Smart locks give phone one more thing to do

We all know that smartphones are capable of doing just about anything these days. The average phone has way more computing power than all the computers that put Apollo 11 on the moon.

So with all that power in your pocket, why not give it something else to do, as well, like open your front door? With the new generations of smart locks for residential use, that's a simple reality. Here are a few to consider.

Kwikset Kevo

Recently introduced is the Kevo 2nd Generation Touch-to-Open Smart Lock from Kwikset ($145, including batteries and keys).

From the outside, it looks like a standard deadbolt, complete with key slot. On the inside, it's a stylish and sleek all metal housing with black plastic battery cover and a simple turn-to-lock handle, like any interior deadbolt. It comes in four different finishes, and DIY installation is quite straightforward with Kwikset's excellent online instructional video. Only basic tools are required, and since it's battery-operated, there's no wiring involved.

With the Kevo, your smartphone becomes the key to your house. It works with iPhone 4S or higher and select Android 5.0 or higher devices. Once paired with your phone, as long as your phone is in your pocket or purse the Kevo lock recognizes you when you're close to the door. So, even if your hands are full, you don't need to pull out your keys — just touch the Smart Lock with your finger to unlock it. A set of conventional keys are included as a backup.

Kevo also gives you the option of providing others with eKeys. You can send an eKey to friends, family members, house sitters or other designated recipients who have Kevo compatible smartphones. And using the Kevo app, you can then track who's accepted the eKeys, which users are enabled or disabled, and exactly when any eKey has been used to lock or unlock the door.

There are other security features, as well. You can set it to automatically lock after 30 seconds, so you no longer have to worry about forgetting to lock the door. And you can even re-key the lock yourself.

No smartphone? Kevo also offers a key fob that's Bluetooth enabled and takes the place of the phone ($29).

Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt

With the Schlage Smart Deadbolt ($199), you also get an illuminated keypad on the outside of the door. Enter a code of your choosing to unlock the door, again without having to fumble with your keys. The Smart Deadbolt also comes in at least three standard finishes, depending on the exact style that you choose, and is very easy to install with standard tools.

As with the Kevo, it's batteryoperated and requires no hardwiring. The exterior is larger because of the numerical keypad, and it also contains a key slot for use with a standard key. Inside, the housing is sleek and smooth, with brushed metal and a smoked plastic housing covering the batteries. Here again, a simple knob is used to turn the deadbolt lock.

Schlage also offers the Schlage Sense that allows you to pair the lock with your smartphone and have it operate over Bluetooth. Using the app, you can share access to the lock with family and friends, rather than have to keep track of spare keys.

Kevo Plus Hub

Sold as an accessory to the Kevo Smart Lock, the Connected Hub ($98) allows you to connect to the Kevo from anyplace that has an internet connection. It also works with Alexa to allow you to remotely lock and unlock the door. The Hub also allows for the interconnection of multiple locks.

Schlage Sense Wi-Fi Adapter

Schlage also offers an add-on internet connector hub ($60), that works with the Sense Deadbolt. It supports up to two locks, and works to remotely lock and unlock the doors. It also can notify you if the doors have been left unlocked, and allows you to remotely re-lock them without returning home. So, does it all work as planned? Technology being what it is, the answer to that is — yes and no. I researched a lot of online reviews, comments, critiques, and other articles about smart locks. The problems some people had with smart locks in general — and this seemed to be across the board, not specific to these two in particular — boiled down to these:

• Inconsistent operation. This included slow response times from the electronic lock mechanism, and sometimes having to resort to using a manual key.

• The app. Problems were encountered with downloading, understanding, or using the apps. Some people felt some apps needed too much technical expertise to operate.

• Customer service. Ah, the bane of all products today, especially those of a technical nature. Quite a number of people reported getting very little satisfaction when reaching out to companies for help with everything from installation to operation.

The bottom line

I like these locks, and others on the market, for the convenience they offer. But more than that,

I like them for their potential for keeping your home more secure. I also like that they're geared toward DIY installation. But, as with any product, do your homework and select one with the features that best suit what you need and how you'll use it, and consider professional setup if you're not comfortable with the technology.