When most people think of companies like Kwikset, they think of home security. This is likely because of the fact that they are the largest maker of consumer door locks in the world. What they might not think of is consumer electronics, but that is changing, as many products in the home are becoming connected devices. Locks are no exception - in fact, they are one of the leaders in the trend.

The company's connected locks are designed to make managing your home's security an easy process. Using the existing Halo lock, you can manage who can and cannot unlock the door, and when those permissions are in place. You can also see who has come and gone and when, making sure that people who are supposed to be in your home at certain times, such as your kids, really are. You can also assign temporary access for house guests, contractors, or even rental properties. All of this is done with a direct Wi-Fi connection, meaning there is no hub required. Of course, all of this is backed up by a traditional key.

The upcoming Halo Touch will maintain most of these features and add in the increasingly popular biometrics feature. It replaces the keypad on the standard Halo with a fingerprint sensor. Using the same technology that powers the fingerprint ID unlocking capabilities on your phone will allow you to unlock your front door. The lock allows you to enroll up to 50 users on the biometric feature, with up to two fingerprints per user. This would be enough to even secure a small office, church, and the like.

The Kwikset Halo is available now in several looks and finishes. The sets are priced in the $200 price range. The Halo Touch is coming soon. For more information on the company's connected locks, check out their website.

Interview by Don Baine, The Gadget Professor.