Misplaced keys are one of the most common errors humans are capable of, and yet, technology has only gone so far as to tell us where our missing keys are. That doesn’t help when you’ve biked all the way across town, only to realize you can’t lock up your bike without your keys.
The Nokē padlock eliminates the need for keys or codes, using the one thing you’re most likely to not leave home without: your phone. The padlock uses Bluetooth 4.0 technology to unlock when paired with your phone, and unlocks through the Nokē app.
ThinkGeek
Though it’s sleeker than the average combination lock, it’s just as strong. The body is steel with a boron-hardened shackle, which is the standard materials for most locks.
Internally, Nokē uses 128-bit encryption, and you cannot pair a lock through someone else’s log-in once it has already been set up by another user unless you give them permission. So it’s helpful if you need to give a friend access to unlock, but the convenience does not compromise the safety of your belongings.
The app is compatible with Android, iPhone and Windows. You can add more than one Nokē padlock and manage all of them through one account.
In the event your phone dies, or you’re in an area without service, the padlock can be opened with the quick click feature. In this case, it opens with a series of custom clicks you’ve created. Just press them on the face of the lock, and voila.
The padlock runs on CR2032 batteries, and will last users about a year. In the event the battery dies while locked up, you can easily jump-start the battery, or open using the quick click feature until you can replace it.
You can grab a Nokē padlock for $69.99 on ThinkGeek. It’s steeper than some combination locks, but the freedom from codes and keys is priceless.
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