A new Kickstarter project could let you do away with keeping track of keys and remembering combinations with a padlock that unlocks just by being near your smartphone.
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The Noke (pronounced "no-key") is a keyless, Bluetooth-powered padlock that opened today on Kickstarter. The new concept from FŪZ Designs automatically connects with your Bluetooth 4.0-enabled smartphone once you download the Noke app. From then on, all that is needed to open the lock is a touch of a button and a phone with the correct virtual key within 10 feet.
Noke offers a sharing system that allows users to send other phones their virtual key on a one-time or regular basis. Unlocking privileges can even be restricted to certain times or days, all from the app. Noke also includes a manual unlocking method in case you're left without your phone. A customizable password of Morse code-like long and short clicks on the shackle itself allows for easy access even if you leave your phone in your other pants.
The idea of a keyless, Bluetooth padlock was floated before on Kickstarter, though the campaign was unsuccessful. The Noke Kickstarter is still in its first day, but it has already surpassed the halfway point of its $100,000 goal with a whole month left to go. Backers can still donate for early supporter discounts on their first Noke (or their first ten) once the lock hits the market. According to the timeline on Kickstarter, Noke is expected to ship out in early 2015. The Noke app is compatible with iOS devices running iOS 7 or later and Android devices running Jelly Bean 4.3 or KitKat.