Photosynth

Photosynth was founded in 2014 with the vision of transforming traditional craftsmanship into connected experiences. Their flagship product, Akerun, brings digital innovation to something as fundamental as a door lock. By enabling smartphone-based access control, Akerun allows users to unlock and lock doors with a tap, while also offering features like temporary digital keys, usage logs, and shared access.

Unlike many smart lock systems that require a complete hardware replacement, Akerun is designed to attach directly to existing doors, making it both practical and accessible. The accompanying mobile app seamlessly integrates with email and social media, giving users simple tools to manage who can come and go. For many, Akerun acts as a “robot concierge” that makes everyday entry and exit more convenient.

With adoption quickly expanding in both residential and commercial spaces, Photosynth recognized that the smart lock could be more than a gadget, it could be a platform for reimagining property access. From apartments to offices to hotels, Akerun has redefined how people think about door locks in the digital age.

Challenge: Providing access to locked listings remotely

As demand for Akerun grew, Photosynth faced several challenges. First, in 2015, not all customers used smartphones. Roughly 35% still relied on feature phones, which limited access to Akerun’s Bluetooth-based model. Supporting users that range from older demographics to corporations with standardized feature phone fleets was key to making the service more inclusive.

At the same time, customers wanted more flexibility. Many expressed frustration when they forgot to lock their door, couldn’t confirm its status remotely, or needed to let someone inside without being physically present. These requests highlighted the need for Internet-based control, not just Bluetooth.

Finally, Photosynth saw barriers to adoption in requiring users to install a dedicated app for one-off situations, like hotel stays or temporary access. The team knew that if Akerun was going to scale, it had to become easier to use across different devices and scenarios without additional setup burdens.

Solution: Cellular connectivity that goes wherever its needed

To meet these needs, Photosynth introduced Akerun Remote, an IoT gateway with built-in 3G connectivity. This device connects to the main Akerun lock via Bluetooth, while end users interact with it through a web browser. By bridging Internet and Bluetooth connections, Akerun Remote enables lock control not only from smartphones but also from feature phones, laptops, and other connected devices — all without requiring an app download.

Connectivity is powered by Soracom Air SIMs, which provide secure, reliable mobile networking for every Akerun Remote. Soracom’s cloud-native platform makes it easy for Photosynth to deploy connectivity at scale, while real-time management tools let engineers track and group SIMs, monitor usage, and troubleshoot directly from the command line.

With Soracom handling connectivity, Photosynth can focus on delivering value to end users. By simplifying setup, enabling remote access, and ensuring secure connections to the cloud, Akerun Remote removes barriers to adoption and makes smart locks practical for a wider audience.

Why Soracom: A connectivity that helps them grow

For Photosynth, choosing Soracom came down to flexibility, speed, and cost transparency. Unlike traditional telecom providers that require large upfront SIM orders and long lead times, Soracom allows Photosynth to order only what they need, when they need it, with new SIMs arriving in just a few days. This reduces inventory costs and makes it easy to scale as demand grows.

Soracom’s pay-as-you-go pricing ensures that Photosynth pays only for actual usage, a critical advantage for designing sustainable connected services. Clear cost structures also help Photosynth forecast expenses and confidently expand into new markets.

Equally important, Soracom’s platform is developer-friendly. Engineers can manage SIMs directly via API or command line, making integration with existing workflows seamless. Combined with AWS-backed infrastructure for robust security, Photosynth has found in Soracom a partner who understands both the technical and business needs of scaling IoT solutions.

Future Plans – Centrally managed remote maintenance at a global scale

For Photosynth, the future of smart locks goes far beyond replacing keys. With IoT connectivity, locks become data-rich devices capable of integrating into wider smart home and building systems. Imagine doors that automatically trigger lights, appliances, or HVAC systems based on entry and exit events. These possibilities open the door (literally) to entirely new experiences.

At the same time, reliability is critical. In emergencies, a lock must perform flawlessly. This responsibility drives Photosynth to work closely with Soracom to ensure that connectivity and control are both secure and resilient. For a product tied so closely to safety, dependable partners are essential.

As Photosynth expands globally, they face new challenges in adapting Akerun to localized lock standards. With Soracom’s own global footprint and expertise in cross-market IoT deployments, Photosynth is confident they can overcome these barriers. Together, the two companies are laying the foundation for a world where access is smarter, safer, and more connected.