Even the humble padlock is getting a "smart" upgrade, said John Brandon at Wired. A Utah firm called FÜZ Designs has unveiled a Bluetooth-enabled padlock called Noke (pronounced "no key") that can be opened using mobile devices like iPhones and Android phones. To open the $60 lock, just press on the lock's shackle, which triggers the device to search for a paired phone nearby and unlock. If your phone isn't available, don't worry: Noke, which comes in silver or black, also allows users to program the lock with a backup combination. And if the internal battery dies, a terminal on the lock's underside lets you plug in with a new battery for temporary power. "Much nicer than a bolt cutter, right?"
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
What's next for Elon Musk?Today's Big Question The world's richest man has become 'disillusioned' with politics – but returning to his tech empire presents its own challenges
-
Quiz of The Week: 24 – 30 MayHave you been paying attention to The Week's news?
-
The Week Unwrapped: Will Europe beat China and India to the North Pole?Podcast Plus, is the man who designed the iPhone going to kill his own creation? And what's going on at the equalities watchdog?
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstancesSpeed Read
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2Speed Read
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governorSpeed Read
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditionsSpeed Read
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billionSpeed Read
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on recordSpeed Read
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homesSpeed Read
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creatureSpeed Read
