Smart lock maker Lockitron has introduced a new gadget called Bolt with the goal of providing a better experience for users.
While the updated lock shares several similarities to the original Lockitron, such as activity logging, sharing access, "Sense auto-unlocking and built-in Bluetooth Low Energy, the new Bolt acts as a replacement deadbolt lock rather than one that slides over existing locks, according to PC Magazine.
Lockitron started a crowdfunding campaign for its original smart lock in 2012, but launching an actual product proved to be unsuccessful. The company has decided to dedicate its attention towards starting a new campaign with the Bolt.
One feature form the original not found in the Lockitron Bolt is Wi-Fi, which is so the device can work with the Bridge, a gadget that plugs into a wall and allows users to control the lock remotely with their smartphones, Gigaom reported. The Bridge currently comes with a preview price of $79.
Another goal for Lockitron was to make the new Bolt more robust than its predecessor.
"We were getting feedback about robustness," said Cameron Roberts, co-founder of Lockitron. "We wanted the experience to be super-consistent, but anytime you put something over the outside you have to calibrate it and it can be finicky with one mechanical object trying to control another, different mechanical object, so we decided to go with a full mechanical replacement."
Lockitron also made sure to increase the battery life of its smart lock from two to three months with the original to six months with the new version, PC Magazine reported.
The company will sell the preview edition of the Lockitron Bolt, which is an open beta, in March and a production version in late spring. These models will be available for $99, but owners of the original smart lock can get the new Bolt for $49 ($50 off).
"We understand the wait for Lockitron has been unreasonably long for most of our backers," Lockitron said. "While not an easy decision to make, our transition to Lockitron Bolt is crucial to getting you the best product as quickly as possible."
Lockitron fans will have a chance to look at the Bolt in person next month when the company holds an open house in the San Francisco Bay Area.
