A subset of smart locks made by Lockstate[1] have been bricked after an update. The smart lock vendor is part of Airbnb’s Host Assist[2] program, and integrates with the accommodation rental platform so, for instance, hosts can automatically generate and email one-time codes for their guests to use during check-in.
TechCrunch was alerted to the problem by a Lockstate customer, Ruffin Prevost, who forwarded us the email he had received from the company informing him of the “fatal error” following a software update.
Two models of Lockstate smart lock are apparently affected, one of which currently retails for $469[3].
In the mass mailer email, which begins “Dear Lockstate customer” and summarizes its contents as an “update” pertaining to LockState 6i/6000i, affected customers are asked to wait as long as 18 days for a full replacement. Or up to a week if they choose to remove and send the back portion of the lock to the company for repair.
The email adds that Lockstate will pay for shipping and return “within the continental US”. And will provide affected customers with “1 year of free service for the LockState Connect Portal for these locks”.
“We hope that you will give us a chance to regain your trust,” it concludes.
Airbnb offers a $50 discount code for purchasing integrated Lockstate products in its Host Assist program[4] — where it describes the recommended smart locks as “revolutionary” and capable of withstanding “high usage”.
Prevost, an Airbnb host, said he owns two LockState 6i locks, which are used on two interior apartment doors that are rented out on Airbnb’s platform.
“The firmware killed the locks mid-morning on Monday, when we happened...