California-based startup Otto has released its first product, the eponymous Otto digital lock. Intended to outfit the doors of tech-savvy homeowners, the lock was developed by company founder and former Microsoft executive Sam Jadallah, and a team of experienced product engineers.
Otto functions primarily through a smartphone application called the Otto App: when the user's phone is within range of the lock, it will unlock itself with the tap of a finger. Homeowners can also enable the use of a four-digit entry code (the circular fixture has a dial function with an LED display) for when a phone might be lost, or have a dead battery.
The stainless steel fixture measures 2.6" in diameter—equal to the size of a traditional mechanical deadbolt—making it suitable for retrofit applications. Otto is battery-operated, and will indicate a low battery through an LED display on its façade, as well as send a notification to the user's smartphone. Additionally each user can set full- or limited-time access for guests, and receive an activity log in order to keep track of who has come and gone.
“In an industry desperately needing a replacement to the key and keypad’s lax security, we’ve eliminated the keyhole—along with a physical keypad—to create the most secure digital lock ever made with best in class security, great design, and industry leading performance," says Jadallah in a press release.
Otto uses security encryption measures to ward off hackers. Lock finishes include silver, gold, and black.
