@kristofertm That is pretty much our secret sauce and what separates Keyport from all of the other solutions out there today.
By removing the head, we are reducing more than half the weight of a traditional key in addition to reducing the size and making the key heads (we call Skulls) one-size-fits-all. For example, 6 standard keys plus a minimal key ring weigh approximately 2.4 oz. while a Keyport plus 6 Keyport compatible keys called Blades weighs 1.6 oz.
Really like this product. I hate my keychain jangling around in my pocket all day.
Interested to learn how it would integrate my security fob for my car though...pretty easy to set the alarm off if I even get near it without using the button...
@braden_kemp We haven't integrated the auto remote yet. Each auto manufacturer uses slightly different technology and it is constantly changing, so trying to keep up with the pace of innovation coupled with minimizing the hardware to about a 4th of its current size is a pretty daunting proposition. That said, we are working on a couple of pretty cool solutions....stay tuned :)
In the meantime, the Keyport features a 360 degree spinner ring on the end cap so that your fob can be easily attached and sit comfortably in your pocket.
@cooperdel I can't even get over how awesome this thing is. I gotta say tho, this HIW video is super important. I was a little confused at first about how I get my keys to transition into the keyport keys without the tops. Part of me was wondering if I had to cut them myself...
Question: with all the keyless entry stuff going on like lockitron and key fobs, do you think the future will always have physical keys? Do you think it will end up being a single key fob that opens your home, starts your car, opens your gym locker? Do you plan to be that device?
Once again, super cool product. I heart it so bad.
@kristofertm Good point about the keys and great questions! Thanks for posting that video.
Regarding the keys, we are working very hard to make the key fulfillment process as simple as possible. It is definitely one of the most challenging aspects of fulfillment since we are manufacturing our own keys (starting with original key blanks from the top companies like JMA & Ilco) and not in every locksmith shop and hardware store....yet. We currently identify your keys by photo using our simple Key ID Form (takes only a couple of minutes to complete) and then send you the Keyport compatible key blanks (called Blades) to you to be cut at any locksmith. We have also partnered with KeyMe (key.me) that has an app which scans in your keys and can actually duplicate them directly onto Blades - no need to visit a locksmith. KeyMe is currently able to handle the top 100 Blades, and the list is growing.
Regarding your questions about the future of keys....we don't think keys and other physical security items are not going away in the near future. Without question, the smartphone and other smart technologies are the future of security access. But given the huge amount of existing hardware (keys & locks), the cost of replacing it (which is going to take a little while to come down), and battery life issues (which is critical to transitioning away 100% from physical keys), we believe that keys (in one physical form or another) will be around a while. We think very highly of Lockitron, August, and others and believe that the Keyport and these technologies are complementary. We are interested in partnering with the companies to offer keyless access (via BLE, RFID, etc.) through the Keyport. At least for now, most people are used to pulling out their keys to open a door or use an RFID tag to touch an access pad. Keyport solves the biggest pain points in that process - 1. pulling out a bulky keychain that drags everything in your pocket out along with it (including your pocket itself...so annoying) & 2. sorting through your keys requiring both hands to select the right one. For a more stylish and functional solution that doesn't alter current behavior, we want people to think Keyport.
In addition to keys, the myriad of physical everyday carry items attached to a keychain only seems to be growing - USBs, chargers, lights, bottle openers, mini-tools, loyalty tags, fobs (auto and security), etc. Our goal is to reduce the size, maximize the utility, and integrate them thoughtfully into a personalized solution - Batman's utility belt in a much smaller package that James Bond would carry.....minus the darts, bullets, and explosives that Q loves to add - we enjoy a good relationship with TSA and would like to keep it that way :)
Regarding your last question....yes, we do :)
Looking forward to keeping you posted on our progress. Sign up for our VIP newsletter on mykeyport.com....we don't torture you with tons of emails - one or two a month with the latest news, products, discounts, stories, etc.
CollageMo
Keyport Slide 3.0 & Pivot
Keyport Slide 3.0 & Pivot
CollageMo
Keyport Slide 3.0 & Pivot