The new Gimdow smart lock does not require a door teardown to install it

Smart locks are what they sound like on the tin: conventional security measures in pad- or bolt-form that require passcodes, wireless input or even fingerprints to open them. One or two iterations of this concept have taken some criticism in the past for functional failures. However, this category has bounced back and now represents a thriving industry in which brands such as Yale and August are heavy hitters.

This may be due to positive points such as freedom from loseable or elusive keys, particularly when returning home after a long day. However, their products do have a potential drawback: the user may have to remove all or part of their existing lock in order to secure whichever door they want. A techy home-owner would be free to do this kind of DIY all they want, but a tenant or short-term lodger may not have the same license. This issue moved Eric Yi to set up his company, Gimdow, in order to sell his new type of smart lock that addresses such problems.

Accordingly, this new product - the Gimdow A1 - has been designed to convert an existing lock into one with smart secure features. It has the option of a peel-and-stick backing, with what Gimdow claims is the "strongest removable adhesive"; alternatively, it can be screwed into place. It is apparently compatible with most typical door-locks (fission or conjoined) found in the EU or US, whereas some name-brand analogs may work with only one or the other.

The Gimdow A1 is also CE- and FCC-compliant. Once in place, the product can be set to open in a variety of ways: via an app, with a key-code, or with a physical key. The more electronic of these options is secured with Bluetooth AES 128-bit encryption. The option that involves a key-pad also has an "anti-peep" mechanism, by which it can be entered along with random numbers to help prevent code theft.

This new kind of smart lock is available as a reward on an Indiegogo campaign as of today (December 10, 2019). So far, it has amassed about US$5575, or 22% of its $25000 goal (correct at time of writing). The Gimdow A1 with included key-pad is available here at up to 60% off its $199 planned retail price, and is currently projected to ship in December 2019.