Padlocks have looked the same for almost 2000 years. But smartphone accessory company, Dog & Bone (rhyming slang for phone – get it?) has given the padlock a modern twist with a secure Bluetooth unlocking mechanism. They call it the LockSmart.
Specifications
Dog & Bone Locksmart Padlock | |
---|---|
Dimensions | 65mm x 24mm x 101mm |
Weight | 388 |
Colour | Silver |
Materials | Steel shackle, die cast zamak 3 zinc alloy body |
Security | 128-bit advanced encryption, 256-bit cloud generated private key |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 4.0 |
Price | $120 |
Compatible devices | iOS / Android |
Durability | Weatherproof, -20c to 70c |
The LockSmart has a polished zinc alloy body that houses the electronic and mechanical components. The 8mm stainless steel shackle will take significant effort to cut through and a rubber cover protects a USB port that’s used to recharge the LockSmart.
A small button is used to initiate the pairing process and indicate the battery status via a small LED on the LockSmart’s face. Dog & Bone boasts that the padlock is weatherproof and can handle hail, snow and sunshine with a working temperature rated between -20c up to 70c.
Design & Handling
The LockSmart is very easy to use. The accompanying app runs on either iOS or Android. You’ll need a user account with LockSmart as well.
The app lets you control several LockSmart devices and you can allocate unlocking privileges to several users with all activities logged. That way, you can tell who unlocked a device each time it’s used – no more making copies of multiple keys and losing them. If you have multiple LockSmart padlocks, you can name them and allocate an image to each one so they are easy to identify and you don’t open the wrong lock.
Unlocking a LockSmart is simply a matter of turning the lock on by pressing a button on its base, opening the app and tapping on the lock you wish to open. You can also allocate a PIN as an extra level of security and iPhone users can also use Touch ID to unlock the LockSmart.
Testing the LockSmart with an iPhone I was alerted when the battery level was low — although you won’t see too many of those notifications as the battery is rated for up to two years or 3000 opens.
Conclusion
There are plenty of applications and benefits with using the LockSmart. Places with multiple users and locations to secure, like building sites or storage facilities, could easily create an environment where users could be allocated access to specific sheds or lockboxes with all access logged. It also means there’s no need to cut new keys or collect keys when someone’s access needs to be revoked.
My main criticism comes from the 8mm shackle — there’s no option for a smaller lock. For some domestic situations, that might be a problem as letterboxes and some slide-locks on sheds might not be able to handle the large shackle. Otherwise, this is a clever security solution that mixes the old with the new. That price is a bit steep though.
The Locksmart will set you back approximately $120. You can order it from Dog & Bone website.
Comments
One response to “Locksmart Review: A Padlock With In-Built Bluetooth”
No-one seems to know how rhyming slang works.
The only downside is you need to leave it unlocked while the padlock is inside charging, or carry an emergency charger when the padlock battery dies.