# Smartphone-Sharing Keys Hello Alfred and August Locks Join to Provide Handymen with Virtual Keys By Cadhla Gray | Published 2015-10-17 | Business Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-keys References: [psfk](http://www.psfk.com/2015/10/virtual-key-hello-alfred-gig-economy-airbnb.html) & [helloalfred](https://www.helloalfred.com/?utm_expid=80864560-6.kRwvg_xSTZ6u6b5hcDA2aA.0) This clever collaboration between Hello Alfred and August Locks provides handymen with virtual keys so that they can enter a house to take care of things without the owner needing to be there. While this may sound like a risky situation at first, it's important to note that 'Hello Alfred,' the company providing the services, has a thorough vetting process for all home managers. Whether it is to clean up, fix a leaky faucet or do the laundry, August Locks can provide virtual keys for all "Alfreds." This partnership is the next step in smart homes -- integrating human services with advanced technology. Using their smartphone as the key, the Alfreds are greeted by the [doorbell camera](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/residential-security-system) as well, ensuring users can monitor everything. Not only will this business collaboration benefit the busy homeowner but also services like [Airbnb](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lockly-flex-touch-pro). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.4/10 - Popularity: 21% | Activity: 42% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business) > [New Ventures](https://www.trendhunter.com/newventures) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Virtual Keys Services:** The integration of human services with advanced technology offers business opportunities that can benefit both homeowners and services like Airbnb. - **Smart Home Integration:** Smart homes are moving towards an integration of human services with advanced technology, creating new business opportunities for service providers and technology companies. - **Doorbell Camera Monitoring:** The utilization of doorbell cameras for monitoring purposes opens up opportunities for companies providing home security and smart home technology. ### Where This Applies - **Home Services Industry:** The integration of smart home technology with home services presents opportunities for the home services industry to expand its offerings and stay competitive. - **Smart Home Technology Industry:** The trend towards smart homes and the integration of advanced technology with human services creates opportunities for the smart home technology industry to innovate and disrupt current offerings. - **Home Security Industry:** The trend towards doorbell camera monitoring and the need for secure virtual keys opens up opportunities for the home security industry to innovate and expand its offerings. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Smartphone-Centric Smart Locks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/schlage-encode-plus.md) - [iPhone-Connected Smart Locks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/level-home.md) - [AI-Enhanced Smart Locks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/myq-secure-view.md) - [App-Controlled Electric Home Locks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/level-lock1.md) - [DIY-Installed Smart Locks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alfred-db2s.md) - [Rental-Friendly Smart Locks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yale-approach-lock.md) - [WiFi-Enabled Smart Locks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yale-assure.md) - [Home Smart Lock Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/home-smart-lock-system.md) - [Smart Home Security Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eufy-security-video-smart-lock.md)