The "Kevo Plus" is an expensive add-on that should let an authorized lock user unlock the door across the Internet. You can also view notifications for each lock that show when eKeys were assigned and deleted as well as historical events from each user showing the date and time that the lock was engaged. First, Kwikset seems to have eschewed the kinds of design touches emblematic of an expensive device, and considering the fact that this is likely going to sit on the outside of your home, I'd say that's wise. It also offers wide compatibility with other smart-home devices. Once calibration is complete (it took me less than a minute), the Kevo lock is ready to go. View on Amazon. I like feeling that buzz in my pocket and knowing that the process is working, but the app doesn't currently offer a way to change the sound, or mute it completely. I tried holding the phone up in the air. Take a step to the left or a step to the right, and that number will drop to 80 or 90 percent. Upgrade to remote access. Moreover, the Kevo does not work with Android devices (yet) and doesn't record entries when using the included key fob. Look for that to change in the near future as the app gets updated. If needed, you'll also be able to delete or temporarily disable those eKeys, too. Despite being bump-proof and essentially pick-proof, our tests confirmed that the Kwikset SmartKey deadbolt that makes up the guts of the Kevo is vulnerable to certain types of simple forced entry. For now, the Kevo lock only works with iOS, which leaves Android and Blackberry users out in the cold. A few months ago, we visited the Weiser Kevo – A lock powered by your smartphone or through a Fob to allow you entry into your home with the touch of your finger. Review of the Kwikset Kevo powered by UniKey - Techlicious The difficulty of learning and adapting to new methods is enough disincentive to even bother trying. At first glance the Kevo looks like an ordinary deadbolt lock. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. I tested it again and again, from every conceivable angle, and not once did the Kevo unlock when I didn't want it to. The Kevo smart lock is designed to send periodic status updates to the gateway. We're here to help... Plus, a few helpful fish-grilling tips from chef Akira Back. Touch-to-Open™ smart lock. Kwikset Kevo Smart Lock review By Julie Strietelmeier / August 10, 2016 September 12, 2017 / Reviews / Home and Kitchen , Home Security , Locks / 21 Comments Picture this scenario. The lock will glow green, and, with the phone or fob that you're calibrating in your pocket, you'll simply tap the lock three times. If it detects your phone or your fob's presence, the lights will turn green and the lock will open (if you're locking it, the lights will turn yellow.) Red flash. Even if you have no prior experience the installation guide is very straightforward and easy to follow. Sign up for What's New Now to get our top stories delivered to your inbox every morning. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. These eKeys are really just an e-mail message instructing them on how to download the Kevo app and authorize their phones to open your lock. The indoor/outdoor sensor worked flawlessly, never once letting us in … This is an affordable lock, costing around $165, which is slightly cheaper than the industry average of $175. They'll only appear if the Kevo is certain that you're outside. The Kwikset Kevo Traditional (2nd Gen) is battery powered, with a low-battery indicator built into the lock. Red flash. It offers keyless (and keyed) entry to your home and lets you issue and revoke eKeys to those with iOS devices, a very convenient feature for friends and family. Overview; Documents; Ask A Question; Buy; Login A company representative informed me that this functionality may be added in future updates. You can also manage each individual lock, eKey, and user. Our expert industry analysis and practical solutions help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology. The lock is fairly easy to install and does exactly what it is supposed to do, but there is a lag between the time you touch the lock and the time it actually opens. Kwikset Kevo 2nd Generation review: Kevo’s upgraded smart lock is a touchy-feely option Kwikset’s signature smart lock is a bit tricky to work with, and comes at a price. CNET may get a commission from these offers. Once you create an account using your email address and three security questions, you are ready to enroll your device as the Owner, which gives you full rights. The Kevo Gen 2's response time is a bit faster than its predecessor. Tapping on the My Locks and eKeys tab takes you to a screen that lists all of your Kevo locks. When that happens, a ring of blue LED lights will spin around the lock, indicating that it's thinking about whether or not to grant you entry. The display of third-party trademarks and trade names on this site does not necessarily indicate any affiliation or the endorsement of PCMag. The Kevo app also warns you when the batteries are low. Meet Kevo: Coming home just got even easier with the second generation of the only touch-to-open smart lock. The Kevo looks like a regular old deadbolt...until you tap on it. This screen shows you how many eKeys are active, pending, and disabled for each lock. If it thinks there's even a chance that you're inside your home, it'll only show the spinning blue LEDs, then nothing. If you know how to install a door lock, the Kevo installation process is fairly simple and should only take ten minutes or so. The Bottom Line If you've got a compatible smartphone, you'll enjoy this smart lock, but if you're looking for high security, look elsewhere. After those three taps, the lock will either flash green for a successful calibration, or red for an unsuccessful one. Also, based on experts’ recommendations, convenience and security features of the lock aren’t topnotch but acceptable and good. They're aware that it probably isn't as easy as it should be, and to their credit, they've done about as good a job as they can of managing the issue. Your subscription has been confirmed. While Kevo Convert may initially