How to Install a Smart Lock or Is it Smart?

 

 

Yes

 

THE FRONT DOOR: It keeps bad people out, it lets good people in. It protects, it welcomes, but if you’ve ever been away from home and had to race back to unlock it for a needy guest, dog walker, or handyman, you know that traditional security comes with occasional irritations.

 

With a smart lock, you’re never in that bind—no more keys to copy or annoying key exchanges to organize. Smart locks replace standard locks with an electronic device, often battery-powered, that can be accessed using a phone app, digital keypad, or even fingerprint sensors. Using a smartphone, you can turn the lock via Bluetooth if you’re nearby, or remotely over a secure network if you’re not. Smart locks can notify you each time your door is opened, log entries, and communicate with home security systems. You can easily grant access to delivery men; to double-check the lock from the bed, just roll over and tap your phone.

 

But smart locks are more than convenient, they’re also secure. Should someone start tampering with your front door, it’ll alert you. You’ll know immediately if, say, someone tries to enter an incorrect code multiple times or attempts to get in with expired access on the app.

 

To double-check the lock from the bed, just roll over and tap your phone.

 

If you own a large home with multiple entry points, installing smart locks on each main door lets you impressively secure all doors with a simple swipe or a vocal command to Alexa (or Siri or Google Assistant). If you’re away on vacation, you can also check, via an app or online interface, the status of all your home’s locks and then quickly turn your attention back to a seaside cocktail.

 

 

To double-check the lock from the bed, just roll over and tap your phone.

 

For those who dwell in expansive residences with multiple entry points, smart locks on every primary doorway take home security to a whole new level. With a mere swipe or a voice command to your digital assistant—be it Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant—all doors fall under an impenetrable watch. Even when you’re vacationing, an app or online interface enables you to check on the status of your locks, allowing you to return your attention swiftly to the ocean’s lullaby and your sun-soaked cocktail.

 

Not only do smart locks bolster your security, but they might also bolster your property’s value. Modern security systems paired with smart locks have an allure to insurance adjusters and real estate agents alike. Premium smart locks, ranging from $150 to $700 (with advanced features like fingerprint scanning), are an investment that many insurance companies applaud.

They often offer incentive discounts to homeowners who install them or reward customers for choosing these “self-monitored theft protection devices,” as phrased by Glen Greenberg, Liberty Mutual’s director of public relations.

 

Should you fret about power outages or your smartphone’s battery succumbing to your endless texting spree, fear not. Smart locks are designed with contingencies in mind. Nearly every smart lock comes equipped with backup solutions—a traditional key or an emergency mode that promises to let you in no matter what. Surrendering control to a smartphone in a crisis might seem daunting, but take comfort in knowing that smart lock creators have anticipated your concerns. Indeed, they seem to have thought of it all.

 

 

No

 

THE AGE-OLD ADAGE: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” This wisdom rings especially true for modern key locks, a reliable technology that has endured for two centuries. Despite the brainy appeal of smart locks, introducing computerized enhancements to something inherently simple can inadvertently open the door to potential failures.

 

With any electronic innovation comes the risk of unforeseen glitches. Smart locks, reliant on a consistent power source, may falter at the most inopportune moments. If your smartphone is your “key” and you’re not particularly tech-savvy, the learning curve could add an unwanted layer of complexity. Recollect that frustrating episode where syncing your phone to Bluetooth headphones was akin to solving an enigmatic puzzle—now, envision that frustration leaving you stranded on your doorstep at an ungodly hour.

 

Jay Sofer, the proprietor of Lockbusters, one of New York City’s most prominent locksmith companies, suggests that while smart locks rarely malfunction, they might not be as secure as traditional alternatives. According to him, the primary method of forced entry is prying open a door with a crowbar or similar tool. He points out that contemporary smart locks are often simple deadbolts that lack the superior-grade metal found in high-security locks like Medeco or Multifunction.

 

Moreover, installing a smart lock isn’t a walk in the park. You aren’t merely replacing a key cylinder—you’re fitting a sophisticated electronic gadget, which could add an additional $200 to the cost if DIY isn’t your forte. Prior to contemplating a smart lock, you must understand your existing locking system: Is it a standard deadbolt or a mortise? Can you even differentiate between them?

