Security Watch

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We can do a lot on our phones these days, that saves us carrying other things around (like an iPod or a camera). The latest is the ability to pay with your phone, no more carrying a wallet…

And the Apple watch is now shifting those functions to your wrist.

So, in the near future, when I leave my apartment, go for a run, get a drink, pop into the gym… I still need to carry things.

  • Loyalty cards
  • Keys for my apartment
  • Key fob to get into the apartment building
  • Key fob to get into the gym

I rent, so changing the lock of my apartment isn’t easily achieved, and I still need a fob to get into the building.

My car has keys, but if it had a fob, well that’s another fob.

I think there is an opening for this last mile to be completed. Forget home-automation, and move into the territory of your phone/watch unlocking things. Actually, phones get lost/stolen.

Introducing the Security Watch

Either as a standalone or part of a smart watch. But when part of a smart watch, it has a separate battery for the security features, so a flat watch battery from too much chatting won’t keep you from getting inside your home.

Has to be standardised. Ideally a thrid party designs this, because Apple/Samsung/Amazon/Google will want to use their own proprietary systems.

Works universally. Allows access and entry to your car, home, workplace, gym. Used for loyalty cards. Used for VIP access to a club. Anywhere that one way ID is needed (so not purchases).

Kids can wear them.

Waterproof and shockproof, obviously.

As a standalone device it needs to last one month on a charge. As part of a smartphone, it recharges when you charge the phone.

Here’s a key concept. There is always a physical version of the key/card/fob you are replacing. And that key/card/fob is what you use to get permissions for your Security Watch.

1. Push the connect buttons on your Security Watch and key/card/fob at the same time to connect them
2. The key/card/fob sends a message to the manufacturer to check if more users are available (so a house might get a 10 user limit, a car 5, a gym pass one), and registers them.
3. The user verifies their ID on the Security Watch by PIN and biometrics.
4. If 2 & 3 are successful, all is set up.

So your entry card for work gets activated on your Security Watch, but you keep that card somewhere safe at home, in case you ever need it.

(And keep, a spare house key with a friend…)