This Bluetooth Padlock Doesn't Need A Key
You've been there before: Either you've forgotten the combination to your padlock or lost the key, depending on the model. To end those frustrations, FŪZ Designs has created Noke, a padlock that uses Bluetooth, eliminating the need for a key or combination. It even has a "tap code" just in case you've forgotten or can't use the paired smartphone.
"We designed Noke to be the simplest electronic device you own," the Kickstarter page said. "Once you've downloaded our iOS or Android app, Noke automatically finds and pairs to your Bluetooth 4.0 enabled smartphone. You can name your Noke and even give it a photo if you like. That's it."
In order to unlock the Noke Bluetooth padlock, simply press the shank. The device will then wake up and search for either the owner's phone or one of the shared devices. Noke will instantly unlock if the phone is within 10 feet; the user isn't required to launch the app.
As for sharing with family and/or friends, the Android or iOS app allows the owner to grant access on a permanent scale, to share just once, and so on. The app also provides a history section so that the owner can see what locks were accessed and by whom, and the app can manage more than one Noke padlock, too.
Given that the Noke is Bluetooth, users will be required to deal with changing the battery around once a year. The task is simple; merely twist off the back cover. If the battery is totally drained, owners can remove the backing by using a small pin, even if the lock is engaged.
Supported devices include iPhone 4s or newer, the iPod Touch 5G or newer, the iPad 3G or newer, and the iPad Mini tablets, all of which need to run iOS 7 or newer and have Bluetooth 4.0. Android devices must have Bluetooth 4.0 and Android 4.3 "Jellybean" or Android 4.4 "KitKat."
The Noke will cost $89 when it goes retail. However, backers pledging more than $59 will get one Noke lock for $30 off the retail price. The largest pledge, $449 or more, will provide a Noke 10-pack and a cost savings of $441.
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As of this writing, the Kickstarter project has 500 backers pledging $48,946 out of the $100,000 goal. The Kickstarter will end on September 17, 2014 at 2pm EST.
Would you use a Bluetooth padlock?
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Kevin Parrish has over a decade of experience as a writer, editor, and product tester. His work focused on computer hardware, networking equipment, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and other internet-connected devices. His work has appeared in Tom's Hardware, Tom's Guide, Maximum PC, Digital Trends, Android Authority, How-To Geek, Lifewire, and others.
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deftonian Sure, I'd use one.... after it's been launched, users try to hack it, known bugs worked out, and it goes on sale. :)Reply -
gm0n3y I could see this being really useful in the few circumstances where having logs of which user unlocked it would be essential. For the vast majority of uses the fact that it could run out of power is a big downside. You would need to bring an external battery pack or a charger + extension cord in case the battery ran out. The battery life had better be measured in years or it's more of a gimmick than being actually useful.Reply -
Steve Simons With fingerprint tech being so cheap now, I'm surprised they don't go that route instead. Cool idea though.Reply -
PandaButtonFTW Replyinteresting idea.
wonder what happens when the battery runs out?
you grab the bolt cutters and regret buying this gimmicky padlock.
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David Gengler This is David from F?Z Designs. Thanks so much for the write-up. These comments are all very good. Tom's has a very astute following. Here are a couple observations:Reply
-Noke is water resistant.
-If the battery runs out (after about 1 year of use and several warnings in the app) you can "jump-start" the battery to open the lock and access the battery for replacement.
-Fingerprint tech would drain the battery and add to the cost more than we'd like.
-It does work great and the sharing and tracking is a very nice feature -
Blazer1985 Hi David, triple posting is how tom's crappy comment system says "Welcome".Reply
Reading comments, taking notes and (eventually) responding is THE way of doing things today imho so good luck with your project. -
Vote_Dogbert I can access the inside of the lock by pulling the back off? how secure is the lock mechanism itself?Reply