07 Aug
Blog

Level Lock Review: A Continuation of Smart Meeting Beauty

Level Lock (2021) inside the key housing on the door.

Level Lock Review: A sequel to Smart meets stylish

RRP $ 249.00

“Your neighbors won't know. The Level Lock looks something like a standard lock. "

advantages

  • Gorgeous aesthetics

  • easy installation

  • Cheaper in levels lineup

disadvantage

  • Geofencing settings cannot be adjusted

I just don't like Level's smart locks, I absolutely love them. Why do you ask this? Well, that's mainly because they don't follow the traditional smart-lock design, which tends to have huge cases over the latch and an obvious keyboard on the outside. Quite simply, the intelligent locks from Level look like conventional locks. It would be difficult for you to even tell the difference.

The Level Lock is the company's latest offering that follows the same principles as its siblings. Some people might be confused by the differences within the current offerings, but the Level Lock is in the middle of the lineup at $ 249 – complimenting the hotel key-like Level Lock Touch Edition for $ 329 and the original Level Bolt for the Price of $ 199. Of course, having tested the previous locks, I have high expectations for the latest level lock.

installation

After installing two previous level smartlocks this was a breeze and it took me no more than seven minutes to install. The Level Lock consists of three main components: striking plate, motor and lock cylinder housing. It's a pretty straightforward process, and for the average person, it shouldn't take more than 15 minutes to install from start to finish.

Box with contents of Level Lock (2021).

Unlike Level Bolt's original smart lock, which essentially turned your existing lock into a smart one, the Level Lock is an all-in-one complete solution that replaces your existing bolt. This means that you will need to carry a new set of physical keys with you, unlike the one you have been using before. This is basically the biggest differentiator between the two smart locks. Conversely, the Level Lock Touch Edition is similar to the Level Lock, but adds NFC-based key cards as an alternative form of unlocking.

design

As always, Level does a wonderful job with their designs and this latest one doesn't change the recipe. Level claims it's the smallest Smart Lock ever, but honestly, it's not that different from the Touch Edition.

From the outside, I still love that it looks like a normal lock that you can find on every door. It doesn't attract the same amount of attention as other smart locks with fancy fingerprint sensors or bulky outdoor keyboards, which is a way to deter potential hackers.

Level Lock (2021) in locked position.

There really isn't anyone out there designing smart locks that keep the look and decor of your existing lock. Hence, it is difficult to find fault with a design that is elegant, beautiful and contemporary. Level offers it in four versions: satin nickel, satin chrome, polished brass and matt black, to match any decor.

software

To complete the setup, you need to connect the Level Lock to your home's Wi-Fi network using the Level app, which is available for iOS and Android. I know the app quite well as I've been using the Level Lock Touch Edition for 8 months.

I still love the fact that it looks like a regular lock that you can find on every door.

Much like the design of the lock, the app itself follows the same simple and straightforward approach. From the app's main screen, I can unlock the lock, set up passes to grant temporary access, and change some of its settings – e.g. do it myself.

perfomance

Functionally, the Level Lock works exactly like the other Smart Locks in Levels lineup. While you can access the lock using the mobile apps, I really appreciate that the Level Lock still has an automatic unlock feature when I get near the door with my phone in my pocket. It's able to do this because it sets up a geofence around my location. When exiting, you can choose how long the self-locking will take after opening.

The only persistent problem that I hope will eventually be resolved is the example of having to re-enter my apartment because I forgot something while walking out the door. Since I've set the Level Lock to automatically lock after a minute, it knows I haven't left the geofenced area – so the lock doesn't unlock automatically when I approach the door. I just wish there was a way to customize this, but it isn't there yet.

Side profile view with Level Lock (2021).

Otherwise, the Level Lock offers all the comfort you could want from a Smart Lock. It comes in handy when I come back from a store with both hands carrying groceries or packages so I don't have to hunt for keys. It just starts to unlock automatically when I'm about 10 feet away. The best part is that the mechanism is smooth and fluid – so the bolt is locked correctly every time.