 

The multifaceted accessibility options of certain smart locks (like the Schlage Sense, which can be controlled via a phone app, code, or key) could potentially expose your home to a new generation of cyber intruders. While smart locks utilize secure, private networks to fend off standard Wi-Fi hackers, they are not impervious to dedicated, skillful coders.

 

Additionally, dreaming of a future devoid of keys might remain just that—a dream. Keys still play a pivotal role in everything from your car to your office, your bike lock to your storage shed. Not to forget, your less-tech-adept relatives may still prefer them. So, the good old-fashioned key might continue to be an enduring standard for the foreseeable future, with many smart lock enthusiasts still toting backup keys—somewhat undermining the allure of a keyless lifestyle.

 

Despite being touted as “revolutionary,” smart locks might just be the latest fad, much like many other tech novelties for the home. After all, your traditional key locks are still standing their ground—they ain’t broken yet.

 

 

DOORS TO THE FUTURE / The Best Smart Locks at Every Price

 

Oji Code+

 

Introducing the Oji Code+, a trailblazer in smart door security. This lock marries Bluetooth technology with a user-friendly setup that requires no drilling, wiring, or carpentry work. It’s not just a door lock – it’s a testament to elegant engineering and smart design, promising a hassle-free installation and maintenance experience.

Price: AED 849.00

 

 

Oji XT8

 

The Oji XT8 is the epitome of flexible security. Whether it’s for your home, vacation property, or office, this smart lock adapts effortlessly. Unlocking options abound – choose from a smartphone app (BLE), fingerprint recognition, PIN, or Card. A standout feature is its comprehensive user record, logging who unlocked the door and when, offering you peace of mind with a full audit trail.

Price: AED 2,000.00

 

 

Oji Elite

 

Meet the Oji Elite, a slim and sleek Bluetooth Smart door lock that reinvents how you interact with doors. With its innovative Push-Pull Handle, you can push or pull to open and close the door. The Oji Elite combines compact design with the user-friendly operation to redefine convenience.

Price: AED 2,350.00

 

 

Oji Sigma

 

The Oji Sigma smart lock brings together simplicity and security. This easy-to-install retrofit lock features auto-locking and options to unlock via a smartphone app or fingerprint. Designed specifically for Euro-profile cylinders, the Oji Sigma is a testament to smart engineering, offering a seamless security upgrade for your home.

Price: AED 1,199.00

 

 

Oji S617

 

The Oji S617 is a versatile smart door lock designed specifically for aluminum doors or glass doors with aluminum/wooden frames. It’s robust, designed for both indoor and outdoor use, making it a perfect choice for a variety of environments. The Oji S617 brings the future of door security to the present, ensuring your premises stay secure, whether it’s a chic glass office door or a sturdy aluminum home entrance.

Price: AED 2,000.00

 

 

Conclusion

 

As we continue to stride further into the digital age, the allure of smart technology and the convenience it promises is undeniable. Smart locks, with their fascinating features, represent an intriguing leap toward a keyless future. Yet, it is vital to remember that every innovation comes with its own challenges and vulnerabilities.

 

With concerns surrounding installation difficulties, power reliability, and the ever-present threat of cyber breaches, it’s clear that smart locks, while advanced, have some kinks to iron out. Despite their tech-savvy charm, they have yet to completely eclipse the dependability and simplicity of traditional key locks—a proven technology that has steadfastly served us for centuries.

 

Moreover, the reality of completely ridding our lives of keys seems more of a distant dream than an immediate possibility. As it stands, keys continue to hold their place in our pockets, serving as a tangible reassurance of security for everything from our vehicles to our homes.

 

So, as we stand at the precipice of this digital shift, it’s essential to carefully consider both the promise and the potential pitfalls of such advancements. In the face of the enticing appeal of smart locks, it’s worth remembering that your traditional key lock, much like an old reliable friend, “ain’t broke yet.” Until the day arrives when smart locks can match or surpass this reliability, the choice between traditional and smart locks remains a balancing act of personal convenience and peace of mind.