August, the company behind the popular August Smart Lock sold in Apple retail stores, today announced the upcoming launch of August Connect a new $50 bridge that will allow August Smart Lock to connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi.
August Connect plugs into a power outlet inside the home of an August Smart Lock user and connects to their home wireless network and the Internet. This connection enables several new features such as the ability for a user to check the status of their lock remotely and operate it from the August mobile app for iOS or Android on their smartphone or tablet. This allows users to ‘buzz-in’ guests, and such service providers as contractors, dog-walkers, and others remotely while also receiving notifications around all lock activity.
Until now, August Smart Lock has supported only Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to operate the lock from their iOS and Android devices only while in relatively close proximity to the lock. With the addition of August Connect, however, users will now be able to interact with the lock from anywhere they have a connection to the Internet.
In addition to August Connect, the company is also releasing a private API that will allow select third-party partners such as Nest, SmartThings, and Logitech Harmony to integrate with August to seamlessly automate integrated home entry and exit procedures.
August Connect is priced at $49.99 and is available for pre-order today with shipping beginning in mid-February. August Smart Lock is priced at $249.95.
Top Rated Comments
I'm going to take a pass right now and see if they try to improve the actual lock first -- and knowing August, if they say ships in Feb. they mean Feb 2016 anyway.