August Home today began shipping its second-generation Smart Lock, which includes support for Apple's HomeKit platform and lets users unlock their doors with simple commands like, "Hey Siri, unlock my front door." August announced the new Smart Lock back in October, revealing that the newly redesigned lock, as well as the free August app, can let users unlock and lock their doors while they're away to let visitors inside, and double check the status of their home's security.
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Today's announcement brings news that those interested can buy the new Smart Lock from both Amazon and Best Buy, in addition to August's online storefront. As confirmed last year, August's lock can integrate with other HomeKit apps like Insteon+, Lutron, and iDevices, that can be customized to turn lights on or off as users unlock or lock their doors.
A couple of early reviews praise the Siri integration of the Smart Lock, as well as the improved design and largely seamless set-up process. According to CNET, the inside-only installation required of August's upgraded device is also a major plus, with the discreet lock ensuring that no one on the outside of your house knows you have a Smart Lock.
“We are committed to providing value by partnering with companies such as Apple to deliver the features our customers are asking for, including HomeKit integration and support for Siri voice commands,” said Jason Johnson, CEO of August Home Inc. “We will continue to develop best-in-class products and partner with leading smart home companies to add convenience to consumer’s daily lives and new smart security features that are an essential element of the connected home.”
In addition to the August Smart Lock, which costs $229, the company sells the August Smart Keypad ($79) and August Doorbell Cam ($199) to further increase the security and protection of a home. Besides the free iOS app for the August Smart Lock, the company also has an Apple Watch app to receive instant notifications about your door's security, and unlock and lock it from your wrist.
Before purchasing, August recommends users double check that their door's deadbolt lock is listed as compatible with the company's hardware on this list.
Top Rated Comments
(View all)First, this is not a lock. It's a mechanism that is attached to certain existing deadbolt locks. If you have a crappy deadbolt, it'll still be one even with this device attached.
During the review, the device began to fail after a few lockings/unlockings.
Most people have friends with a spare key, or hide one somewhere outside of the house.
It doesn't look like it has any physical controls though. No keyhole outside. No knob on the inside. Your iPhone is either able to connect and lock/unlock it, or you're SOL if you want to lock or unlock your door.The smart lock only replaces the interior half of your deadbolt, so the exterior half still uses the existing keyhole. You can carry a key on your person just for emergency use, or hide the key elsewhere to let yourself in.
Ok, I understand now. That's neat. I don't think I want it at that price though.The market exists for this product, but it has to be done right. People aren't going to dick around about the lock that secures their house. Oh, and while you're at it, just use AC power and stop relying on batteries for a device that is battery-hungry.