Alfred DB2-B Touchscreen Smartlock

We love using smart technology in our home because it provides comfort, convenience, and security. Over the years, we have connected different smart locks from a touch screen lock to a connected Smart lock. Recently, we connected the Alfred DB2-B Touchscreen with the optional Z-Wave accessory. We love how Alfred International Inc. has designed the smart lock to not only be smarter, but also to make it look sleek, modern, and futuristic.

The Alfred Smart lock comes in a couple of different models. Although they look very similar, DB2-B is the closest to a traditional lock as it is the only model that includes two emergency keys. We like the swivel cover that stealthily covers the keyhole making it blend seamlessly into the design. The DB2-B is available in Black, Chrome, and Gold trims, to suite our preferences and to aesthetically match the handles. 

Alfred offers different connectivity options such as built in Bluetooth, support for Wi-Fi and Z-wave technologies. Since Wi-Fi and Z-wave are not built in, the company offers options to add these features with the help of their modules. It would have been great if the technology was already built into the lock. We chose to add the Z-wave module, so we can connect the lock to our SmartThings hub and access it remotely and manage it via the SmartThings app. For those without a smart home hub the Wi-Fi accessory can be added - it is a separate adapter that plugs into an electrical outlet for accessing the lock remotely.  

The instructions that came in the box for connecting the Z-wave accessory was a little vague, however we were able to figure out the setup process using the SmartThings app. There is a special slot to install the accessory on the inside module. When installing the Z-wave accessory make sure not to plug it in first, as the SmartThings app has to scan a QR code on the back of the accessory to get started. So far, the Alfred DB2-B has been working without any issues. The SmartThings support for the DB2-B has limited options such as lock/unlock and history unlike the Alfred Home app which gives the options to create pin codes and access to other convenient features.

The Alfred Home app for iOS and Android can be used to manage the lock. The app gives information such as battery life, open/close history, and the option to create up to 20 pin codes and assign to multiple users. 

We wish that the Alfred Smart locks would work with Apple HomeKit with a firmware upgrade to existing models or in future versions, so the lock can work directly with iOS without using another app.

Whether you are installing a lock on a brand new door or upgrading an old lock, the Alfred DB2-B comes with all the hardware, template, and instructions that are needed. The holes for the latch bolt and the door hole are standard size making it easy to install. 

Once the 4 AA batteries are connected, the Alfred voice prompt will greet us. Then it guides us to change the master code for security purposes. The master code gets us into setup mode where we are given the choice to set different options. 

The Alfred Smart lock has a built in voice prompt supporting 5 languages. The voice is great for seniors or people with disabilities, as the lock announces when the door is unlocked or closed. There is also an option to disable the voice prompt if you don't need it, which will help increase battery life. The battery life is slated to be up to 9 to 12 months, if using the lock an average of 10 times a day. There is a micro-USB slot hidden at the bottom of the lock on the outside to give the lock some life using a power bank in case we are not able to get in if the batteries run out. The lock will give a warning way before the batteries run out to avoid this situation from occurring. 

The Alfred DB2-B has several innovative features we like such as...

• Auto-Lock - which automatically locks the door within 30 seconds of it being unlocked
• Away mode - which restricts all user pin codes except for the master pin and app access. This feature is particularly useful when all users who have pin codes are out and no entry into the house should be made until the master user returns home.
• Privacy mode – restricts access to pinned entry when also users are at home especially at night.
• Visual Pin protection – one of our favourite features, as it lets us enter a bunch of digits before or after the actual pin to prevent others from figuring out your code.
• One Touch Entry – Unlock by simply touching the lock with the smart phone in your pocket. For this feature to work properly you would need to enable background location access and enable Bluetooth for the Alfred Home app.

We have been using the Alfred DB2-B lock for a while now and love it! It is the most modern looking lock we have tested with lots of innovative features for convenience and security. 

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