UniKey replaces physical door lock key with an app

 


Well, we really should have seen this one coming. The humble door lock key, which has been around in one form or another for literally thousands of years, may be getting replaced by an app ... or more specifically, by an app that works with a dedicated lock. It’s called the UniKey system, and it has some features that are actually kind of clever.

The UniKey app transmits a Bluetooth signal from the user’s iPhone, Android or BlackBerry smartphone, which is picked up by a paired UniKey deadbolt lock as it is approached by the user. All the user has to do when they subsequently reach the door is simply touch the outer surface of the lock, at which point the bolt will electronically withdraw. A touch of the lock can likewise be used to engage it when the user is leaving.

While not having to dig out a key and stick it in the lock may be somewhat convenient, what’s more intriguing is the system’s ability to send, revoke, and limit access to virtual “copies” of the key.

If you have a visitor coming to stay with you, for instance, you can simply send them a key to your house via their phone, in the form of a text message. This copy can take the form of a one-time, extended or permanent use key. Regardless of which type is chosen, it can also be revoked at any time. People such as maids, on the other hand, can be granted keys that only operate at certain times.

Should your phone get lost or fall into the wrong hands, the lock itself can be reset to work with your new phone. The lock also does come with a traditional physical key, which can be used if your phone is lost or out of juice. For people who don’t carry a smartphone, a Bluetooth-enabled key fob is also available.

The UniKey company is currently looking at selling the technology to a larger corporation, although it could also end up selling the product independently. The cost per system is estimated to be between US$149 and $199.

Neva poles would give skiers a grip on connectivity

It seems that more and more often, we’re hearing about people adding computer functionality to existing products – turning so-called “dumb” devices into “smart” ones. While that’s understandable with electronic appliances such as fridges and washing machines, a lot of people might scoff at the idea of a smart ski pole ... wouldn’t that be sort of like a smart pencil sharpener or doorstop? It turns out, however, that software engineer Anthony Griesel’s Neva microprocessor-equipped ski poles could actually be kind of useful.

Although the product isn’t commercially available yet, Griesel did spend last winter skiing with a functioning prototype, in his home state of Utah. In each set, the grip of one of the poles will be the proprietary smart part, with everything else being being ... well, dumb. A partnering local ski company will be supplying the standard aluminum poles, which he describes as being of the “highest quality and lowest weight while staying affordable.” The waterproof smart grip will be linked via Bluetooth to an app on the user’s iPhone or Android smartphone. Using that app, they will be able to select which functions are enabled on the grip. Probably the most useful of these functions would be the ability to take phone calls. When a call comes in to the linked smartphone, the identity of the caller flashes on the grip’s top-mounted OLED screen, while the ring tone sounds in the user’s own Bluetooth headset (not provided). To take or ignore the call, they just swipe a gloved finger or thumb across an optical sensor embedded in the screen. According to Anthony, this should be considerably easier than stopping to take off your gloves and fumble the phone itself out of a pocket, then possibly dropping it in the snow.

Other features include the ability to receive and display short text messages, along with information such as the current time, temperature and elevation. Additionally, the poles can access Griesel’s SlopeScience website, to warn users if they're entering an area where an avalanche could occur (based on their GPS location). That locational data can also be used to generate a visual record of the day’s runs, on Google Earth. Future possibilities may include control of the phone’s music library, or text-to-speech messaging. Power is provided by a rechargeable battery, which will reportedly allow for three days of use before it needs recharging. It’s good for approximately 500 charging cycles. Despite the fact that most North Americans aren’t thinking much about skiing right now, Anthony is currently attempt to raise development funds on Kickstarter. A pledge of US$120 will get you a pair of his poles, when and if they reach production. They may, however, have some competition. Germany's Fraunhofer research group is currently developing a smart ski helmet, that incorporates a control panel mounted on the back of a Bluetooth-enabled glove. More information on the Neva poles is available in the pitch video, seen below.

Braven Bluetooth speakers double as phone charger

BRAVEN is looking to stand-out from the Bluetooth speaker crowd with a new line that offers the versatility of integrated phone charging plus speakerphone and daisy chaining functionality. The BRAVEN SIX Series comes in three flavors - two aluminum models and a ruggedized unit - which boast between 12 and 20 hours charging time.

The sleek 6.25 in. x 2.5 in. x 1.75 in. (15.9cm x 6.4cm x 4.5cm) enclosures contain two HD audio drivers, left and right channel passive sub woofers and a duplex microphone for hands-free calls. The speaker output is 3 watts and there's an option to connect via an audio cable if your want to bypass the Bluetooth link. The cheapest of the three models - the US$150 BRAVEN 600 - is made from aircraft-grade aluminum and promises up to 14 hours of playtime. At the other end of the scale is the $190 BRAVEN 650 which looks just like the 600 but gets aptX and AAC audio encoding, more playback time - rated at 20 hours - and comes in a red or "Mountain Ash" finish.

Finally there's the $180 BRAVEN 625 which sports a rugged, shock-absorbing exterior, a waterproof bag and flashlight and a playback time of up to 16 hours. All three models can be daisy chained for bigger sound and provide some emergency battery back-up for your phone via an in-built USB charging port. BRAVEN is now taking pre-orders ahead of a late June release.