The Challenge
Since the introduction of Bluetooth technology, automakers have been searching for ways to leverage the secure communication protocol to deliver a more fortified and convenient means of physical access control for cars. As the company that’s well known for their Evolution Series (EVO), a rear-seat infotainment system, and a wide range of other vehicle electronics and solutions, Voxx Automotive is no stranger to innovating in the auto industry. In recent years they’ve even developed their own eFob product in which consumers can use their phone as a key. However, in late 2017, Voxx Automotive decided they wanted to take their eFob product a step further. To do so, they approached UniKey with the desire to build upon its passive, Touch-to-Open® technology and scalable, digital key sharing platform in order to provide the auto industry a unique keyless entry solution.
“The relationship with UniKey allows VOXX Automotive to further accelerate our drive to eliminate the need for consumers to carry their car keys or fobs. More importantly, it represents yet another way VOXX allows OEMs to differentiate themselves from other marques in the global automotive market. In UniKey we have a partner who shares our efob Phone-as-a-Key vision.”
– Michael Schroeder, VOXX Automotive’s Senior Vice President of OEM Sales and Business Development.
The Solution
Utilizing the core tenants of UniKey’s mobile key platform, Voxx found all the tools they needed to build upon their state-of-the-art, smartphone application.“When we first spoke to Voxx, we were incredibly impressed with the eFob product,” says UniKey’s VP of Product, Will Holderness. “With Voxx’s incomparable vision and products and UniKey’s continuous goal to eliminate the need for keys in our homes, offices, and even our cars, we knew the partnership was a perfect match that could lead to an incredible access control solution for the auto industry.”
Voxx’s efforts to combine their technology with UniKey’s has helped solidify their position as the auto industry’s leading designer, manufacturer, and supplier of electronic products. Their new smartphone-as-a-key, eFob product has since made the company a finalist for the PACE award by Automotive News and further recognition of their commitment to providing automakers with unrivaled electronics and solutions. The new eFob solution is expected to hit the market by the end of 2019.
Platform Solutions Used
Software Development Kits/ Firmware Development Kits/ Mobile Apps/ Web Services
Questions about UniKey's platform?
The Challenge
The Nest Thermostat is an industry leading smart home device that uses a combination of sensors, algorithms, machine learning, and cloud computing to save users money by automatically adjusting their home temperature when they’re away. The “Works with Nest” program was launched in 2014, to expand the capabilities of the Nest Thermostat by allowing it to talk with other devices. Nest was looking for integrations that would help improve the accuracy of their home/away detection, and expand the ecosystem its users could access through the Nest platform. The door lock was a clear target for providing users’ location information.
The Solution
Nest partnered with UniKey in late 2014 to build a complete integration with the UniKey platform in time for CES 2015. Over four weeks, the Nest team worked with UniKey to turn insights from their smart locks into actionable data for the Nest Thermostat. The integration provided several benefits to customers who had both a Nest Thermostat and a Kevo smart lock powered by UniKey.
Users were able to have custom profiles on their Nest Thermostat for the first time. Information from who was coming home was shared between the lock and the thermostat to set the temperature to the specific user’s ideal level. This data was also used to improve the home/away detection for the Nest Thermostat, and in turn save users money. Users were delighted to see that they could also control their Nest Thermostat from directly within the Kevo mobile app.
The result of the integration was an increase in sales for both products. The Nest Thermostat had improved functionality when connected to a lock powered by UniKey, and users who had one product were encouraged to by the complementary device.
Platform Solutions Used
Cloud-based Access Control features / App Templates, Reference Designs & Development
Ecosystem Integrations / Access Control & eKey Security
Questions About UniKey's Platform?
The Challenge
Haven is a new contender within the home security vertical, but they are no stranger when it comes to building a best-in-class lock. Haven’s flagship product, the Haven Mech, utilizes a sleek wedge barrier design that secures the lock onto the strongest part of the door, the base. Haven Mech’s physical security is unmatched when compared to a traditional deadbolt, withstanding multiple battering ram tests and front kicks to the door.
