Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Smart Home
  3. News

Unlock Kwikset’s Kevo Contemporary smart lock with the touch of a finger

By

Kwikset Kevo Contemporary smart lock
Image used with permission by copyright holder
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.

Recommended Videos

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.

Related

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.

Editors’ Recommendations

Topics
Gia Liu
Gia Liu
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Philips launches its first smart lock with Wi-Fi that can be controlled from anywhere
The Philips Smart Deadbolt with Built-In Wi-Fi being installed on a door.

Philips has officially launched its first smart deadbolt with built-in Wi-Fi (aptly named the Philips Smart Deadbolt with Built-In Wi-Fi), giving users the ability to control their front door regardless of location. There's no need for a secondary bridge or other devices, as the lock itself connects directly to the Philips Home Access App via Wi-Fi, making setup a quick and easy process.

Further streamlining the setup process is the retrofit design of the smart lock. It should easily fit over most existing hardware, so you won't have to change out any deadbolts or worry about passing out new keys. That means the outside portion of your front door will largely look unchanged, though you'll still benefit from "smarts" such as voice command integration, auto-unlock function, door position sensing, and remote access via the mobile app.

Read more
Yale Keypad Touch lets you control the front door with your fingerprints
The Yale Keypad Touch installed on wooden siding.

Yale released the Approach retrofit smart lock last month -- the first-ever retrofit lock from the popular company. This month it's following up with the Yale Keypad Touch, a wireless accessory that lets you control the Yale Approach with nothing more than your fingerprints.

Because the Yale Approach smart lock doesn't include a keypad, most shoppers will want to add one to their purchase. Without a keypad, you'll be left controlling it with your smartphone. Yale previously let you bundle in the Yale Keypad with the Approach, turning it into something more akin to a traditional smart lock.

Read more
Should you buy a new smart lock or retrofit your existing deadbolt?
Schlage Encode Plus smart lock installed on a wooden door to a living room.

When it comes to smart locks, all models essentially fall into two categories. The first category will be familiar to most people, as these are traditional smart locks built to replace your existing deadbolt. That means you'll get a whole new set of keys for your front door, as well as hardware that introduces smart features to your home.

The second kind of smart lock is a retrofit smart lock. These quirky devices are designed to fit over your existing hardware -- allowing you to keep using your old keys while also adding smart features. Both types of smart locks are great ways to upgrade your front door, but which is best for your home? Here's a closer look to help you decide if you should replace your traditional deadbolt with a smart lock or install a retrofit smart lock instead.
Consider your DIY skills

Read more