offer entry-level smart lock features, there’s much to explore once you invest in the gateway. In my tests, the Kevo performed admirably for the most part. Easy to install. It allows you to establish access to the lock whether you are close to it or far away with the Kevo Plus a new upgrade device for Kevo lock. Additionally, all of these step-by-step instructions are located conveniently within the Kevo app. Kwikset covers the Kevo with a lifetime finish and mechanical warranty, and a one year electronic warranty. Replacing my single cylinder deadbolt lock was a snap. The Kwikset Kevo Convert is a simple way to keep your exterior lock and keys, and instead replace only the interior deadbolt lock mechanism. In fact, you won't notice anything different about it until you get up close and actually touch it, at which point a ring around the cylinder displays a spinning blue light. Weiser offers a variety of Kevo products including Smart Lock deadbolt, Kevo Convert (a smart lock conversion kit that turns your existing deadbolt into a smart lock), Kevo plus which gives you remote access capabilities and finally, the Kevo FOB, which allows those who do not have a compatible smart device to enjoy the benefits of Kevo. Kevo's security and convenience features are good but lack the quality of other smart door locks we tested. Kwikset Kevo review: This lock's even smarter than. I spoke with some of the folks at Kwikset about this, and they acknowledged that calibrating can take multiple attempts to get right. Don't have a smartphone? Nothing seemed to work. Touch-to-Open™ smart lock. Blog; 0 . It's the number-one thing that I wanted to test out, and thankfully, it's a feature that works flawlessly. Much like the Kevo 2nd Gen, the Kwikset app will guide you through an interactive installation process that should leave you with a fully functioning lock in about 10-15 minutes. Kwikset Kevo 2nd Gen Review #2. Additional keychain fobs cost $25 each, and extra eKeys are $1.99 each. The Kevo lock itself is $230, so the total cost of your lock setup would rise over $300, and that’s a pill that isn’t easy to swallow. The lock opened and closed immediately when touched, unlike the Gen 1 lock, which had a slight delay. You can drill down to each individual eKey by user name and edit the rights for that user and delete or disable the eKey. https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/kwikset-kevo. The Good The Kwikset Kevo packs a lot of subtle smarts into a little device. As such, if you're looking for the strongest, safest lock on the market, I think you'll want to look elsewhere. Obvious, the Kwikset Kevo Smart Lock with Keyless Bluetooth connection and a ‘Touch to Open’ functionality has a keyed entry possibility. Comparison and FAQs. Robustness of the App What the app can do and how easy it is to use. Kevo Fob. Let's you know who's coming and going. If you have any trouble, just scan the QR code for assistance. However, unlike with some other smart locks, you won't be able to send out eKeys that only work at a certain time, or that automatically expire on a certain date. We delete comments that violate our policy, which we encourage you to read. Smart Features. With the Kevo (licensed out from UniKey), you'll be able to unlock your deadbolt just by tapping on it, thanks to the built-in Bluetooth 4.0 capable of detecting the smartphone in your pocket. The Good The Kwikset Kevo is a uniquely convenient smart lock that can let you in with a single touch. If you have an Android smartphone, Kwikset Kevo is likely your best smart lock choice. You can then calibrate the iOS device to enable the lock's inside/outside security feature, which uses a sensor to prevent unauthorized entry while your fob or smart device is inside your home. Kevo vs August – Smart Lock Comparison, Review, Verdict, More. If not for the inside/outside distinction, they could simply tap the lock, see the magenta lights, and know that you're nearby inside. It has never worked no matter how many times we've reset it and reconfigured it. Once the free app is downloaded from the Apple App Store it walks you through the setup and registration process. App and PerformanceThe Kevo iOS app is uncomplicated and well designed. Prior to joining Ziff Davis, John spent six years in retail operations for Federated Stores, Inc. before accepting a purchasing position with Morris Decision Systems, one of New York's first value-added resellers of the original IBM PC. I tried doing it with my phone in my pocket, as instructed. Open your world with the latest Touch-to-Open™ Kevo smart lock, powered by your smartphone and Bluetooth. According to Kwikset's instructions, calibrating the indoor/outdoor detection seems like it should be painless enough -- just tap the calibrate button on the indoor side of the lock, hold your device against the lock for a few seconds, then step outside. He then worked for the now defunct ComputerLand chain of PC dealers before joining PC Magazine in 1987. you also get installation instructions, a user guide, and a drilling/boring template if your door is not already prepared for a deadbolt. How Kwikset Kevo works. You can even use the free Kevo app to send friends and loved ones "eKeys" to let them in when you're not around. The Kevo comes in three finishes: Polished Brass, Venetian Bronze, and Satin Nickel. Charging for eKeys is just something that Kwikset does because, well, it can. Read Full Review. It also displays each user's email address. It's not cheap and it comes with some minor drawbacks, but if you're ready to lose your traditional keys, it's worth checking out. The Bad The SmartKey deadbolt at the heart of the Kevo is too easy to break for a lock that costs $219. But the $329 Kevo Kwiksetprovides an unparalleled degree of flexibility in its functionality, allowing users to ease into the Internet of Things and try out new technologies like eKeys and Bluetooth f… After installing, calibrating, and testing the thing out, I was thoroughly impressed by how strongly the Kevo performed. Kevo is one of the very little number of products with this feature! 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