The most notable security attribute of Haven Mech’s design is the keyless form factor, making it unsusceptible to picking or bumping like traditional locks. Although this mechanical design eliminates many security threats, the major challenge that existed for Haven Mech users was the fact that doors could only be locked or unlocked from inside of the home. Users needing the additional security of Haven while outside of the home was growing, and this demand prompted the creation of Haven Mech’s counterpart, the Haven Connect.
“We developed a new and innovative locking mechanism that we think will change the industry. We realized that UniKey had already built a world-class user access system, so we felt like it would be the perfect match,” said Haven CMO, Daniel Wipert. “Haven is the lock, and UniKey is the key. The partnership is a natural fit.”
The Solution
In September 2016, Haven announced their partnership with UniKey during the week of ASIS International, one of the largest security conferences in North America. Integrating UniKey’s platform has enabled both teams to bring Haven Connect to market fast, launching in early 2018. The product extends usability, and solves Haven Mech’s limitation of “indoor only” locking by allowing activation from outside of the home through a smartphone or fob. Other benefits of Haven Connect will include, remote lock/unlocking from anywhere in the world, delivery of break-in notifications to a mobile phone, as well as the ability to integrate with other IoT devices within the home. For Haven, the opportunity to introduce a new smart lock segment is here as the Haven Connect is expected to be the first truly preventative smart lock, powered by UniKey.
Platform Solutions Used
IP Licensing / Cloud-based Access Control features / App Templates, Reference Designs & Development
Embedded & Hardware / Ecosystem Integrations / Access Control & eKey Security
Questions About UniKey's Platform?
The Challenge
Kwikset has been the leading residential lock manufacturer in the US since 1946. In the early 2010s, their portfolio of products stood out for their patented SmartKey deadbolts and early Z-wave connected locks, but new challengers were emerging. The Internet of Things was still in its infancy, and established lock manufacturers and startups alike were rushing to be the first to bring a Bluetooth smart lock to market.
Kwikset needed to act fast to be the pioneer in the smart lock industry. If they moved too late, they could lose the market. If they moved too early, they would risk shipping a rushed product. Kwikset had to find a partner who could combine leading-edge technology with the reliability their customers had come to expect from their brand.
“Kevo is not just another lock, it represents a shift in lifestyle for busy homeowners. Whether keeping track of your teenage daughter, granting temporary access to a housecleaner or monitoring your front door activity while on vacation, Kevo redefines the meaning of smart, simple security.”
— Greg Gluchowski, former president, Kwikset.
The Solution
UniKey Technologies was chosen by Kwikset to power their first smart lock. The two companies signed an agreement in 2013 and blew audiences away at CES 2013 with a demonstration of the Kevo smart lock. Combining Kwikset’s most popular deadbolt design with patented technologies from UniKey, the Kevo brought US homeowners the first truly “smart” home lock experience.
The package of technologies now called UniKey Passive Intent™ were introduced with the Kevo, giving users Touch-to-Open® functionality with intelligent Inside/Outside Intelligence™. Not only did Kwikset bring the first smart lock to market, through their partnership they leapfrogged the competition with a lock that simplified the user experience. Kevo owners didn’t even have to remove their phone from their pocket or purse to unlock their doors.
Since the initial Kevo launch in 2014, Kwikset and UniKey have released a series of complimentary products and platform innovations to expand the lock’s functionality. Kevo Plus allows users to control their lock from anywhere in the world through wi-fi connectivity. Kevo Home Connect Bridge brings Z-wave or Zigbee compatibility to the lock allowing for interaction with existing smart home devices. And direct partnerships with Nest, Honeywell, the Ring doorbell, and IFTTT allow the Kevo to be the start of true home automation for its owners.
The partnership between Kwikset and UniKey has garnered multiple awards for its products including accolades from CES, Mashable, CEPro, Electronic House, This Old House, The Wirecutter, and more. This relationship continued in 2016 with the announcement of the second generation Kevo, a refined take on the world’s first smart lock, and the Kevo Convert, which will bring smart technology to existing deadbolt installations. Both new products will be launching by the end of the year.
Platform Solutions Used
IP Licensing / Cloud-based Access Control features / App Templates, Reference Designs & Development
Embedded & Hardware / Ecosystem Integrations / Access Control & eKey Security