Kwikset, manufacturer of residential doors and door hardware, has introduced a biometric keyless entry system for the home called the SmartScan.

Smartscan basically uses your thumbprint to gain access, with Grade-1 security and thus eliminating the need for any keys. A stand alone system without any hardwiring, it features 3 levels of controlled access and backup key usage. The battery that operates the deadbolt has a life of about one year (based on 20 accesses per day).

Operating the system is as simple as swiping a valid fingerprint across its sensor and SmartScan then reads the fingerprint patterns. It is programmable up to 50 fingerprints and has a special time lock out feature that allow three levels of access options. What this means is that 24/7 continual access can be granted to different family members, temporary access for house sitters/ contractors and restricted timed access for babysitters or housekeepers. Those parents keeping a tab on their kids would love this one as those teens won’t be able to sneak back into the house anymore (if they’ve passed their curfew) without someone letting them in. You can also stop the potential worry of losing your keys and a stranger having access to your house.

Pricing and release dates are not available yet but this represents what we’ll likely see within next generation homes.

Product page [Kwikset]