Categories
Technology

Kphob tracks door locking on the cheap with a turn of the key

It’s a common problem. After leaving the house, it’s often hard to remember if the door was locked and it’s just too time-consuming a lot of the time to return home and check.

patent-claimedKphob is a key fob that records whenever the user locks a door with an attached key. It uses several sensors, including a magnetometer and accelerometer, to track every motion of the key. The device also tracks the time and date of each entry and exit. It features a small display that shows the date and time.

Kphob ships in December. Future pricing is expected to be about $18. Early bird Kickstarter backers can get one first with a pledge starting at about $21. Its makers hope to raise $18,242 by May 5.

Alas, the fob only works only with physical keys, so consumers who have only a remote-controlled lock need not apply. Users must physically rotate the key inside the keyhole for at least one full rotation/revolution. But its makers are working on the algorithm to make it possible for 180-degree rotation detection.

 

Categories
Smart Home

Nucli smart lock has two screens, covers all the bases

Since the debut of the Ring, nee Doorbot, on Kickstarter, crowdfunding platforms have hosted many smart locks for the home and other property.

Nucli comes to the table, or at least the door, with the Westinghouse brand and an endless array of options. It can work with iOS, Android and Windows. It can be activated by fingerprint, PIN pad (via its external touch screen), smartphone or laptop (but there’s no proximity-based unlocking yet). It supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Z-Wave protocols. And you can even use any MP3 file as a doorbell. Like other smart lock/doorbell combinations, owners can use its camera to see who is at the door and open it.

Categories
Smart Home

Keep your eyes on incoming peeps with the Peeple connected peephole

There was actually a time when the common peephole didn’t exist, forcing people to have to open their doors to see who was there. Thankfully, this isn’t the case anymore. However, in the age of the Internet of Things, its due for an obvious upgrade.

The ubiquity of the smartphone has made products like Peeple possible, a rechargeable attachment that connects to a peephole to provide caller ID for a home. It does this by sending notifications to an iOS or Android device whenever someone knocks or opens the door. At that point, a user can open the companion Peeple app to virtually look through the peephole to verify the arrival of a friend, mailman, or that cable guy that’s always late. $149 gets those intrigued a Peeple of their own by May 2016. The campaign is looking to raise $50,000 by June 26th, 2015.

While Peeple is a low-key, easy-to-install version of what could be confused with a connected doorbell, it lacks all of the features that make a connected door device worthwhile. Not being able to open the door remotely nor use video chatting capabilities to speak with those at the door are clear misses, even if there are a range of accessories in the pipeline to expand its functionality. Similar products that hit the mark are those like Chui as well as a a number of doorbells with integrated cameras.

Categories
Safety

The Right Lock door block protects against unwanted visitors

Not knowing who’s knocking on the door when one isn’t expecting any visitors can leave a person hesitant to answer. And if no intercom system is available, trying to hear what the person on the other side is saying is often a challenge.

The Right Lock allows the user to open the door about two inches or so, and the solid metal-looking design is touted as preventing an easy forced entry. It appears that installation is fairly easy with a drill and screwdriver bit.

The idea seems to have some good potential, but it’s doubtful that this item alone would really prevent a forced entry if an intruder where determined to gain entry. In addition, many have chain locks which really serve the same purpose. Interested backers might also like to check out McChi lock and Burglar Blocker. This campaign seeks to raise $15,000 on Kickstarter. Backers get one lock for $30 with an expected delivery of May 2015.

Categories
Home

GarageSkins give your car keeper a new facade

GarageSkinsEver want to glam up your garage door, but don’t think a flag will do the trick? Try GarageSkins, panels designed to stick to your aluminum garage door to make it look like it’s made out of wood. These overlays use real wood with different finishes and designs to class up your doors. Best of all, they’re easy to install and only take about an hour to apply. A one-car garage system goes for $395 and a two-car system goes for $700 with an estimated delivery date of May 2015. GarageSkins hopes to raise $75,000 in its 45-day Indiegogo run.

Categories
Home

Vent Well sliding door add-on keeps bugs at bay

vent wellSliding doors and windows help create space and can easily be opened or shut. However, some don’t come with screens. Vent Well allows owners of sliding doors or windows to get the fresh air they want without letting in bugs or rain. This Aussie ventilation system is made out of plastic and has a completely adjustable height for any opening. It is easy to install and makes a great guard for pets or children’s toys. One Vent Well with one extender goes for $36 on Indiegogo with an estimated delivery date of July 2014. Vent Well hopes to raise an ambitious $150,000 AUD in its 50-day campaign run.