Accessories
Kwikset Kevo Plus: Bluetooth & WiFi Smart Lock
The Kwikset Kevo Plus is an upgrade the Kevo smart lock that allows users to unlock with Bluetooth and now with WiFi to deliver a smart lock that is accessible and manageable from anywhere.
Kwikset is a well-known player in the locks and home security, and they are combining high-tech connectivity to allow users to unlock their home not just by tapping on the Kevo while carrying a smartphone, but also managing through Kevo service online.
The Kevo Plus includes an adapter that connects to your home network, which is what enables this new smart connectivity features. This will allow you to lock or unlock your door anywhere you have an Internet connection. this makes it possible to quickly make sure your door is locked, even if you can’t remember during a busy morning.
The Kevo Plus connects a Kevo to WiFi for remote control.
The Kevo Plus is an electronic deadbolt, so it installs in your existing door in place of a traditional deadbolt. Users can use their iPhone and some Android 5.0 devices to open the door, and it is possible to create additional eKeys that you can give to a guest. It is also possible to create eKeys that expire, that only work on specific days and time periods and more. This simplifies letting a guest, a dog walker or a maintenance person into your home. You can make and share an unlimited number of eKeys, and digitally send them through the Kevo app.
Right now the Kevo Plus experience is available for iPhone and it is also on Android for the Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 running Android 5.0. As Android 5.0 Lollipop updates land on other devices, you can expect greater availability.
This adapter connects the Kevo to the Internet.
With the new Kevo Plus lock, users also gain real-time monitoring, which allows you to see all activity from the lock and unlock on your door. This lets you know who is entering your home and when.
The Kevo Plus includes a Bluetooth enabled gateway that connects to a router over an Ethernet cable. Kwikset says this is a free gateway for Kevo users. The Kevo Plus service launches this Spring and requires a membership plan at an un-announced price.
The Kevo is already on sale on Amazon for $199, and in many home improvement stores. The Kevo Plus will work with existing Kevo units, which are available in silver, gold and black.
Kwikset also announced the Kwikset SmartCode 916 Touchscreen deadbolt, which includes SecureScreen technology to help combat someone lifting your codes from smudges on the screen. This randomly asks users to touch two numbers, before entering a PIN. This adds smudges to the screen, making it harder for someone to pick up on a code. There is also Z-Wave and Zigbee connectivity in the Kwikset SmartCode 916 that can connect to home automation systems to trigger other events. The unit will arrive later this year.
Caleb Langsdale
08/17/2015 at 7:18 pm
I received my Kwikset Kevo Smart Lock as a gift last Christmas. I’ve since installed it and have realized the major benefit of this product is the ability to remotely lock and manage via the internet. I’ve been patiently waiting for the free wifi bridge, as referenced in this article and several other articles, but I’ve been unable to find any information on it. It was supposed to be released this past spring and I can’t find any information anywhere on the net. Anybody have any updates and/or info as to when the wifi bridge will be available??
Thanks,