It looks like the era of smart locks is upon us. Last week, we reported on the August smart lock that is designed by Fuseproject founder Yves Behar. This week, we're looking at the Goji smart lock.
Goji's smart lock solution shares some clear aesthetic similarities with August's design. Namely, both smart locks feature a circular display panel. The Goji lock takes the front-panel display a few steps further, though - offering not only a user-specific greeting that identifies you by name, but snapshots of anyone trying to gain access to your abode.
"The centuries-old deadbolt lock is undergoing a radical metamorphosis right now that promises to give us previously unimagined control over access to our homes," said Gabriel Bestard, founder and CEO of Goji in a press statement. "Being able to send someone a digital key using your mobile phone is just the start. With the Goji Smart Lock, we're already taking it further by sending picture alerts of anyone who enters your home using their Goji digital key and greeting them by name right on the lock. The future of locks is now."
While the lock is designed to be operated through a smartphone app, the company is also including an electronic key as well as traditional metal keys that can be used with the keyhole hidden behind the digital display.
The Goji smart lock is an Indiegogo-funded project with a $120,000 goal. So far, $21,002 has been raised and the campaign still has another 60 days left. When the smart lock finally makes its way to retail vendors, it will carry a price tag of $278 but Indiegogo funders can snap up a pre-order for only $195. At press time, 102 "early bird" locks were still available. Once those are gone, backers can still enjoy some cost-savings as Goji is offering another 2000 smart locks at $235. Both price points come with one lock, four electronic keys and two mechanical back ups.