Battery life

Just like Level's other Smart Locks, the Level Lock is powered by a single CR2 battery that is included. Unfortunately, the app doesn't give you a percentage, so it's impossible to measure its performance at this point. Instead, the app only indicates that it is in a "healthy" status.

CR2 battery installation for Level Lock (2021).

On its landing page, Level claims that the battery life is more than a year, but I'm a little skeptical as the Level Lock Touch edition had to be replaced after 9 months. Even so, I still think it's commendable to achieve more than six months.

Our opinion

If you want to use the fancy touch unlock features of the Level Lock Touch Edition, then the new Level Lock will meet all your needs. It's still one of the best-designed smart locks out there, accompanied by all of the smarts you'd expect from a modern smart lock – like automatic unlocking, voice control (works great with HomeKit), and temporary guest badges.

Considering this is $ 80 less than the touch-enabled version, this level lock will save you money while still delivering great features with a modern design that few can match.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes, it's still expensive, which is why affordable smart locks like the Wyze Lock are great alternatives. You pay less for similar features, but the design follows traditional smart locks.

At the other end of the spectrum, some people will appreciate the more-is-better approach. Smart locks like the Eufy Security Smart Lock Touch, Lockly Duo and Kwikset Halo Touch all have fingerprint sensors as another way to unlock them. These fingerprint sensor locks come in handy when you forget to bring your smartphone.

How long it will take?

The Level Lock feels well constructed and consists mainly of metal components. Level states that it uses a patent-pending, six-stage stainless steel gearbox to withstand almost all conditions. There is a two-year limited warranty in case of failure, which is generous as most others offer a one-year warranty.

Should you buy it?

You bet! Level has three options to choose from, but for those looking for a brand new lock to swap out everything they have now, the Level Lock is an excellent choice that doesn't have the clunky looks or controls that I get with Standard -Smart see locks. It eliminates the extra baggage by cutting off the fat.

Editor's recommendations



05 Jan
Blog

Mirror Review: Connected Fitness for Any Experience Level

Mirror Fitness Home Gym Display

"Mirror's beautiful design offers exciting workouts for all skill levels."

  • Stunning looking design

  • Diverse training options

  • Provides 1-to-1 personal training

  • easy installation

  • The heart rate monitor is disconnected

  • You need to provide your own exercise accessories

It's been a minute since I took on a real fitness challenge. Having had foot issues for the past few years and being quarantined this year, I am far from the peak of my super-fit days. Despite all the setbacks, adjustment is key to overcoming the adversity we all face when trying to stay fit and active.

This is exactly what fascinates me about Mirror, a $ 1,500 home fitness solution that offers a wide range of on-demand and live workout classes. As the name suggests, it looks just like an ordinary full length mirror. It is one of the many connected fitness displays for the age that want to revolutionize the fitness experience. But is it enough to convince people that it is standard fitness membership?

Absolutely beautiful design

Mirror looks amazing! That's partly because it looks like a mirror you might already have. The reflective plate measures 52.6 x 21.1 x 1.7 inches, which is a little misleading on paper as it weighs a whopping 70 pounds. It's pretty heavy in any case, so I would recommend getting help if, like me, you choose to do it yourself – but every Mirror purchase comes with a white glove delivery service.

Mirror Fitness Home Gym DisplayJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

Installation was actually a breeze than I originally thought. The entire process took about 45 minutes from start to finish. I installed the mirror with the "wall anchor and stand" option because straight wall mounting requires a lot more drilling. Instead, all you have to do is drill two holes in the wall, insert the anchors and secure the mirror with a hook.

