Smart locks are one of the most popular home technology products on the market, with consumers rating home security as a top motivator for investing in connected products. Otto, a new all-digital lock announced today, is the next product looking to bring increased security and convenience to the residential market.
Led by founder and former Microsoft executive Sam Jadallah, who had spent time working with his family’s door manufacturing company, a team of product engineers who previously worked at technology companies like Apple and GoPro set out to create a digital door lock that focused on security, safety, and convenience. The small, circular lock replaces an original deadbolt, as is made to be simple and minimalist in design.
The lock doesn’t have a manual keyhole or touch keypad, which the company says can be vulnerable to break ins. Instead, the lock uses a proprietary encryption system that pairs with a homeowner’s smartphone to detect when they approach the door, even if the phone is in a pocket or bag. Upon arriving, Otto greets the owner with a locked or unlocked status, and users simply have to press the lock to enter. Homeowners can also set full time access or limited access for other members of the house or those that come and go often, such as babysitters, cleaners, or dog walkers, and can control the lock anywhere, anytime from their phone. The software also provides a detailed log of who locked and unlocked the door and when.
The lock is made with marine grade 316 stainless steel and a PVD finish for durability, and withstood the company’s slam test over 100,000 times at 60G of force (two or three times more than an average door slam), and over 250,000 cycles of locking and unlocking.
Starting in Fall 2017, the lock will be available in mineral black, steel silver and, for a limited time, natural gold, and will cost $699, which includes delivery and installation by an Otto professional.
