These former Apple engineers built a $700 digital door lock

Typically digital locks rely on a central hub to work, a bridge that connects appliances

As lead engineer for Apple Inc’s smart-home technology, Andrew Burks spent a lot of time with entrepreneurs working on thermostats, lights and other products that can be controlled via smartphone. One day he visited Otto, a San Francisco startup building a digital door lock. Burks was blown away by what he saw and before long had joined the Otto team, which at one point was mostly comprised of Apple alums.

“I love Apple, and it was really hard decision for me to leave,” Burks says. “This was an opportunity I didn’t want to miss.”

Two years later, Otto is ready to unveil