Back to the design, it is hard to believe that it is a technical device if you stand idly against the wall. I placed it in my living room right next to the front door – so it's the perfect thing to check myself out before leaving. It is interesting that this reflective plate has a 40-inch 1080p display with a viewing angle of 178 degrees, a 5-megapixel camera, two 10-watt speakers, a quad-core processor, Bluetooth and dual band 802.11 A / B / G / N has Wi-Fi. All of this is crammed into a seamless chalkboard with hard lines that blends beautifully with any decor.

Mirror Fitness Home Gym DisplayJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

The two speakers are a delight as they provide clear directions from the trainers – while producing some suitable melodies at the same time. You can use the Spiegel app to adjust the volume of the music and the teacher to suit your needs. And finally, with a 5 megapixel camera embedded in the top of the mirror, trainers can see you during the live class (if you log in). The mirror comes with a cover that extends over the camera if you have privacy concerns.

Diverse training variety

It's difficult to get into a solid workout routine. Ask an expert about the best training exercise. The answers can be very different. However, I know that what matters is what results you want to get. Living in quarantine has added a few extra pounds since the beginning, but I focused on micro-workouts. Despite my weight gain, constant strength training resulted in more muscle mass.

I thought I was in some shape before I used Mirror, but boy was I wrong – it kept kicking my butt! That's an understatement because now I see the benefit of doing these group classes at home: I'm just ashamed instead of people seeing me buzzing around while I struggle with some workouts. But that's understandable for anyone starting a new exercise routine.

Mirror offers a wide range of workouts, from full-body strength training that covers broad muscle groups to more specific classes like yoga and pilates. There is something for everyone, and I appreciate how you can customize workouts the way you want through the Mirror app. Don't have much time? You can filter classes by 15-, 30-, 45-, and 60-minute sessions. The lessons are entertaining and informative, which is only complemented by the helpful, motivating instructors.

It's convenient to watch them do exercises, but I wish there was a way to look at them side by side (front and profile) to better distinguish which shape is the right one. Though some instructors switch to a profile view to give me a better picture of the exercise. While some classes require equipment, like free weights, a chair, or yoga blocks, you can filter to leave them out.

If you are not shy, you can keep your camera active during live training. This gives the trainers a brief insight into you. Conversely, you can leave the camera switched off and even cover it with the supplied attachment to ensure that nobody can see you.

A couple of nuances

Long before I did more research on Mirror, I always thought it was a giant touchscreen – it isn't. A smartphone is required to interact with Mirror. You need it to start classes, send notes or emojis in real time during training, take selfies after training and rate classes. Luckily, it's minimal interaction during training, which I like because it is more important for me to focus on training, but instructors occasionally ask to hit that 100% or fire emoji in the app when you do that Feel the burning.

Mirror Fitness Home Gym DisplayJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

I ran into a few minor nuisances with Mirror. First, you need to be connected to the same wireless network in order to start Mirror. In one case, I didn't realize I was connected to my secondary wireless network and couldn't connect. It's strange in my opinion, but something to remember when you find yourself in this dire straits.

Second, I noticed Mirror randomly stop showing my heart rate on the screen while I was exercising. I later found that this was related to my smartphone's timeout, which is strange as you think the bluetooth connection will stay intact when my phone's display is turned off – but it is not. Finally, I set my Android smartphone to timeout after 30 minutes to prevent the heart rate monitor from disconnecting.

These are two problems that I would like to see solved. Because the last thing you want to do before jumping into a live class is messing around with the mirror.

Who is Mirror for?

I think this is the most basic question to ask yourself while looking for the best solution for your needs with in-home workouts. Mirror does a fantastic job appealing to a wide audience thanks in part to its diverse classes and the ability to tailor classes to suit your needs.

Since most of the classes are mostly about strength and cardio exercises, it's the type of workout that will make you sweat, burn yourself off, and burn off some calories. For most of the 45 minute classes I've taken, I generally burn around 550 calories. This is because the workout involves a mix of routines done in three to four sets that focus on different muscle groups. Full body training is a prime example of this. Of course, if you've never tried this type of workout, regardless of how physically fit you feel, they'll be challenging. I know this firsthand from a yoga session as I must have broken muscles and joints that I rarely test with my usual workouts.

