Evolve Technologies and the Return to School: Smart Kids, Smart Homes, Smart Locks

Embracing Smart Locks: A Look at Home Safety in the Modern World
Technology for the student has changed significantly in just thirty years. Computers were once blocky
monitors in the library. They required physical discs and a squat hard drive the size of a suitcase sat
nearby. Then, suddenly, it's all inside a liquid-crystal-display folding computer. Nowadays, can you
imagine wrapping your kid's laptop in a brown paper grocery bag like the old days with textbooks? 

Teachers today do not know the hassles of chalk-dusted hands, elbows, clothes, etc.
The same can be said for home security: it's changed enormously. When the kiddos leave school or their sports, clubs, or cello lessons and head home--to hopefully do their homework--getting into the house is
different. Like kids now having iPads and teachers using dry-erase markers, home security has shifted
significantly with the rise of "smart locks".

These advanced devices have moved the field forward dramatically changing our concept of safety
within our homes. Our front doors, traditionally the Facebook wall (and main line of defense or
drawbridge) of the house, have now been upgraded with the introduction of many smart locks made for
home - a game-changer in the industry.

Demystifying the Concept of Smart Locks
The term "smart lock" might sound technologically intricate, but at its core, it's a relatively simple concept. Essentially, a smart lock is an advanced electronic lock mechanism powered by smart home
devices. What separates smart locks from traditional lock systems is their ability to eliminate the need for
physical keys entirely.

Instead of conventional metal keys (or in addition to them), the smart lock operates using digital keys,
fingerprints, voice commands, or even a smartphone app. The result is a secure entry system that adds
an additional layer of convenience and safety to our homes.

Evolve Technologies has been adding security but meeting it with ease-of-use since our beginning. Like
us, our preferred platform SnapOne (formerly Control4) was an early pioneer in the smart home world.
Just recently, they brought in a former key figure from Amazon's Alexa team. And that's the point for
most smart locks now: your twelve-year-old will probably lose a key at some point but the lock will still
be easy to use. Now they just need to remember a short PIN code: you can make it the same as their
locker combination. If they even have lockers anymore.

And, you want to be able to know when and how he or she gets into the home. Evolve can program
highly specific push, email, text or other notifications directly to you and any device--mobile or desktop--
on any platform. SnapOne/Control4 gets along well with others and its software platform integrates
easily with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistants and thousands of other secure plug-ins and apps.
So, hiding a key in the fake rock by the garden gnome is no more. Maybe put a note inside the fake rock
saying "nice try" just to drive the point home for would-be thieves.

The Utility, Advantages, and Merits of Smart Locks
You might naturally question, what makes the smart lock superior to the standard locks we've used for
decades, if not centuries. The answer lies in the increased control, security, and convenience these
smart devices can provide.

The smart lock is not just about securing your front door - its function and benefits extend much
further. A critical feature of these devices is their ability to enable remote access. This means that you
can control your front door and locks from anywhere using a compatible smartphone app. It's hard to
overstate how much convenience and control this feature adds - it's something that traditional locks
simply can't compete with.

In addition to remote access, many smart locks offer compatibility with other smart home devices so
they can easily integrate into the smart home ecosystem. Advanced hardware models can even provide
voice control capabilities, adding yet another level of ease with remote access and functionality.

Navigating the Market: Choosing Your Ideal Smart Lock
Choosing the best smart lock for your home is not a straightforward task. It isn't a one-size-fits-all thing:
Do you have a chicken coop outback? Do you have egress windows in your basement? Do you have a
home gym with a patio entrance? (Evolve has probably worked on smart locks for all of these.)
Every home has its unique characteristics, and what works perfectly for one house may not suit another.
The ideal smart lock meets individual needs while ensuring compatibility with the existing door
hardware, thereby integrating smoothly into your home. And if there needs to be a new strike plate or
latch installed, that’s easily done.
When considering a smart lock for your home, you need to examine the lock's connectivity options
carefully. While most smart locks use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth technology for their operation, the choice
between the two depends on your specific requirements and the smart door lock's compatibility with
other smart home devices you have in place.
With the galaxy of smart devices, it's important to know, ahead of time, what's compatible with what.
But Evolve has that covered: We're the translators, diplomats, and negotiators for any and all devices,
software, apps, and platforms. Evolve Technologies is a Home Technology Association member, one of
less than two dozen in the state of Texas. And it's not just a little placard, less than 25% of HTA
applicants get in.

Back-to-School and Beyond: Smart Locks for Enhanced Home Security
During certain periods of the year, such as the back-to-school season, a smart door lock can play an
especially pivotal role in maintaining home security. At times when your kids may spend several hours at
home alone, having a smart lock installed provides an extra level of reassurance. The remote access
provided by the smart lock's smartphone app allows control of the lock remotely from anywhere.
Knowing they can intervene and take control of their home's primary access creates an invaluable peace
of mind.
Beyond Installation: Making the Most of Your Smart Lock
Maximizing the effectiveness of your smart lock involves more than just proper installation. To ensure
the smooth operation and longevity of your smart lock, regular maintenance, and timely software
updates are crucial. Moreover, the careful management of access permissions and physical keys plays a
significant role in maintaining a secure home. Evolve will help ensure you grant access only to
individuals you trust and help you adjust that as needed.

Smart locks for homes now represent a perfect blend of convenience and advanced security. They
empower homeowners by allowing them to control their front door's lock mechanism remotely, thereby
adding a robust extra layer of safety. In particular, a smart lock can offer increased control over home
security, providing you with peace of mind during times when they're unable to be physically present,
such as the back-to-school season.

The advent of smart locks has caused a seismic shift in home security, making our homes and, most
importantly, our loved ones, safer. With their advanced capabilities, ease of use, and integration
potential, smart locks are an investment in foundational security for the home.
Call Evolve for a consultation today!