X10 Community Forum
🔌General Home Automation => Automating Your House => Topic started by: HA Dave on October 25, 2017, 10:46:03 AM
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I just read about this.... I am pretty sure it's new.
Amazon Key.... works in conjunction with the Amazon cloud camera and the automated door lock. So the Amazon delivery person can set packages inside your (otherwise) locked front door.
This is the same type of camera/door lock automation many here already have (I use the garage door... and a much clunkier system)..... although currently you/me and, or your/my phone are the active decision makers to recognize the person at the camera and activate the door lock (unlock the door).... all thru phone apps.
This new feature makes the process seamless and automated.... with your phone merely being notified of the action. Pretty darn slick!
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Looking at the prices.... I've wanted one of these locks for sometime now. They are on the verge of affordable (https://www.amazon.com/Kwikset-Convert-Conversion-Amazon-Polished/dp/B072NCJTNG/ref=sr_1_2?s=fiona-hardware&ie=UTF8&qid=1508943627&sr=1-2) (on my budget).
Oh... and the cloud camera (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C4UY0JK?ref_=pe_3455580_258730370_em_ecg_vicc_pi_ann_dev)?
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Amazon Prime membership.... and batteries... required.
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Amazon Prime membership.... and batteries... required.
As well as proximity to a large metropolis...
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KCYQGXE?locationCheckInvoked=1 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KCYQGXE?locationCheckInvoked=1)
And, not everybody is as enthused as HA Dave...
https://www.buzzfeed.com/remysmidt/amazon-key (https://www.buzzfeed.com/remysmidt/amazon-key)
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I just read about this.... I am pretty sure it's new.
Amazon Key.... works in conjunction with the Amazon cloud camera and the automated door lock. So the Amazon delivery person can set packages inside your (otherwise) locked front door.
although currently you/me and, or your/my phone are the active decision makers to recognize the person at the camera and activate the door lock (unlock the door).... all thru phone apps.
Is that the only way? I heard on news that driver code, package bar code, and geo position was required to unlock door. Maybe I missed information about resident being part of the equation. I wonder how they address a security system.
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I would hope it comes in more than the qwikset variety. Those are probably the worst locks on the market.
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Is that the only way? I heard on news that driver code, package bar code, and geo position was required to unlock door. Maybe I missed information about resident being part of the equation. I wonder how they address a security system.
I think they notify the customer via the camera (app).... so the delivery person knows they might be watched. (And... I would assume a recording of the delivery would be made as well.) But you're probability right about automated un-locking. The possibilities.... are endless.
I've only used my remote garage door (with camera's) once. But it was a real hoot to grant (restricted) access while shopping with the wife at Target.
But realistically.... the real advantage of this automated and remote entry might be in the event of injury or emergency. Imagine... having a medical emergency and not being able to get to the door to let in help. Nice to think.... we might be able to yell to Alexa or Siri to unlock or open a door.
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I would hope it comes in more than the qwikset variety. Those are probably the worst locks on the market.
An interesting and timely post! I just replaced a qwikset lever-style door entry lock.
I had installed it when my wife had hand operations... those level-handles are really much easier to use (than a round knob). That was about a decade ago... and the lock was already shot. The Schlage I installed (yesterday) is noticeability better.
I'd like to install an automated deadbolt on the same entry door... so the manual lock is always available, for safety. .....And after working out some other safety and automation issues.... THEN make the garage door voice activated (maybe).
With the Alexa phone app we could securely open/close the door from the car (no garage door remote button left in the car to be stolen). And in case of a medical emergency at home... I could voice command-open the house for the squad from anywhere in the house.
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And, not everybody is as enthused as HA Dave...
You can post that again! I sometimes I have to re-think my position on all this cloud investment myself. But then again.... I was doubtful of using a credit card online.... many years ago. But cloud based AI... is the here and now. There is no turning back.
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And in case of a medical emergency at home... I could voice command-open the house for the squad from anywhere in the house.
Or you could just get one of these and tell the 911 operator the combination - been there, done that...