Mirror Fitness Home Gym DisplayJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

While Mirror's workout can be supplemented with additional equipment like dumbbells, a skipping rope, kettlebells, and more, I love that without them you can still get a solid workout and make improvements. Sure, it would be nice if Mirror could somehow track the progress with these accessories, e.g. For example, if you know you will improve every week by adding more weight to your bench press exercises, but I hope this is a prospect to be considered in the future.

The best thing about Mirror is that it doesn't take much to get started, have fun, and feel comfortable while exercising.

Our opinion

Mirror has the foundation to offer a well-rounded training experience for every level of experience. You don't have to be a fitness junkie to enjoy this at home. The combination of beautiful design, various training courses and a proactive community make it one of the connected home gyms that should be on your radar.

I thought I was in a bit of shape, but Mirror's workouts kept kicking my butt!

It's priced at $ 1,495, which seems like a lot on paper, but the gear itself is on the lower end of the spectrum when compared to the alternatives – like the $ 3,000 tonal or the $ 2,300 carbon Trainer. The other cost involved in owning ownership is the $ 39 monthly membership cost, impressively enough to cover up to six household members in total. All in all, it's one of the cheaper options out there right now.

How long it will take?

Mirror's design deserves recognition; it looks beautiful and is pretty well done. Since it is stationary and doesn't necessarily contain moving components, it should hold up as it is wall mounted or anchored.

If something goes wrong internally, there is a one-year limited warranty that covers the mirror for defects and labor costs related to repairs.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes and no. There are other networked home fitness solutions that are similar to Mirror and can target a specific person. For example, if you are looking to gain muscle mass, you should try Tonal or Tempo, which is focused on lifting weights to increase muscle mass. Mirror does include weight training to some extent with some of its workouts, but it doesn't do it on the same level and focus as the alternatives above.

Should you buy it?

Yes, especially if you enjoy group classes in a traditional gym.

Editor's recommendations




10 Oct
Blog

Level Touch Review: Tap-to-Go Convenience

Level touch the lock

Level touch review: convenience to take with you

"The best looking smart lock is enhanced by touch access and NFC key cards."

  • Minimalistic design

  • easy installation

  • Comfortable touch of touch

  • Programmable NFC key cards used as a backup

  • Expensive costs

  • Touch Unlock only works when you leave your home border

Without a doubt, Level has redefined our perception of what a smart lock should look like. Instead of a clunky keyboard that was visible to all, Level wanted something far more graceful – and one that didn't distract or detract from the existing look of a door. The Bolt Lock level was an engineering marvel, but now the company intends to take the next step.

The Level Touch is the continuation of the company's approach of integrating seamlessly into the smart home. With the same discreet design as before, combined with the power of the touch, it's supposed to be a complete all-in-one system that makes accessing your Smart Lock even more convenient.

A contemporary design that blends in

Similar to its previous Smart Lock, the Level Touch is not far away with its ingenious design that stows all components. So the end result is a smart lock that looks horribly like an ordinary lock. It is available in four finishes: satin nickel, satin chrome, polished brass and matt black, so it goes with almost any door finish.

Level Touch the outer button housingJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

Installation is still child's play and takes no more than 10 minutes. In contrast to the bolt, when you touch you have to replace your original lock with a new one. This is important because the bolt was set up as a system that could turn any lock into a smart one. However, this is not the same situation here as with the Level Touch. So you will have to use a new set of physical buttons after setting it up. I really prefer the other implementation, but I understand that this is supposed to be an all-in-one out of the box solution.

Even more ways to unlock

As the name suggests, the Level Touch can be operated with touch power – in addition to the usual method of using the Level app on a smartphone or via GPS proximity. Now you can set it up so that you can lock and unlock it by touching the outer key housing. Initially this was a tricky experience as the unlocking mechanism could not be initiated. Luckily it was short lived and after a few changes to the settings it started to work like a charm. You can rest assured that no one can simply touch and unlock the lock. That's because you still need your smartphone in close proximity for this to work.

