Innovation of the week: A Bluetooth-enabled padlock

Padlock
(Image credit: Courtesy Photo)

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.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg

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.

Sign up
Explore More