We all knew this was coming. Everyday products are getting smarter everyday. We’ve seen smart speakers, smart watches, and smart coffee makers. Why not smart doors?
Already at a Home Depot Near You
The Masonite M-PWR Smart Door was unveiled at CES 2022. The door comes equipped with a Yale smart lock and Ring video door bell. The smart door solves problems with most doorbells and smart locks in that the door is powered from your house’s power supply. Current smart locks and video door bells are battery operated and power drainages when trying to get inside are a problem.
Does It Look Smart
No.
The M-PWR (Masonite-PWR) door looks like any old door with a smoked glass top section. It’s made of fiberglass and starts at the low entry price of $4,000.
It may look like a dumb door, but the M-PWR is packed with smart features. It includes motion-activated lighting sensors, and is app enabled. The app lets you know if the door is open or closed, and allows you to remote lock and unlock the door.
If there’s a power outage, the M-PWR includes a backup battery giving you the ability to at least get inside.
There’s a huge limitation with this thing.
You need three apps to operate it!
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You’ll need to install the Ring, Yale, and Masonite apps on your phone to take advantage of all the door’s features. You’ll have to switch between those apps to take advantage of everything the door has to offer. Which leads into another concern.
Most people aren’t replacing their doors as frequently as their electronics. Masonite has an answer for this. The smart lock and doorbell are designed to be replaced as technology advances, but it still becomes a product lifecycle hassle. And, this door is the first. There isn’t an electronics standard for doors yet and early adopters may find themselves spending $7,000, at the high end, only to be obsoleted later.
You know. Everything doesn’t have to get smarter. Somethings should be idiot proof or dumb enough to work. A plank of flat wood or other material, a lock and a key are all that’s needed for a secure and functioning residential door.
I know we’re in a spate of fear despite living during the safest and most civilized period of humanity, I just don’t think high tech doors are the greatest demanding home option now.
-MJ
I was forced to take this assignment. El Jefe has an affinity for ridiculous gadgets and Masonite’s Smart Door fits the bill. If I’m not careful he’ll probably force me into writing it for theSync’s first holiday gift guide.