In addition to being touched, Level introduces these NFC key cards, which serve as another way to access the lock – a useful option if you want to give access to a caregiver, family member, or other person. It comes with two NFC key cards that can be programmed via the app. It definitely reminds me of a hotel key as it works the same way by placing it flush with the keyhole and slightly above it. My only minor complaint is that it takes more than five seconds for the card to be recognized instead of being instantaneous.

You can set the app to automatically lock itself after a preset interval. This is useful when you're just rushing out the door to get somewhere. There is also the option to automatically unlock. This comes in handy when you are busy with food. This function is of course based on GPS and is only activated when you cross and enter your home limit for the first time. In my situation, the app shows the home border in such a way that it covers almost a block. So I would call it a radius of 150 feet. This is a bit alarming considering that this is still a considerable distance that could give someone plenty of time to get into your home before you get there. In reality, however, the Level Touch will automatically unlock when I'm about 3 meters from the lock. So there is nothing to be concerned about.

The only mistake

While I enjoy simply tapping the lock to operate the mechanism, there is one particular situation where it won't work – and it's an issue that I hope will fix. Unfortunately, the touch unlock feature won't start until you step outside the house and rent it again. So if you forget something at home after you have touched it, you won't be able to use Touch Unlock right away.

A smart lock that looks terrible like an ordinary lock

This is due to the fact that everything is monitored by GPS coordinates. You'll need to venture out of the zone and re-enter the area before it detects you've left and re-enables touch unlock. I was outside the door when I forgot something inside so I can't touch the lock to unlock it. Instead, I had to open the app and unlock it there.

Fortunately, there are several other methods to unlock it. As I mentioned earlier, you can always have an NFC key card on hand, but you can access the Level app and HomeKit controls by asking Siri to open the door or, as a last resort, the physical keys. While there is an Android app for using Level Touch, Apple users get more controls thanks to HomeKit support, so they can be linked to other automations via the Home app for iOS. However, Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant are not yet supported.

Level Touch with the NFC key cardJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

Battery power comes in the form of a single CR2 battery that fits snugly into the screw. It is designed to provide more than a year of battery life with normal use, but that will of course vary.

Our opinion

The Level Touch costs $ 329, which is an increase of $ 100 over the Level Bolt. It's not cheap, but the high cost is the price to be paid for all of the technical challenges of such a minimalist-looking smart lock – as well as introducing some new lock / unlock methods.

How long it will take?

All components are carefully made from metal and have a robust build quality. I am therefore confident that they will hold up very well. In the event that a malfunction occurs due to a defect, there is a two-year guarantee that covers defects in material and workmanship.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes and no. There are few who can compete with the minimalist design, as many of them are bulky and imposing figures on doors. The Smart Lock from SimpliSafe corresponds exactly to Level's philosophy of not being a disruptive element on a door.

In terms of functions, the Lockly Vision continues to be the Swiss Army Knife for smart locks with a keyboard, fingerprint sensor and integrated video camera that effectively turns it into a doorbell camera too. If you're looking for something that doesn't cost a huge amount and is easy to install, consider the Wyze Lock and August Wi-Fi Smart Lock.

Should you buy it?

If you really want to keep the look of your door so that it stays that natural, the Level Touch is the logical choice. Not only does it look like a traditional lock, but I also appreciate the new ways to unlock it.

Editor's recommendations




29 Apr
Blog

Level Lock Review: Innovation at a Significant Price

Level lock in the door

Level Lock Review: A furtive, expensive Smart Lock

"A miracle of technology that stores all the components of an intelligent lock."

