Source: Lockitron Blog

Lockitron Blog All Backer Units Complete Production, Keypad, Tips and Tricks

It's long overdue for a Lockitron update and we've made progress on a lot of items from shipments to apps. If you're still waiting on Lockitron Bolt, here is the big news: all remaining backer Lockitrons have completed production (along with a few extras!).We hit a big snag this summer with Bridge production that held up a number of Lockitron Bolt orders. We've got all the details below, however, the most important thing is that all backer units are now en route via sea freight to domestic warehouses.Bridge Holding up the PartyWhen we completed the initial design for Bridge we did so with one goal in mind; move as quickly as possible to ensure that we could get Bridge into backers' hands along side with Bolt. And current Lockitron Bolt owners agree - Bridge's remote control capabilities allow for a range of extra possibilities and integrations like those we offer with the Ring doorbell and soon, IFTTT.We knew from the outset that the WiFi chip we selected was going to be discontinued, however, we were also confident that we would be able to source the replacement for the chip easily. Unfortunately significant delays in the production of the replacement chip meant Bridge held up many of our backer orders.As a result, we're moving to a more expensive option while we wait for production of Bridge to resume: we will ship most of the remaining domestic backer orders with Bridge; when we run out of units we will ship Bolt first, followed by Bridge later.Supersize my LockitronsOver the past two months, thousands of Lockitrons have been assembled and readied for shipment. With our decision to separate Bridge shipments from Bolt, all of these units are on their way to our domestic warehouses.While we had originally slated for all units to arrive at the same time, the yield for Bolt's Modern Gold finish has been low despite a number of efforts to improve it. As a result, Quicksilver units will continue to ship as they have over the past six months, along with the remaining Bolt Preview Satin Nickel and Polished Brass units. Modern Gold will follow closely in a subsequent shipment.Just a few of the many pallets that are now heading stateside. Carefully stacked and wrapped, all Lockitrons arrive in a custom designed "master pack" which shields them from bumps and drops along the way. That's literally tons of Lockitrons pictured!A Note for International BackersWe've successfully sent a number of test units out from our new warehouse to customers around the world. While there were some minor issues, there are a couple of important things to note once we commence international shipments:We declare Lockitron as the value of the device: we unfortunately can't control for local customs or duties once Lockitron arrives in your country.Postage may be due: because Lockitron Bolt weighs more than the previous Lockitron, additional postage may be due. Once more units arrive will will be working on sorting out which orders require additional postage and which are all set (any new orders placed in 2015 or later had the appropriate amount of postage applied)Show me the digits, Keypad!With the Lockitron Bolt main production run complete, we're shifting our focus to the upcoming Bolt Keypad. Keypad adds simple pin code functionality to Bolt with the power to set and revoke pin codes easily from the Lockitron app.We've already aded pin code functionality to the Lockitron iOS, Android and web apps for our internal testing. Coupled with Bridge, you can remotely set and revoke pin codes from anywhere in world.Keypad includes several die cast and injection molded parts which are currently in tooling - we expect to have some more updates on when tooling will be complete and the first shots (the first parts made via casting and injection molding) are available for testing and adjustment.Below is one of our latest prototypes in action; this Keypad is hooked up to a stock Lockitron Bolt updated with beta firmware. Current Lockitron owners take note; Keypad hooks up to Bolt via an internal cable that runs through the door, so you'll be able to add on Keypad to your Bolt once it's available.Our favorite feature of Keypad? You can lock your door on the way out by just tapping the lock button without having to pull out your phone or enter a pin code. Coupled with Sense, it makes for a pretty seamless experience.iOS, Android and FirmwareSince our last update there have been massive upgrades to the iOS and Android apps. On both platforms we've improved Sense reliability as well as added diagnostic tools and solved some bugs with BlinkUp.We're also hard at work to complete verification on a new firmware build - this build includes a bunch of fixes that help with Bridge state reporting, locking and unlocking, battery level as well as updates readying Bolt for Keypad.We expect to have this update ready within a month - keep an eye out for the release and join the beta in the Releases section of Lockitron Community.Tips and TricksWith thousands of Lockitrons in the field and the completion of backer shipments in sight, we're changing focus to help existing Lockitron owners get more from Bolt. We've added a bunch of new features, some of which might not be obvious to set up. This update we're focusing on widgets.The Lockitron widgets are available on both iOS and Android; they offer an incredibly fast way to control your lock without loading the app. We're going to focus on how to set up the iOS widget below - learn more about adding widgets in Android.It's easy to set up the widget. Here is how to do it on your iOS 10 device:With your iPhone unlocked, pull down from the top of the screen to reveal the notifications pane.Swipe to the left and scroll to the bottom. Tap "Edit".Scroll through the list of available apps and select Lockitron and tap the "+" sign on the left.Scroll back to the top; you can press and hold the row icon on the right to re-arrange the widget position.Tap "Done" in the top right. Scroll up and locate the Lockitron widget - within a few seconds you will connect to your nearby Lockitron!With the iOS widget installed, all you need to do is swipe left on the screen to immediately access locking and unlocking for your door.Want to learn about new ways to use Lockitron? Join the conversation at the Lockitron Community!

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Cameron Robertson's photo - Co-Founder & CEO of Lockitron

Co-Founder & CEO

Cameron Robertson

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90/100

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