Note: Kickstarter currently appears to be down possibly because of a certain new smartwatch…
The iPhone-connected smart lock market is getting a new player today as Candy House introduces a new, competitively priced device called Sesame—a play on the phrase “open sesame”—that retrofits your existing deadbolt lock with modern smarts.
While current smart lock options carry higher price tags and require replacing existing hardware, Sesame starts at $99 ($89 early bird special) and adds smart lock features to most existing door locks. Check below for an excellent video demo and more info:
The promise of the connected smart lock as a category of course is to replace your keys with the smartphone already in your hand or pocket for convenience and security benefits.
Sesame’s approach combines an iPhone app with a battery powered device that “installs in seconds” and connects with Bluetooth LE 4.0 connectivity.
An optional WiFi Access Point accessory adds Internet connectivity allowing you to remotely lock and unlock your door remotely. This version will retail for $50 more at $149 with a $139 early bird price.
The actual Sesame device measures in at 3.36″ wide and 2.21″ tall weighing 6.64 oz and resembling a classic kitchen timer in various colors including piano black, leather white, metallic silver, champagne pink, and a two-toned light wooden with a beige center. Powered by two CR123A’s, the Sesame claims 500 days of use before replacing the batteries.
The exterior features a universal latch to manually lock and unlock the deadbolt while the inside features an accelerometer for detecting unique knock patterns.
The iPhone app allows users to share access to guests while logging access and offering notifications for unlocks and locks. Unlock methods include voice activation through the iPhone app, knocking on either your phone or the door with a unique pattern, or the old fashioned method using your key. Sesame can also automatically lock when you close the door.
If you’re interested in the smart lock space but don’t want to commit with a high price tag and new hardware, the Sesame lock’s $89 entry price and compatibility with existing deadbolt locks should be highly appealing for iPhone users.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2fYzlsJW68]
An initial crowdfunding campaign through Kickstarter begins today and will run through late April with the first 100 units shipping next month and an additional 7000 units shipping by the end of May. Until then, check out the clever Adam Lisagor “Sandwich” video above explaining showing Sesame in action.
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It looks good, and I’m in the market for exactly this but there are too many questions I have about it that can’t be answered until it actually exists.
Very handsome lock and intuitive. I hope it will work as advertised here! I like it a lot!
Ugh, two CR123A batteries? Couldn’t they have gone with something a bit more readily available like AA or 9V?
If they could have, they probably would have. Product design isn’t that simple. And this is clearly a well thought out product.
A device that big, from Apple or anyone would have just used 1 or 2 AA/AAA batteries. CR batteries are good in cramped spaces, but as far as I know this is the only door lock using CRs.
Maybe they’ll change it in the future…
Considering you’ll only have to change the batteries 3 times every 4 years, I don’t think that’s a problem. CR123A batteries aren’t that hard to find and it also notifies you when they are getting low.
The most important question: does it work with HomeKit?
Was wondering same – you know it will :)
Lockitron also attempted a fit-over-top design in their first iterations, but have now switched to deadbolt-replacement hardware because of several challenges. http://blog.lockitron.com/post/109301218722/introducing-bolt-our-next-generation-connected
Same guy from the Robinhood app video. https://vimeo.com/87163777
The lockitron was exactly like this. Launched on kickstarter, but never heard much about it. The few reviews I could find made the lockitron sound like a pretty terrible device. kwikset makes one that replaces your entire lock, but as a renter I can’t install one. And all the review for it say that it is horrible which is surprising since they are a lock making company.
All that being said, if this device actually works that would be awesome. I would love not having to carry around a key to my house. This plus applePay means no wallet or keys, my pockets are getting lighter and lighter.
That looks ridiculously amazing haha! :) I would love to have one! But I am confused – he installed it only on that upper locker? In Europe usually we don’t have such things (or at least many people in my 20-floor building), so my concern is how will you install it on a regular-key-using door/lock? Like this one: http://www.doorsrobland.com/sobna/sobna-vrata-3.jpg
If I found anything that could do the job, I am totally into it! That would be so awesome! :)
They mention that their solution is only really for USA/Canada/Australia.
I don’t think the mechanical ideas can be easily adapted for the kind of front door locks I’m used to seeing in Europe.
Good idea for office, not for home use.
ok, so after watching, re-watching and reading, re-reading…I think I understand.
The Sesame Lock is only installed on the inside. You can use your key on the outside. It uses Bluetooth…or with an extra WiFi to allow others to open when needed when you are away.
I guess it is an OK option. sounds interesting
It’s big and ugly, who designed this monstrosity? Who would want this clunky crap attached to their door? So it mounts on the inside, great, so I get to look at the hideous device all day, oh the joys of good design, NOT!! FAIL, try again.
Why are you staring at your door all day? Sounds like a personal problem.
Don’t lave your phone in the room cos you won’t get back in, lol
Actually, if your phone is close enough to the lock, you might be able to get back in (see the FAQs; there is a “knock-pattern-to-open” feature). On the flip side, if your phone is nearby, many people can probably guess that pattern to open your house.
$50 yes. $100 I want a whole new lock… so no.