All You Need to Know about Smart Locks
Annoyed by having to give your cleaning lady a set of your house keys? Or maybe your doorman? Do you wish that your packages could be delivered inside your house directly? Or maybe you want a better option for your AirBnB guests? Smart locks claim to offer solutions to all these situations. Through your phone, you can now control the access to your home.
This is what you need to know about smart locks
Here's an example, the Amazon Smart Key (not yet available in Europe).This digital key is made up of a smart lock and a digital camera (the total price of the kit is around $250). It is marketed by Amazon as functional by allowing your delivered packages to be left inside your house at no extra cost.
The main cons of smart locks
Although smart locks have great advantages, they are not perfect. The main disadvantages it poses are the following:- Security Issues: They say it is not worth the effort for a hacker as it is really, really, really difficult and complex, and to be honest, as a student I would agree. But not everyone feels the same way (to address your possible concerns, read the comments from five security experts).
- Possible glitches of the lock device itself.
- Phone application issues: In case of no power, you must have the key with you.
- Privacy: This is the biggest con of all. For instance, we know that Amazon just wants to use this to sell their other products and services to you (obviously). However, just as with free WiFi at airports for instance, many of us are willing to go through with it if it makes our life easier.
Where to buy it?
If you want to buy one, here are some smart lock comparisons. If you are going for a more affordable option, here's another article.Do you love the idea of smart locks or are you creeped out by this technology? Or maybe a bit of both? Let us know! And if you have one, share your experience with the Driven by Tech community.
Nalini
Nalini is passionate about technology and innovation management. She blogs about the impact of emerging technologies, particularly IoT, on homes and industries. She dreams of applying this knowledge to help overcome important challenges in developing countries.
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