To Bluetooth or Not

Some digital locks are sporting Bluetooth feature but what does it do for you (other than getting you to pay more)? Bluetooth feature means with the correct phone and bluetooth level, you can do (a) unlocking (b) viewing of user entries (c) administration. Let's look at some of the models in the market. We appreciate feedback.

Kwikset Kevo claims "Just touch the smart lock to open for the ultimate in convenience". It is odd that a smartphone with bluetooth turned on is required before you "Just Touch" the lock to unlock. There is no "keyless" solution; either a smartphone or a physical key fob. This looks like jumping from the kettle into the fire: trying to get away from having a physical object (the old key) and one ends up with a bigger (phone) "key" that needs bluetooth switched on. Yes, it does mean you need to bring your smartphone out when you check the letter box or throw your garbage or go for a run. And no, Kwikset has no pin number access, no fingerprint - but a phone or a physical key fob. 

Samsung P728, Samsung P920 does a little better than Kwikset - but comes at a size 20 times bigger (and a price to match). Unlocking is however not smart: one needs to carry the phone, to take out the phone, to unlock your screensaver, to start the sHome application, to wait for lock and app to link, and then to (!) press the unlock button on the app. Obviously this is user interaction/design at it's worse. Why would anyone use Bluetooth to unlock when a swipe of the fingerprint does the job? The ability view users' entries is also badly executed: it only shows unlocking when it is done by the sHome app : which based on the above, many will be using fingerprint/pin/card to access instead of bluetooth.

[ more locks will be commented on over time, and feedback appreciated if above is not the fact! ]

Hummingbird