Lock manufacturing company Kwikset today released the second generation of its Kevo smart lock, keeping the same aesthetic of the original Kevo but bringing in a "refined user experience," more compact interior design, and improved security. Like the original Kevo, the second generation of the smart lock lets user easily gain entry into their home thanks to Kevo's ability to register a paired smartphone within a certain distance, subsequently unlocking itself when a user taps on the outside part of the lock.

kevo smart lock gen 2

The inside design change of the Kevo smart lock

The first major addition to Kevo is a new in-app installation process (found within the Kevo app on the App Store [Direct Link] and Google Play Store), which streamlines the steps it takes to add the smart lock into your door with an "interactive installation experience." In terms of design change, the company only altered the look and size of the interior module of the Kevo, making it sleeker and smaller, while keeping the circular outside part the same as the first generation.

“Kwikset listened to homeowners’ everyday experience with Kevo 1st Gen and put their feedback at the center of the Kevo 2nd Gen development strategy,” said Keith Brandon, Kwikset Vice President of Residential Access Solutions, Spectrum Brands, Inc. – Hardware and Home Improvement Division. “I truly believe the time to buy Kevo is now for any consumer waiting for technology to evolve before purchasing a smart lock.”

The biggest change comes in the form of improved security on the smart lock, which has the latest version of Kwikset's patented SmartKey security to provide "strong resistance" against attempts at forced entry. According to the company, the updated Kevo also passes "the most stringent lock-picking standards" and uses a feature called "BumpGuard" in order to prevent lock bumping.

kevo lock gen 2 1

The outside design of the Kevo lock remains unchanged

Kwikset is selling the second generation Kevo on Amazon for $229.00 in polished brass, satin nickel, and venetian bronze. The new Kevo is also expected to be available to purchase across the United States in brick and mortar stores, but Kwikset didn't specifically mention when the second generation smart lock would begin making its way to retailers following today's online launch.

Update: Regarding HomeKit compatibility, Kwikset told MacRumors that while Kevo is currently unable to support Apple's connected-home platform, the company "will continue to prioritize HomeKit on our product roadmap."

Kevo is not currently Apple HomeKit-compatible. Kevo requires a longer development process to become compatible with HomeKit due to the custom nature of the Kevo platform. Kwikset truly believes in the secure smart home technology offered by Apple HomeKit and specifically developed Premis, which launched at CES this year, to be compatible with the HomeKit platform.

That said, Kwikset is investing in the Kevo platform and continuously updating its products. Kwikset introduced its first HomeKit compatible smart lock at CES and will continue to prioritize HomeKit on our product roadmap.

Tags: Kevo, Kwikset

Top Rated Comments

Munky Avatar
112 months ago
Meh. Let me know when it's home kit compatible.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheRealTVGuy Avatar
112 months ago
Let me know when I can lock/unlock using my Apple Watch, and ONLY my Apple watch. (No synced iPhone, no access to wifi, JUST select a virtual "Smart Key" like I select an Apple Pay credit card, tap the lock, and BOOM!)
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nutmac Avatar
112 months ago
Not sure why Homekit compatibility is necessary w/ a lock. I have the non-Homekit version of the August lock and don't really see where Homekit would make it any easier. I have mine in my garage. When I'm near my house it unlocks automatically. Not having to pull out a key or device w/ a handfull of groceries is a beautiful thing.
The reasons for HomeKit is numerous.
[LIST=1]
* No need to use vendor's app. You can use Siri, iOS 10's Home app (or Control Center), or many other great third party apps.
* HomeKit allows you to invite more people.
* With Home app, you can see status of every HomeKit devices in your home.
* With Home app, you can group devices and create automation.
* Even if vendor stops supporting the app, as long as the device is registered to your account via HomeKit, they will continue to work.
* With Apple TV or iPad at home, you can remotely control the device without using the vendor's cloud service (which is sometimes good but often poor).
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nuckinfutz Avatar
112 months ago
Kevo

"Hey i'd like to sell you a door lock that connects to a network"

customer

"Great! Is it HomeKit compatible?"

Kevo

"Um we're looking into that but security really isn't our focus"

customer

"but....you're a door lock."


PASS
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ActionableMango Avatar
112 months ago
What if the watch run out of battery?
You use the physical key, like a barbarian.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
macduke Avatar
112 months ago
I bought the Schlage Sense lock for my new home a couple months ago and it has been fantastic. I love using my Apple Watch to open my door when I get home, and it's great for our in-home daycare because I can set passcodes for all the parents during daycare hours and they can easily let themselves in and go downstairs to drop off or pick up their kid.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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