Bluetooth padlock

I only just noticed this, nicked the article from a well known site

Could be handy, aint technology wonderful

item 322336446271

Bluetooth enabled padlock

Keyless trackable security Ever lost a key? Forgotten a password or digit combination? Or had keys in the wrong place at the wrong time? Imagine if, by some super force, you could share your ‘key’ with someone in a different region, city, state –even country –in an instant. And could securely share multiple ‘keys’ instantly, yet still enjoy the confidence to, just as quickly, take those ‘keys’ away, without even asking or swapping one physical key! Fortunately, this reality is here right now! A new keyless future. And with security and tracking like none bestowed before by our humble metal key. By using your mobile device, you can open your LockSmart Mini padlock without any physical keys, conveniently share virtual keys in an instant, take ‘keys’ away, and track your lock’s use. LockSmart’s keyless Bluetooth padlock is much more than a lock. LockSmart gives you trackable keyless security. No more keys! We’ve all been there before – lost or misplaced a key. Right? No more! Simply download the app, pair it with LockSmart Mini and you’re done! Through low energy Bluetooth, any compatible smartphone* acts as the key.

That's fine for you townies with a cell phone signal that justifies carying a mobile around....

What happens when the batteries run out?

Anyway around here all the tow-rags carry bolt-cutters and angle grinders..or just hitch a chain to the lock and rip the doors off.

Who needs an angle grinder? There is almost certainly an app available for any phone that will hack it already, if you know where to go.

Bluetooth doesn't need the cell signal, it is a local low range system like used to jump between phone and earphones. What happens when the battery runs out? Plug in the charger? Yeah but that is in the shed.......

If it is anything like the 'flakey' bluetooth communication between my PCs and bluetooth speakers etc, then that padlock will be staying locked. Bluetooth seems to want to work when it wants to, not when it should do. It seems to be even worse on Windows 10 (go figure that one). The amount of hours I've spent trying to get bluetooth devices to pair is embarrassing.

Steve

No cell signal means i don't bother carrying a phone.. so having to go get the phone to unlock is more nuisance than carrying a key..

Is this the one featured on the BBC Click programme? If so you'll find that the shackle won't fit through the holes of most zips anyway. Design fail #2.

A chap I worked with had a chip implanted into his hand so he could operate his electronic front door lock, no chance of losing the key.

Mike

It's a good thing THAT could never be hacked!

Am I alone in wondering what you do when your phone goes flat with train and gig tickets on it, then the digital wallet that should have paid for the taxi and then you get home and can't unlock the door...?

Pressure crank phone charger in heel of shoe. Pull pin to release spring and pump right foot..(anyone builds it and I want a %)

Edited By pgk pgk on 23/11/2016 18:10:55

pgk pgk

"Pressure crank phone charger in heel of shoe. Pull pin to release spring and pump right foot..(anyone builds it and I want a %)"

How about, I would love to give you a % but I could also say that I thought of it before you did.

Alan

Nothing new... DARPA have already experimented with piezo chargers in infantry boots.

Or you can make your own:

www.instructables.com/id/Electricity-Generating-Footwear/

Neil

I pity the poor squaddie. Not only does he/she have to go around (I was going to write march) with a rifle plus a quarter of a ton of kit but now he/she has to use more energy charging up batteries in his/her electronics. It was not like this in the Napoleonic Wars.

JA

And what happens when it does what ALL electronic devices which are exposed to weather do sooner or later, probably sooner, and the electronics quits, then you have to grind it off Trust the technocrats to try to improve something that already works well by making it electronic, and therefore far more complex, expensive and unreliable than it actually needs to be! gadget geegaw!

Does this mean We will be out on the front step doing a jig to unlock the door?