09/13/2013
ARE YOU TIRED OF GETTING LOCKED OUT OF YOUR HOUSE?
INTRODUCING 3 SMARTPHONE APPS THAT CAN HELP YOU GET BACK INTO YOUR PALACE!
1. August Smart Lock, is a door lock that uses your smart phone as the key. It’s not actually a lock, but a device that fits over your existing lock. It connects to your phone via Bluetooth and is controlled through the August app.
One benefit is convenience. Rather than your having to remove your key (or your phone) from your pocket and manually unlock the door, the August senses your presence and simply unlocks it for you. It also chimes to let you know for sure when the door is locked.
You can also share your key feature when others have the app. You can even put a time limit on exactly when the key will work. It keeps a log of who enters and leaves the house.
2. Goji Smart Lock keeps track of who comes in and goes out. But it also takes the logging feature one step further by taking a picture of whoever is at the door and sending it to your iOS or Android phone, whether you’re home or not. If you want the person to come in, you can unlock the door from wherever you are.
Like the August and a few other comparable products, the Goji lets you text your key to others and set up the times those keys will function. Unlike some other products, the Goji works with a Bluetooth key fob, similar to a wireless car key, which can be given to children or others without smart phones.
3. KeyMe is a free iOS app that takes a picture of your key. After you've done that, a duplicate can be made by a local locksmith or ordered by mail through the app. The app works because locksmiths need to know only the type of key that’s being made and the biting code, which specifies the depth of the notches.
KeyMe, is also installing key-making kiosks at 7-Elevens’. In the near future you will be able go to the local convenience store to print out a new key.