lock in order to see and speak to guests at your front door, then choose whether or not to allow them in, all from your smartphone. Kevo offers similar functionality with the SkyBell HD Doorbell, and is in fact the first smart lock to directly integrate with this particular video doorbell.
Of course, Kevo is also compatible with Amazon Alexa, so you can ask your favorite smart home assistant if the door is locked, and lock the door remotely if the answer comes back negative. And thanks to IFTTT compatibility, you can use Kevo to trigger actions with other smart home devices. Kevo can also be paired to an Apple Watch or Android Wear for convenience on the go.
Users will be able to purchase Kevo Contemporary in 2018 at select retailers for the suggested retail price of $229. The smart lock comes in a modern design that should fit in with most contemporary home exteriors. The product will come in four colors: Satin Nickel, Venetian Bronze, Iron Black, and Polished Chrome.
