Danalock filled the last hole left in my smart home armament: a smart lock.

You could say I'm a fan of home automation. I had withdrawal symptoms almost when I was briefly forced to live without it, for a while after moving home in 2017. Getting things up and running was a great relief!

Smart lights and sockets were followed by window blinds (later compatible with HomeKit), smart heating (even more on the same day) and even a control panel.

But I avoided intelligent blocking for three reasons ...

First, physical security concerns. Intelligent functions do not replace mechanical security and many of the early smart locks were not compatible with high security locks.

Second, cybersecurity concerns. It's a security vulnerability thing that allows a hacker to turn on and off the lights; something else for them to be able to unlock the front door. I wanted a lot of assurance on this front and I trust HomeKit security more than any standard created by individual companies (even if there was a failure in 2017).

Third, many smart locks have no keys. While I personally would be pleased with a combination of Bluetooth control and keyboard, my girlfriend is not the same. It has become a convert to most of our smart home technology, but it wants the ability to unlock the door in the old way.

But a new smart lock option targeted all three options. Currently, it is only available as a conversion for an existing lock, but there will be a complete package with handles and a high security lock. I have advance access to the complete kit.

Danalock

The HomeKit version of Danalock meets all three requirements.

The complete package (sold in the UK under the brand name Ultion Smart) will include a Brisant cylinder lock, with molybdenum core and 20-point bore protection. This meets the 3-star TS007 and Sold Secure (SS312) Diamond standards, the two main security standards for cylinder locks. Both mean that the lock is protected against "catching", the most common method of forced entry. Any attempt to do this automatically triggers a lock mode, blocking the lock.

The HomeKit version means that it must meet Apple's extremely high standards of cyber security. When you issue an unlock request, your Apple device uses an encrypted communication link to query the lock, asking it to prove that it is a HomeKit device. The lock then interrogates the Apple device, asking it to prove that it is authorized to issue the request. Only when this two-way verification is successfully completed will it be unlocked. (It's also smart enough to refuse if someone calls through the mailbox to a HomePod - it tells them that the instruction needs to be confirmed on an authorized iPhone.)

Choosing HomeKit rather than Bluetooth means accepting some feature compromises, explained below, but for me they are offset by cybersecurity.

Finally, the lock cylinder is a key with a high security key. Among the safeguards it offers is the fact that copies cannot be made without an encrypted code. When a company is asked to copy one of these keys, they must request a code. The registered owner of the lock receives an email asking them to authorize the release of the code and only then can the copy be made.

Compromises for HomeKit versus Bluetooth

Opting for HomeKit security means you get less functionality than the Bluetooth model.

First, you lose the option of adding a Bluetooth keyboard. This will allow you to have up to 20 different PIN codes, which can be linked to an appointment (for example, allowing for cleaner access on their usual day), but is not compatible with HomeKit locking.

Second, the Bluetooth version allows you to send electronic keys to people, to allow temporary or permanent access. With the HomeKit version, you need to add them to the Home app, which means they will have full access to your complete smart network.

Third, the Bluetooth model can be set to automatically unlock as you enter the range. With the HomeKit version, you can do the same with presence detection, but that doesn't work when you live on the 18th floor of an apartment block. I expected it to be triggered when I reached the building at ground level, but it is usually not triggered at all.

Installation and configuration

I'm a tech guy, but a complete klutz when it comes to something mechanical. My DIY skills are legendary - for their complete and utter absence. However, I even managed to fit the complete system (new cylinder, new handles and Danalock) in about ten minutes. It only takes one screwdriver to remove and replace three screws.

If you only buy Danalock itself, then it is even faster, as you only have to replace the internal twist unit or keyhole. The unit is compatible with the most common three types of cylinders: Scandi cylinders with locked oval, Euro drop shaped cylinders and American lock locks.

After installing the hardware, there is a HomeKit code sheet. In the Home app, you do the usual process of adding accessories and this is - no separate lock application is required.

Look and feel

Danalock himself replaces the turnbuckle or keyhole inside the door.

It stretches farther from the door, about three inches, but otherwise it doesn't look too different from the twisted knob it replaced. The part you twist is metal, while the rest of the cylinder is plastic, but it looks a lot like metal.

In use

For me, the greatest benefit is the peace of mind that you never have to worry about being shut down.

Our apartment building has an entry button, but the incoming phone system connects to my iPhone, so I could ring, answer the phone and leave. Then, at the front door, I can ask either the Apple Watch or the iPhone to unlock the door.

As someone who went through the pain of waiting two hours at 2 in the morning for a locksmith to let me in, this alone is worth the cost.

Also, being able to allow other people to unlock the door is very useful. It means fewer backup keys needed and less need to plan ahead. If we are unexpectedly over night, for example, we can simply add a neighbor to the Home application and let the cats feed.

"Hey Siri, unlock the door" is all that is needed. Using the iPhone, it's pretty instant - in a second. In the clock, it is sometimes instantaneous and sometimes delayed by a few seconds. I think ten seconds is the longest delay I've ever experienced, but it's usually three or four. It's about as fast as I can pull the key out of my pocket and unlock the door manually.

Depending on your door type, Siri may be able to lock your door. Our lock requires you to lift the handle as you turn the key, so it cannot be automated - which is shameful. Lifting the handle and then asking Siri to lock the door works.

A nice touch is that you do not need a screwdriver to replace the batteries. This should not be a common occurrence, as the battery life is 18 months, but you can simply remove the cover and lock it again.

A less designed element is the option settings! There are a lot of options for auto-lock timers and if the lock on a Yale lock is automatically held, but they need to be activated by multiple presses of a needle in a small reset hole at the top of the lock. . This would be done much better in an application. There It is an available app, but it does nothing that the Home app can't do, so there's no point in downloading it.

There was only one unexpected benefit: be alert if we forget to lock the door. I wouldn't do anything normally, but the precautions for coronavirus mean we have a new routine now:

• Open the door
• Immediately use the hand sanitizer before touching anything
• Then remove the clothes
• Then wash your hands with soap (because this is more effective than the sanitizer)
• And then lock the door

This means that it is very easy to leave it slightly unlocked accidentally, but keeping control at the top of my favorites means that it is very obvious when I'm done, because the icon will be lit with red text.

Danalock presentation and conclusions

At only $ 249 for the Danalock, it is a little more expensive than other options, but it is of good quality and is very suitable.

It can attract most of those who want to improve the security of their lock at the same time. The high-security locking kit will obviously make it more expensive, and the price is not yet known, but the whole system is something that anyone can fit in ten minutes.

For me, the combination of physical security and HomeKit means I'm comfortable for the first time with a smart lock.

The Danalock HomeKit compatible smart lock is available on Amazon for $ 249. In the UK, it is available with handles like Ultion Smart. A complete package, delivered with a high security locking cylinder, as well as handles, is on its way to both countries.

Check out 9to5Mac on YouTube for more Apple news: