KeyWe, a South Korean team creating smart locks, has launched its new product on Kickstarter. The project has a crowdfunding goal of US$30,000, but raised US$100,000 within 48 hours.
KeyWe, a South Korean team creating smart locks, has launched its new product on Kickstarter. The project has a crowdfunding goal of US$30,000, but raised US$100,000 within 48 hours.
KeyWe’s latest smart lock offers multiple ways to open the door: passcode on the lock’s keypad, NFC transmission with user’s smartphone, a click on the mobile app using Wi-Fi, a keycard and physical mechanic key.
It also has Guest Key and One Time Passcode features for short-term visitors. The expiration time of the Guest Key can be programmed in the app, while the One Time Passcode for delivery people is valid for two minutes and cannot be reused.
Each time visitors unlock the door, KeyWe will send a real-time push notification to homeowners. KeyWe will also keep a two-month use record in the app so that users can check use history.
In terms of the design, the team claims to use Ansi Grade 2 Deadbolt and strong aluminium materials used in airplanes. In addition, it uses 128-bit AES encryption for connection between the KeyWe App and the door lock to ensure security. If there are any attempts to jailbreak the system, the app will block logins and delete all the data, KeyWe team says.
The KeyWe smart lock supports Z-Wave, which allows the device to work with Amazon Alexa and Echo Plus device. It allows users to unlock the door via its mobile app using Wi-Fi connection, which requires users to own a Wi-Fi Bridge device to make it work.
One KeyWe smart lock will cost US$199 and one lock with a Wi-Fi Bridge will cost US$248 at retail. The team aims to start shipping in August 2018.
KeyWe is a South Korean team founded two years ago. It is a spin-off of an established security company with over 30 years of history in the industry. KeyWe’s production and research center is located in South Korea while the customer service is based in San Francisco. Its products have been sold in six countries in the world.