Apigy Unveils Smartphone-Controlled Keyless Lock

News
By Zak Islam
published

From operating medical tools, light switches and even satellites, iPhones can now open your door for you.

With the product fully funded, Apigy has confirmed the development of Lockitron, a device that is controlled by an iPhone as a keyless lock.

Lockitron operates as a keyless entry device that attaches itself to a door's deadbolt. The battery-powered box has been equipped with Bluetooth 4.0, as well as boasting NFC capabilities. It communicates with a user via Wi-Fi.

In order to open a door, iPhone users will have to swipe the device past the Lockitron box. According to Lockitron creator Apigy, the device is apparently compatible with every kind of smartphone.

Those who have an old model, text messaging can be utilized to act as an alternative to Wi-Fi. The more modern "Sense" feature, meanwhile, allows smartphones that include Bluetooth 4.0 to access one's house when walking up to the door.

A downloadable two-button app communicates with the Lockitron and can be utilized to restrict access to your home by other people. The app can send smartphone owners notifications, which alerts you if any changes occur such as the door being unlocked by another user.

Money raised so far well exceed its $150,000 goal. If 1,000 reservations are met, the first batch will ship internationally during March, 2013, with Apigy set to commence pre-orders for the $149 (it'll retail for $199) Lockitron device soon. The application itself will initially be available for Android and iOS devices.

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Zak Islam
9 Comments Comment from the forums
  • Pennanen
    In the future, criminals dont need to steal your keys or break in, just hack through the doors.

    Reply
  • freggo
    Oh, I can do that with my Samsung Flip Phone.
    I call home before I enter the drive way and the kids will unlock the door for me :-)
    Reply
  • freggo
    PennanenIn the future, criminals dont need to steal your keys or break in, just hack through the doors.
    Incidentally, over the years we had 5 break ins in our homes. Nobody EVER came thru the front door !
    3 thru windows in the back, 2 thru doors in the back from the yard.
    Reply
  • craig_1000
    Nope they just have to walk past U close enough to steal the codes, please don't fool urself into thinking that the NFC feature has not been cracked yet. Always believe that if it's computer driven and works it can be hacked. Try walking past a bunch of keys and see if U can replicate them as easy.

    Step 1 steal find phone
    Step 2 press button and say 'Siri take me home'
    Step 3 swipe the phone over locking device.
    Step 4 leave phone and a written messge for the unfortunate person.

    Worst idea I have heard for a security device.
    Reply
  • sixdegree
    So, what happens if my phone runs out of battery?
    Reply
  • Vorador2
    craig_1000Nope they just have to walk past U close enough to steal the codes, please don't fool urself into thinking that the NFC feature has not been cracked yet.
    To steal the code, they're need to be really close. Like in-your-face close. And the NFC chip needs to be working, which usually isn't even active when you're not using it.

    For them is far easier to just break into trough a window. Same result, far less complex.
    Reply
  • InvalidError
    craig_1000Nope they just have to walk past U close enough to steal the codesIf they haven't done a half-baked job, there should be two-way authentication and encryption between the locking device and the NFC device to prevent "drive-by" key-lifting.
    Reply
  • mavroxur
    My Nokia 3110 can open a brick wall, door or not.


    Reply
  • Max Collodi
    sixdegreeSo, what happens if my phone runs out of battery?Use your keys.
    Reply