  • Discreet, minimalist design

  • Quick installation

  • Shared access with guests

  • Locks itself automatically

  • Expensive

  • Can't tell if the door stays open

Intelligent locks have become more sophisticated. Some high-end models offer fingerprint unlocking, shared access codes, traffic jam protection, and other innovative features. While they all strive to provide comfort and security to homeowners, they all have one thing in common: a distinctive design. You know that the striking properties make it an intelligent lock, e.g. B. a digital / physical keyboard that is clearly positioned in front of a door.

This can accidentally make them targets, especially for some crafty hackers with a shameful agenda. Who wants to come home to find a compromised Smart Lock? Against this trend, the Level Lock pays off as an invisible Smart Lock and represents a drastic departure from its competitors.

Complete the installation in less than 10 minutes

The beauty of Level Lock is its quick and easy installation, which took no more than 10 minutes to complete. From start to finish, the process is far more rational than any other Smart Lock installation I've done. All you have to do is replace the latch, install the new motor and then attach the lock housing.

All components are hidden and invisible, so my door has the same look and finish as before – something I can't say about other smart locks. How is it powered? There is a single CR2 battery that fits discreetly into the latch and enables the six-stage stainless steel transmission to operate. Although this is unusual, the “normal” use of the CR2 battery is designed to last for more than a year. So far it has taken me two months, but there is no indication in the app of how much juice is left.

The best thing about the level lock is that you can't tell it's just a smart lock by just looking at the door. So there is no reason for anyone to deal with it. You still use most of the original components of your existing lock, such as the rotary knob, the lock cylinder and the keys.

Simple functions

Unlike its contemporaries, the level lock pales in comparison to features, especially when you consider the price of $ 249. It works just like any other smart lock because you can lock / unlock it with a smartphone. As for the rest? There is the automatic locking function that locks my door within a set period of time after the break. It's useful when you're in a hurry, but even the longest setting (1 minute) is pretty short – so it would be nice to have longer options.

All components are hidden and not visible.

Homeowners will appreciate Level Lock's shared access via an invitation. This is useful if you plan to be away and need a friend, neighbor, or family member to check your place – or if you happen to offer your home on Airbnb. You can grant them either administrator or guest rights and set specific dates and times for access to the lock.

Apple users get an additional incentive because the level lock supports HomeKit and gives iPhone or Apple Watch owners the ability to lock / unlock by asking Siri to do so. It's a shame that Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant are not supported. I have turned to Level and although there are plans to expand to other platforms in the future, there are currently no details.

These functions have been standard with standard smart locks so far, and an obvious omission would notify me if my door stays ajar. In all cases where I have deliberately kept it open, the automatic locking function is activated and the locking process is initiated – even though the door is open. I would expect a smart lock to be smart enough to determine whether a door is actually closed or not, but that doesn't happen here. Notifications will be sent to me if the lock is blocked and cannot be locked completely.

A hollow bar

As mentioned above, Level can achieve a minimalist design by hollowing out the latch to act as a battery compartment at the same time. The integrity of the lock is addressed. I haven't tried to kick my door down to test it yet, but Level assures that it is built from the ground up for strength and durability. The company is even brave enough to claim that it exceeds the highest industry standards and has been stress-tested for over 1,000,000 cycles to maintain its structural and operational shape.

Level Lock hollow boltJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

Our opinion

The level lock doesn't seem to differ too much from its competitors due to its list of features, but it does set a technical benchmark for design. That alone makes it bothersome and innovative.

Is there a better alternative?

For the price? Yes! The level lock is expensive at $ 229. In the same price range, the Lockly Secure Pro for $ 300 offers an extensive range of features such as fingerprint unlocking and a digital keyboard for access for a little more.

Conversely, at the other end of the spectrum is the $ 100 Wyze Lock. You save a lot more for the same functions as the level lock.

How long it will take?

There is a two-year limited warranty that covers material and workmanship defects under normal use.

Should you buy it

Yes. The level lock is hidden in your door. There is no keyboard outside your door that makes it clear that it is an intelligent lock.

Editor's recommendations