Not too long ago we covered a piece on the Kwikset Kevo lock and how the companion app was coming out of beta status. For those who have missed out on any other coverage about the Kwikset Kevo lock, it’s a Bluetooth enabled lock that allows consumers to unlock their doors simply by tapping their finger on the lock. No need to tap a smartphone against the lock for unlocking purposes, because let’s face it, the finger is just easier. The Kwikset Kevo lock is also compatible with the Nest learning thermostat to tell Nest when you’re home and unlocking the door so it can set you pre-configured temperature settings. Now it looks like Unikey(they license their technology to Kwikset who then manufactures the Kevo)wants to bring their Kwikset Kevo smart lock to more than just residential home owners and consumers.
Unikey is partnering up with Samsung KNOX to drive the use of the Kevo smartlocks in businesses, commercial properties and government outfits, helping add to Samsung’s portfolio of enterprise focused security. This initiative looks to bring in some potentially new customer for Unikey too, as the Kevo smartlock is not likely very widespread within the enterprise space. With Samsung KNOX security though the Kevo lock could be up to code for enterprise customers in keeping with their security standards. This news of the partnership was talked about this week by Unikey at the Mobile World Congress event which just ended today.
Partnering with Samsung KNOX who is already establishing itself with businesses and government could help those institutions get past any security relate concerns they may have had if Unikey were trying to go about attacking the enterprise and government space on their own. Although the partnership was just announced Unikey has mentioned when they might be starting to push these into businesses and other commercial spaces, nor what branches of government institutions it would be looking to place their Kevo smartlocks into. Consumers can of course buy these now and you can generally find them on Amazon, and they run about $219 with a couple of different colors.