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KWIKSET® KEVO’S LATEST UPGRADE INTRODUCES FREE, UNLIMITED GUEST EKEYS AND MORE ACCESS CONTROL

Home access management becomes even more convenient for current and future Kevo owners. From giving guests 24-hour access to the home, to setting day and time constraints, Kevo offers the perfect eKey for every situation. 


LAKE FOREST, Calif. (July 24, 2014) – Kwikset® (NYSE:SPB) introduces its latest Kevo upgrade today, giving users the ability to send free and unlimited Guest electronic keys (eKeys) to recipients, and with a Scheduled eKey, set day and time constraints for regular house guests like babysitters, dog-walkers and contractors. Kevo owners can update their Kevo mobile app and lock firmware to enable these new types of eKeys. 

          “We’re always looking for ways to improve the Kevo experience, and we hope this upgrade shows our customers that we’re listening,” said Keith Brandon, director, residential access solutions. “Since Kevo’s been on the market, our customers have asked for free eKeys that let them give access anytime to friends or neighbors without paying for a new key. Now our unlimited Guest eKeys let them do that. We’re also introducing Scheduled eKeys to give homeowners the convenience of setting date and time constraints.” 

Mobile App Upgrade

          With new free and unlimited Guest eKeys, users can give recipients unrestricted access for a 24-hour period. Owners also have the option to delete Guest eKeys manually before the 24-hour access expires. From giving a neighbor day-long access to keep an eye on your kids, or letting in a weekend guest who beats you home from a busy day at work, the Guest eKey provides ultimate convenience and flexibility 

          The new Scheduled eKey enhances home access control by allowing users to set day and time constraints right from their phones. Ideal for house cleaners, dog walkers, nannies or others that need regular access at pre-determined times, like on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-3 p.m. Kevo owners can schedule these eKeys to be active prior to sending, so they don’t have to remember to grant or revoke access to these users in real time.

Kevo ekey app screen  Kevo ekey App Screen

          "The Kevo technology platform was built with the future in mind by having the ability to add new features and enhancements to the firmware in the lock, in addition to the mobile app. This capability allows the lock to get smarter over time." said Phil Dumas, UniKey founder and president. 

Additional Kevo App Features 

          Managing eKeys using the Kevo mobile app is easy, letting owners control their home security at any time with their smartphones. Additional Kevo app features include: 

• History log that monitors lock activity and tracks eKey users
• Optional push notifications when an eKey locks or unlocks the door
• Ability to share eKeys in just a few clicks
• Ability to temporarily disable or completely delete unwanted users from Kevo
• Touch-to-open convenience with authorized Kevo deadbolts
• Kevo web portal that offers the same management features via a web browser


          Since it’s introduction as the first-to-market, Bluetooth® enabled smart lock in October 2013, Kevo has turned the smartphone into a key and revolutionized the way users share and manage access to their homes. The Bluetooth-enabled deadbolt offers the only touch-to-open technology that lets users unlock the door with a simple touch while their authorized smartphone remains in their purse or pocket. 

          Kevo comes with two eKeys that can be reassigned as Scheduled or Anytime eKeys as well as free, unlimited Guest eKeys. To grant long-term access to additional guests, Kevo owners can purchase additional Anytime or Scheduled eKeys in the app for $1.99.  

More Information Available 

• To learn more about the Kevo mobile app update, visit www.kwikset.com
• For high-resolution images, fact sheets and product requests, please visit Kwikset Presskits
• For interviews with Keith Brandon, Director, Residential Access Solutions, Kwikset or Phil Dumas, Founder and President, UniKey, please contact stephanies@imre.com 

About Kwikset 

          Hardware and Home Improvement (HHI) is a major manufacturer and supplier of residential locksets, residential builders’ hardware and faucets with a portfolio of renowned brands, including Kwikset®, Weiser®, Baldwin®, National Hardware®, Stanley®, FANAL®, Pfister™ and EZSET®. HHI is a leader in its key markets with #1 positions in U.S. residential locksets (Kwikset), Canada residential locksets (Weiser), U.S. luxury locksets (Baldwin), and U.S. builders’ hardware (Stanley-National Hardware), #2 in Mexico residential hardware (Fanal), and #3 in U.S. retail plumbing (Pfister). Headquartered in Orange County, California, HHI has a global sales force and operates manufacturing and distribution facilities in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Asia. To learn more about Kwikset, visit Kwikset Presskit 

About UniKey 

          UniKey’s access control technology powers the first keyless entry system that can be integrated into any lock. UniKey’s technology replaces keys, codes and passwords by turning your smartphone into a convenient, universal electronic key. This technology affords secure and intelligent access by simply touching your lock without removing your phone from your pocket or purse. Serving the mass market by licensing its technology, UniKey works in partnership with market leading companies, including Kwikset for the Kevo Bluetooth residential door application and MIWA for hotel keyless entry. For more information on UniKey, please visit . Follow UniKey on FacebookTwitter, and LinkedIn and Google+.  

About Spectrum Brands 

          HHI is a division of Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SPB). Spectrum Brands is a global, diversified consumer products company and a leading supplier of consumer batteries, residential locksets, residential builders’ hardware and faucets, shaving and grooming products, personal care products, small household appliances, specialty pet supplies, lawn and garden and home pest control products, and personal insect repellents. Spectrum Brands employs approximately 13,500 employees worldwide and sells to the top 25 global retailers with products in more than one million stores. 
 

Kwikset Media Contacts

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Email: KwiksetPress@spectrumbrands.com

Kwikset RAS Contacts

Art Sesnnovich, Bulldog Communications
Call: (508) 485-0776
Email: art@bulldog-communications.com