LAKE FOREST, Calif. (November 20, 2014) – Kwikset, the leader in residential door hardware, continues to grow the Kevo™ platform within one year of the product’s introduction to market by improving user experience and expanding availability – making the industry’s first smart lock even smarter.
Kwikset shaped the future of the smart lock and revolutionized the way consumers think about home security with the release of Kevo in October 2013. Now, at the mark of its one-year anniversary in the market and following millions of Kevo locks and unlocks, Kwikset is pleased to introduce an improved user experience, private Android Beta program and international availability.
“Kwikset has experienced significant growth since Kevo’s release a year ago,” says Greg Williamson, chief marketing officer, Hardware and Home Improvement, Spectrum Brands. “Kwikset sets itself apart from the rest by constantly improving user experience and evaluating ways to expand reach.”
Improving User Experience
Customers asked for electronic (eKey) sharing following Kevo’s initial launch. In response, Kwikset released an app update that gives consumers the ability to program Scheduled eKeys, which operate with day and time constraints, and unlimited, free Guest eKeys, giving recipients unrestricted access to the home for a 24-hour period.
Kwikset released an app and lock firmware update to provide Auto-Calibration functionality using Kwikset’s patent-pending Inside / Outside positioning technology in October 2014. With Auto-Calibration, Kevo continuously learns where the user keeps their smart phone and automatically adjusts its activation range to the best and most secure setting. The positioning technology detects whether an authorized user is inside or outside of the home before granting access, to help prevent unauthorized entry. Auto-Calibration automatically enables the positioning technology to further simplify the user installation experience.
Kevo Beta App for Android Lollipop Users
With the release of Android Lollipop (L), Kwikset, in partnership with UniKey, released an Invite Only Beta Program for users with compatible Android L software on supported devices to test the Kevo app. Beta users will provide feedback and data that will help Kwikset and UniKey develop a Kevo for Android app with more features and functionality. For more information about the Beta program, please visit https://mykevo.com/beta/android.
International Availability
Previously only available to consumers in the United States and Canada, Kwikset is proud to announce Kevo is now rolling out international purchase availability.
Kwikset launched Kevo to the Australian market this month. The roll out will continue with the launch of product for purchase in Southeast Asia and New Zealand in 2015.
For information about Kwikset’s latest products and to access high-resolution images, please visit http://kwiksetpresskit.com.
About Kwikset
Kwikset, the leader in residential door security, manufactures and markets a complete line of door locks and door hardware. Designed for residential and light commercial applications, Kwikset’s product offering includes doorknobs, deadbolts, handlesets, pocket door hardware and electronic keyless entry locks. Kwikset’s electronic 913 SmartCode Deadbolt and 980 Deadbolt with SmartKey Re-Key Technology earned the esteemed Best Buy rating from Consumers Digest in 2014, representing the innovation and security customers can expect from Kwikset. Headquartered in Orange County, Calif., Kwikset is part of the Hardware and Home Improvement (HHI) division of Spectrum Brands. Kwikset products are sold through retailers and distributors throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico. To learn more about Kwikset, visit http://kwiksetpresskit.com.
About Hardware and Home Improvement
Hardware and Home Improvement (HHI) is a major manufacturer and supplier of residential locksets, residential builders’ hardware and faucets with a portfolio of renowned brands, including Kwikset®, Weiser®, Baldwin®, National Hardware®, Stanley®, FANAL®, Pfister™ and EZSET®. HHI is a leader in its key markets with #1 positions in U.S. residential locksets (Kwikset), Canada residential locksets (Weiser), U.S. luxury locksets (Baldwin), and U.S. builders’ hardware (Stanley-National Hardware), #2 in Mexico residential hardware (Fanal), and #3 in U.S. retail plumbing (Pfister). Headquartered in Orange County, California, HHI has a global sales force and operates manufacturing and distribution facilities in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Asia.
About Spectrum Brands
HHI is a division of Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. Spectrum Brands is a global, diversified consumer products company and a leading supplier of consumer batteries, residential locksets, residential builders’ hardware, faucets, shaving and grooming products, personal care products, small household appliances, specialty pet supplies, lawn and garden and home pest control products, and personal insect repellents. Spectrum Brands employs approximately 13,500 employees worldwide and sells to the top 25 global retailers with products in more than one million stores.