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_1_11_hso_sc_smartcategory_1?rh=n%3A511382%2Ck%3Alockbox&keywords=lockbox&ie=UTF8&qid=1509008065&sr=8-11-acs (https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_1_11_hso_sc_smartcategory_1?rh=n%3A511382%2Ck%3Alockbox&keywords=lockbox&ie=UTF8&qid=1509008065&sr=8-11-acs)
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And in case of a medical emergency at home... I could voice command-open the house for the squad from anywhere in the house.
Or you could just get one of these and tell the 911 operator the combination - been there, done that...
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_1_11_hso_sc_smartcategory_1?rh=n%3A511382%2Ck%3Alockbox&keywords=lockbox&ie=UTF8&qid=1509008065&sr=8-11-acs (https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_1_11_hso_sc_smartcategory_1?rh=n%3A511382%2Ck%3Alockbox&keywords=lockbox&ie=UTF8&qid=1509008065&sr=8-11-acs)
Assuming you are able to talk. If you are choking and alone you might not be able to say anything. Also, if you pass out after dialing. EMS will break open the door if they can't get in.
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.....Assuming you are able to talk. If you are choking and alone you might not be able to say anything.
True. It may be some time before we have health/stress/heartbeat sensors. But we work with what tech is available... we can't wait forever. And technology can't alter mortality. People will continue to fall off ladders (or stacked chairs) at home...everyday of the week. But the perfect is not the enemy of the good (or better). With the current (lack of) normal home technology.... home is a fairly dangerous place (https://www.asecurelife.com/home-accident-statistics/). HA can make is a tad safer.
Also, if you pass out after dialing. EMS will break open the door if they can't get in.
I am pretty sure the EMS and firefighters in this area are well trained and would walk though an open garage door or rattle the door knob before getting out the breaker bar.
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And in case of a medical emergency at home... I could voice command-open the house for the squad from anywhere in the house.
Or you could just get one of these and tell the 911 operator the combination - been there, done that...
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_1_11_hso_sc_smartcategory_1?rh=n%3A511382%2Ck%3Alockbox&keywords=lockbox&ie=UTF8&qid=1509008065&sr=8-11-acs (https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_1_11_hso_sc_smartcategory_1?rh=n%3A511382%2Ck%3Alockbox&keywords=lockbox&ie=UTF8&qid=1509008065&sr=8-11-acs)
That's right.... great idea.... I remember you posting that at another thread once (now). X10 used to have a emergency watch/penchant and my 90 year old mom has such a monitored device. I think many or most alarm systems offer such a service too.
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Ain't a'happenin'.
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I've been reading a lot about locks and their internal workings in recent months. It appears that this lock is a Kwikset smartkey lock as the physical locking mechanism. I think it's fair to warn people that this is one of the worst locks available for residential service. It is possible to use a screwdriver and a pair of channel lock pliers to open a dead bolt in just a few seconds. The internal workings are not robust and I personally would not use it. I'm not going to touch the digital part because that's another issue. But, if it literally takes zero skills and $2 worth of tools to open the door (cheaper than making a new key), I'm not impressed.
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..... It appears that this lock is a Kwikset smartkey lock as the physical locking mechanism. I think it's fair to warn people that this is one of the worst locks available for residential service. .........
I'm not going to touch the digital part because that's another issue. But, if it literally takes zero skills and $2 worth of tools to open the door (cheaper than making a new key), I'm not impressed.
Yeah. That's my fault... I should have selected a better lock for the post. I apologize. Other locks can (and maybe SHOULD be used). Knightrider also warned us about the kwiket.
And the digital and procedural use of these locks.... are worth a whole new thread.
For my automated garage door.... it was simple. Being able to look at my phone (MyQ app) five minutes after I drove off... to see if I remembered to close the door.... was/is so much easier than circling back to look.
