The traditional key is indispensable in our pocket or bag. Despite its simplicity, it feels safe and familiar, so why switch to a smart lock? We all know that technological progress initially also entails mistrust, which has also been the case with smart locks. Smart home technology is on the rise and cannot be ignored in a modern household. In this article, we debunk five common myths and misconceptions about smart locks.
After some preliminary research, you are convinced that smart locks offer some amazing benefits. No more searching for keys, more control over who can enter the house, and easy of opening and closing remotely. But then you realize that you’ve never replaced a lock before. This could get complicated…
No worries. Anyone who can install an Ikea cabinet can also install a smart lock. It will take you about 20 minutes, a drill is not needed. Only a screwdriver is sufficient. Some smart locks are placed over your key on the inside of the door. The LOQED Touch Smart Lock replaces almost the entire door fitting, and it is placed tightly to your door. You do not have to work with wiring and the batteries, the lock simply clicks into place.
When your lock is placed on the door, it is a matter of downloading the App, connecting the smart lock to your Wi-Fi network, and setting your preferences. Et voila!
To explain how the security of a smart lock works, we must start by explaining what encryption is. Most smart locks are provided with 256-bit encryption and are SKG three-star certified.
What is encryption?
Millions of people around the world have access to the Internet. Yet we can exchange messages, pay bills, and share files in a way that only a specific group of people can see them. This means that a large part of the internet is not visible to everyone. This is done with encryption.
Encryption is a way of converting data, in our case your access key, into a secret code. This ensures that the data is not accessible for everyone. 256-bit encryption refers to the length of the digital key used to encrypt a data stream. This is very safe and is therefore used by banks and governments.
Want to know more about the security of smart locks? Then read the “How much do you really know about smart locks and their security” blog.
The risk of losing your phone is something that everyone is afraid of and trying to avoid. For some people, the thought of using your phone as the key for your door is a reason to not buy a smart lock. However, the LOQED Touch Smart Lock takes into account that there is a possibility that you loose your phone.
Access codes and digital keys can directly and remotely be adjusted or deleted by logging in on another device or in our portal. This means you always have full control over your front door and that you can decide who has access, even if you loose your phone.
It can always happen that your phone runs out of battery. Don’t worry, by entering your personal code you can always enter your home, even if you don’t have a phone with you. This can also be useful for when you go for a run and you don’t want to carry unnecessary bags.
All smart locks have batteries. You will receive a timely notification via the App when they need to be replaced. The batteries of most smart locks last half a year. Due to the larger battery capacity of the LOQED Touch Smart Lock, these will last no less than nine months to a year. If the power goes out, you can continue to use the smart lock. Did you miss the messages that the batteries are empty? The LOQED Touch Smart Lock has an emergency power supply, that you can trigger by holding a 9V battery against the outside module. That gives the lock a little bit of energy so that you can open the door using your phone or your access code. Most smart locks do not offer this feature, and need to be taken out of the door when the batteries run out.
Current locks have not evolved at the same rate as our wishes in terms of what we want to get out of a lock: just keeping people out is no longer good enough. The advantage of a smart lock is that it offers new possibilities you did not know you needed. With a smart lock, you no longer have to worry that the door is not locked, you no longer have to hide spare keys or be locked out of your house. You can easily let guests in without getting up and luckily, searching for keys is officially a thing of the past.
The LOQED Touch Smart Lock costs € 349,- and can be ordered here.
