Lockitron is living proof that “if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” Back in October 2012, the company looked to crowdfunding to create and launch Lockitron, a keyless-entry device that was built to fit over most deadbolts. In the fall of last year, the company had to put the brakes on the original product launch. As it stood at the time, the manufacturing processes to release Lockitron involved the installation of nearly 40 discrete components, many which had to be custom-made. As one can imagine, increased demand skyrocketed concerns about production time and product delivery.
Cameron Robertson, Lockitron’s co-founder, submits that the company learned a great deal from the product’s failed first launch. In a recent blog post on the Lockitron website, the company states, “While ramping up production and nearing shipment to our 10,000th backer, we knew that without significant changes to our existing suppliers we could never make our way through the immense backlog at an acceptable speed.”
They looked to their target market – those who had already signed up to purchase the product – for feedback and suggestions before setting out to improve upon the Lockitron. The blog post went on to explain, “They [customers] wanted the ability to share access, sense auto-unlocking, concrete shipping timeliness and most importantly, a robust Lockitron that would function reliably every single time.”
Last week, the company announced the launch of its “Bolt” product, a deadbolt that can be locked and unlocked using a smartphone. As Lockitron states on its website, “Bolt is smaller, more elegant and more robust than the crowdfunded Lockitron. It has a better battery life, more fault tolerant embedded architecture and includes Lockitron’s most popular features like sharing access, activity logging and Sense. Most importantly, however, Lockitron Bolt has been designed with mass manufacturing in mind from day one.”
The Bolt uses Bluetooth Low Energy, meaning that the deadbolt lock will keep working even in the event of internet or power outages. And at only $99, the technology is affordable enough to purchase for multiple doors in the same household. (For what it’s worth, the original Lockitron sold for $179.) What’s more, any Android or iOS or phone can use the Lockitron app, and users can share access with family and friends.
In the revised iteration, Bolt replaces the existing deadbolt altogether while still allowing users to use their keys as a backup if needed. Taking into account the feedback from users of the original product, Robertson and his team at Lockitron have generated a setup process that involves only 20 small, easy-to-complete steps. While the first iteration of the product suggested it would take 20 minutes or less to setup, many users complained that they were spending more than an hour installing their new lock system.
The app also offers a $49 Wi-Fi adapter, which allows users to connect to their routers or PCs in order to send data to the deadbolt over Bluetooth as well. Features like this allow users to access the Bolt from anywhere, granting access to guests who may arrive at your house while you’re not there.
At this time, pre-orders are being accepted for the Bolt at $99. The company is currently promoting two options. The first is the Bolt Preview, which is a beta testing device available to the public in satin nickel or polished brass finishes. These limited-run Bolts will begin shipping in March. The second is the Bolt, which the company promises will be available in a variety of finishes to match home décor, will feature key-match options and is expected to begin shipping in late spring.
To pre-order the Bolt, visit Lockitron’s website at https://lockitron.com/store/checkout.
Via TechCrunch and Lockitron
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