Then I was able to open the door for a delivery while out shopping. I got the phone call and said: OK I'll open the door... and close it when your done. I could view everything on my remote cameras (also an app on my phone). But letting someone into the garage.... in my mind... isn't the same as letting them in the house. And opening and closing the garage door is pretty easy.... we have simple buttons everywhere, key fob remote, regular remote, keypad, button by the entry door, phone app...
But.... how do we best use an automated electric door lock? Do we automate/lock it by..... motion sensors? So it locks when no one is home?
How do we unlock the door? Our phone? A remote? Finger print? key pad? What is simpler, safer, and easier than a old fashion metal key?
If we geo-fence the door lock... it locks when we drive off... and unlocks when we get home. But it would also stay unlocked while we sleep. Lots of questions. Lots of neat possibilities to exploit.
As I post this.... I realize that some smart programmer at Amazon or someplace will likely solve this... and sell us the solution.
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It's a cunning scheme to put me out of work.
Or an even more cunning scheme to make sure I spend the rest of my life installing mechanical deadbolts after the guy with the brown shirt takes more than he leaves.
:'
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It's a cunning scheme to put me out of work.
Or an even more cunning scheme to make sure I spend the rest of my life installing mechanical deadbolts after the guy with the brown shirt takes more than he leaves.
I'd never want to advocate anything that might hurt your employment. But as we all know.... most people who for-whatever-reason get locked out of their homes.... rarely have trouble breaking in.
When my Kwikset unit failed.... I was left wondering what damage might cost the least. But (after a few minutes of trying) I was able to get one last open out of the unit. But since most break-ins are committed by people less concerned about damage... my example and maybe your concerns make a moot point. I'd bet most people could let the FedX or UPS person in remotely 1000 time with no problem. And I'd also bet the person that did break-in would be jobless.... and just kick the door open.
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As Beelocks could tell you, the 5 tumbler Kwikset is easy to "bump" or pick or defeat mechanically.
As far as EMS, I am one. We always preach "Try before you pry". Still, sometimes we call L.E. and break down the door. My brother once did this at my grandmother's house during a life alert call. I spent the next day rebuilding an odd/antique jamb. Told brother, "Next time, just break a sidelight and open from the inside. Glass is easier to repair."
Morel of the story:
"No mater how secure you THINK it is, there's always a workaround. "
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As far as EMS, I am one. We always preach "Try before you pry". ..... Morel of the story:
"No mater how secure you THINK it is, there's always a workaround. "
I was waiting for you to mention your affiliation with EMS and FD's. I remember back when alarms were a big part of the questions around here people would often get fixated on a single detail of some sort. I also remember that locally... several years ago (at Christmas time) thieves literally used a chainsaw to cut an opening in the wall of a home... and carried away the presents from under the tree.
We do what we can... good doors, windows, locks, safes, alarms, procedures, insurance, and the number of a good general contractor.
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Not everyone lives where I do. I have not locked a door in the last 20 years. I also don't have anything out in the open that I can't live without. The important stuff is in a safe that can't be hauled off.
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Not everyone lives where I do. I have not locked a door in the last 20 years. ........The important stuff is in a safe that can't be hauled off.
I never used to lock my doors... until I had a family. However.... I wouldn't recommend anyone NOT lock their door. I've often posted that I keep things locked up.... to protect that troubled kid that knows the neighbors kid. (because my neighbors kids would NEVER do anything wrong). So many (mostly boys) ruin their lives with mistakes made in their teen years. My security concerns begin.... with helping make sure my neighbors kids don't find an easy way to get themselves in trouble.
Safes are good but being old myself... my wife and I would be considered prime targets by most [criminally minded] youth for... a medicine cabinet raid. Believe it or not... that's a real thing. What does elderly women do when they catch an 18 year old rummaging for pills (and maybe gold jewelry)?
If a real, adult, professional, thief wants what is in your safe.... he will have it. And there is nothing you can do about it. But mostly all we have to do is the normal amount of prevention... to make so many OTHER PEOPLE a much easier (more desirable) target than ourselves. And that is really... pretty much all we can or have to do.
But a fortress won't protect someone who can't reach the phone... or answer the door. Fortunately... we have technology for that.