CES 2014: Smart Locks Combine Smartphone and House Keys in One to Unlock Doors and Greet Residents [WATCH VIDEOS]

CREDIT: YouTube/GOJI Access

The 2014 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) has just ended last Friday, Jan. 10, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada, but a lot of people are still buzzing about it, especially the newest technologies that were introduced during the convention. One of the amazing and practical technologies unveiled in the CES 2014 are smart locks which combine smartphones and house keys into one gadget to allow consumers to not just use their smartphones to call or send and receive messages, but also to unlock their doors and be greeted as they enter their homes as well. Brands that specialize in smart locks include Goji, Skybell and Kwikset.

The Goji Smart Lock is touted by the company as "the most advanced lock or personal access system for the home." It enables users to lock their door from anywhere in the world. Plus, there's no need to fumble for keys at the gate or the door because as soon as you approach the Goji Smart Lock, the door will automatically unlock and greet you without having to take out your smartphone or keys. It's also super easy to install using a simple WiFi setup. What's great about the system is that it can work on both iOS and Android smartphones.

Goji is founded by Gabriel Bestard-Ribas who also developed the Goji Smart Lock. According to the official Web site of Goji, shipments of the Goji Smart Lock will begin in March 2014. It will be available for $299.

CREDIT: YouTube/SkyBell WiFi Doorbell

SkyBell's product is a WiFi doorbell that allows users to answer the door wherever they are using their smartphones. It is equipped with motion sensors that allow homeowners to see who's at the door even if they don't press the doorbell. They will receive alerts, videos and images if motion is sensed near the area. Plus, it enables homeowners to see live video feeds. It has a sturdy, movable camera that can work in harsh climates. Plus, it has an invisible infrared light-emitting diode (LED) which can see visitors even in the dark. It is available for $199.

CREDIT: YouTube/Kwikset

Kwikset's smart lock is the Kwikset Kevo Bluetooth Enabled Deadbolt. It enables users to have eKeys which they can share to chosen people and control their access as well. Plus, it is more secure than a physical key which can be duplicated.

According to the official Web site of Kwikset, Kevo is compatible with smartphones that have Bluetooth Smart Ready/Bluetooth 4.0 hardware and an available Kevo mobile app. Right now, it is only available for iPhone 4s, 5, 5C and 5S as well as the iPod touch fifth generation and the iPad and iPad mini third generation or higher versions. It does not support Android 4.3 and Blackberry 10.1 yet because these operating systems do not fully support all the requirements of Kevo for Bluetooth LE features in a smartphone.

If your smartphone isn't compatible with the Kwikset Kevo, fret not because you can still enjoy the security benefits of the Kwikset Kevo by using the Kevo Fob which offers the same security and "Touch to Open" convenience. It is already included in the deadbolt and it doesn't need to be setup anymore because it is pre-enrolled already.

These smart locks introduced at the CES 2014 perfectly combine smartphone and house keys in one to unlock doors and greet residents as well as offer beefed-up security features to ensure the safety of homeowners. It is the wave of the future when it comes to home security. Hopefully, it will lessen if not eliminate theft and burglary in homes and buildings.