Lockitron
| Also known as | Lockitron |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Apigy Inc. |
| Introductory price | 99 to 179 USD depending on model and accessories |
| Connectivity |
WiFi Bluetooth 4.0 Low Energy |
| Power | 4AA Batteries, lasting for 6 months |
| Website | lockitron |
Lockitron is a device which can lock and unlock doors via remote control, typically via a smartphone. Lockitron is made by Apigy, a start-up based in Mountain View, California. Apigy was a graduate of the Y Combinator start-up accelerator.
Multiple models of Lockitron have been manufactured, including one that fits over the lock control mechanism on the inside of a door, and the door can then be unlocked via an app on the phone, or via web page control. Phones with Bluetooth Low Energy (4.0) can also automatically unlock a door when an authenticated device is nearby. A supplied NFC tag can be read to trigger a command to toggle the state of the lock.
Virtual "keys" can also be created for guests or repair contractors etc., which allows access to the home. The virtual keys can be distributed over the internet on demand, and can also be revoked on demand. The door can also be locked or unlocked via an SMS "key" for those without smartphones.
All models of Lockitron allow for a traditional lock which continues to work with traditional metal keys. When a metal key is used, some models of Lockitron can send a notification to a smartphone.
Lockitron exposes an open, web-accessible API. Lockitron supports integration the Ring Video Doorbell, a doorbell system that sends video and voice from the door to a smartphone. Other devices that have integrated with the Lockitron API include the Pebble Smartwatch, which allows you to direct lock and unlock a Lockitron from your wrist, and IFTTT, which connects Lockitron to platforms and devices like Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Nest.
For a period of time Apigy developed Lockitron in an office that previously housed the Byte Shop where the first Apple I computers were sold. Apigy hosted an open house at the location where several working Apple II computers were set up for attendees to play classic games like TRON and Pacman.
Apigy originally offered a full replacement door lock version of Lockitron in 2011 before announcing a version of Lockitron in 2012 which fit over preexisting deadbolt locks. The 2012 version of Lockitron incorporated a number of improvements over the 2011 Lockitron deadbolt including built-in WiFi, replacing a wired basestation, built-in auto-unlock technology through Bluetooth Low Energy as well as a simplified installation by making Lockitron a device that fits over a preexisting deadbolt lock. The crowdfunded Lockitron was built around an ATMega microprocessor meaning that it is Arduino compatible for other custom behavior.
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Wikipedia