Kwikset® Expands Home Connect™ Product Line and Announces New Certification at CES 2010

LAS VEGAS--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--Kwikset^®, an innovation leader in the residential door hardware industry, today expanded its portfolio of Home Connect™ products with the introduction of the SmartCode™ Lever at CES 2010. This keyless, touchpad, electronic lock is developed for interoperability with home automation and security systems, and is designed for use on external and internal entryways, such as: the door from the garage to the home; the door to a home office, which may hold sensitive documents; and a storage closet that houses valuable possessions. Also being announced at CES is the fact that the SmartCode Deadbolt with Home Connect, which has been ZigBee certified since market introduction, has now achieved Z-Wave certification.

“The wireless, motorized deadbolt is what enables true remote locking and unlocking, and what differentiates the Kwikset SmartCode with Home Connect from other remote controlled locks that require physical interaction”

Homeowners using SmartCode with Home Connect, whether the deadbolt or lever product, can use a Web-enabled cell phone, the Internet, or home automation/security touch panel to check their door lock status, automatically arm and disarm their security system, and receive text notification when someone has entered. This is the only remotely accessible lock on the market that has true, one touch locking for added convenience. Homeowners can select to have their doors automatically lock after 30 seconds for the ultimate in convenience and peace of mind, without fear of being locked out. Finally, both products have the ability to speak wirelessly with other home electronics, such as lighting, the thermostat and music/entertainment system(s).

Kwikset, as a part of Black & Decker, is a member of both ZigBee and Z-Wave Alliances, and will be using these protocols to communicate with home security and automation platforms. Kwikset is working with market leaders in the home automation and security industries such as Control4, D-Link, DSC, GE Security, iControl Networks, Intamac, AMX, Crestron, Mi Casa Verde, Leviton, Xanboo, and HAI, among others, to ensure the seamless integration of Home Connect products with the widest possible range of operating platforms. Currently, SmartCode Deadbolt with Home Connect can be obtained through Control4 dealers. Additional distribution partners will be announced in the months ahead.

“The wireless, motorized deadbolt is what enables true remote locking and unlocking, and what differentiates the Kwikset SmartCode with Home Connect from other remote controlled locks that require physical interaction,” said Dave Albert, vice president of Residential Access Solutions, Black & Decker Security Hardware Division. “Other so-called ‘remote’ deadbolts still require a person to physically stand on the door mat in order to lock or unlock the door, because the deadbolt cannot move unassisted. With Home Connect, if you forget to lock your door and you’re already at work, you don’t have to call a neighbor or friend – you can do it yourself with the push of a button or the click of a mouse.”

Available in three finishes – Satin Nickel, Polished Brass and Venetian Bronze – both Home Connect products complement any existing door hardware. Installation is simple; the locks replace any existing hardware and operate on four AA batteries – eliminating the need for hardwiring. The locks even have the ability to accept automatic software updates, and all wireless communication between devices remain secure by utilizing 128 bit encryption. Controlling your locks remotely dramatically increases the security and convenience provided to the homeowner, while making customization possibilities virtually limitless. For more information, please visit http://www.kwikset.com/wirelesslocks.

Revolutionary SmartKey^® Built-In

Kwikset’s SmartCode with Home Connect products feature the revolutionary SmartKey technology with BumpGuard™ protection as the back-up keyway. First introduced in 2007, SmartKey is the first affordable residential lock that allows homeowners to quickly and easily re-key their lock(s) themselves in a matter of seconds and without removal from the door, for improved access control and home security.

About Kwikset

For more than 60 years, Kwikset, manufacturer of America’s most trusted name in security has provided beauty, security and peace of mind for millions of families. For additional information on Kwikset products, visit www.kwikset.com, or call 1-800-327-LOCK.

Black & Decker Hardware and Home Improvement (BDHHI) Group is a division of Black & Decker, a leading global manufacturer and marketer of power tools, power tool accessories and security hardware. Today, the BDHHI Group includes some of the most recognizable hardware and home improvement brands in the world including Baldwin^®, Kwikset, Weiser^®, Price Pfister^® and K2™ Commercial Hardware by Black & Decker.

CES booths featuring Kwikset SmartCode with Home Connect products:

Black & Decker (Kwikset and Baldwin) – North Hall 3409 (Living in Digital Times, Mommy Tech Area)
Control4 (Kwikset and Baldwin) – South Hall 21407
Z-Wave (Kwikset) Booth – South Hall 2090