If you’re the kind that always forgets their keys, this is going to a suitable lock for you. Sony is working on a crowdfunded project that allows smartphones to open doors or lock it. In collaboration with the World Innovation Lab, Sony claims that the device, called Qrio, is the smallest of its kind. Now this isn’t the first smart lock, far from it. There are already plenty of others, most notably August and Goji, which even manages to send images of who’s at your front door.
What sets the Qrio apart though is that it can work with your existing hardware, or rather most existing locks. The Qrio itself clips over your exisiting door lock and all you need to do is fasten it in place to the door over the lock. From there, you’ll be able to operate it via your smartphone with either an iOS or Android app. The app even allows other people access, that is of course if they have the original owner’s permission.
As for how it’s powered, Sony claims that the four CR123A cells will keep Qrio functioning for 1000 days before you need to change the batteries. We do suggest you keep count though as it’ll be might embarrassing if you can’t get into your house due to low battery. The same could be said about making sure your smartphone has enough juice as well.
The system has already completed is funding round so, we can expect it to hit the market as early as next year. And how much are you expecting to fork out for the Qrio? At US$130 (RM 454) it is a considerably cheaper buy compared to the August and Goji that we mentioned above, both of which are retailing at around US$250 (RM875). That’s almost half their price.
You might have also noticed that the name Qrio is quite familiar. That’s because, Sony’s humanoid robot has the exact same name. Of course if we had a full size robotic butler to open our doors, that would be even better. Just don’t expect to pay US$130 for that system though.
Via Engadget.
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