Seems like every element of the home is potentially "smart."
Take the lock on your front door. Today you can close or open the lock without a physical key, using an app on your smartphone. Some models let you do this remotely, so you can admit a friend who shows up at your house, even if you're somewhere else. They'll also notify you whenever the door is opened.
There are a lot of choices and features available, with more hitting the market each month. Here are a few options to consider.
August SmartLock
This well-reviewed product is an elegant cylinder that fits directly over the existing latch on the inside of your door—no need to change the physical lock itself. SmartLock connects to your phone via BlueTooth, as many competing models do.
Pricing starts at $199.
SmartLock also demonstrates a feature that is growing in popularity: It integrates with Apple's HomeKit home automation protocol, meaning if you connect the lock to a HomeKit router, you can ask Siri to open the door. Some other locks use the Zigbee or Z-Wave protocols for home automation—both standards are backed by respected vendors. If voice control is something you want, look for a product that supports one of these three standards.
Kwikset Kevo
The Kevo lock replaces an existing lock. It can be opened with a conventional physical key, but each person who needs access can be given a unique “eKey". Relatives coming in town? You can add more users by simply buying additional eKeys.
Like the August lock, Kevos start around $199.
Haven
Plain old deadbolt locks aren't your only option.
Haven makes a unique "smart" doorstop that sits at the foot of a door. It has all the Bluetooth connectivity options and claims to be made from military-grade material, "10 times stronger" than a deadbolt.
The cost starts at $249.
New home technology is exciting and more and more options are coming to market. Stay tuned and we will keep an eye out for the latest in home automation and report our best finds here.