Smart home company August today revealed the August View, a new wire-free doorbell camera that streams video of your doorstep directly to an iPhone or Android smartphone. The August View is the next in line of the company's smart video doorbells, following the Doorbell Cam Pro, but like its predecessor, the new device does not support HomeKit.
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August View streams 1440p resolution video to a smartphone and supports two-way audio so you can have real-time conversations with guests who arrive at your door. The device has a rectangular shape with a camera on the top and doorbell button on the bottom, and there are eight different interchangeable faceplate designs to choose from. These include $29.99 metal faceplates (satin nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, satin brass, midnight gray) and $14.99 plastic faceplates (black, red, blue, and white)
The new doorbell camera can connect to August smart locks -- and any smart lock under the Connected by August umbrella -- so that you can also unlock your door when people arrive. August View supports motion alerts, minimal fisheye distortion for a more realistic view, zoomable video, and access to video for up to 15 or 30 days with Gold or Platinum subscription plans.
Despite the lack of HomeKit, August confirmed the August View does support Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. According to August, the company is "continuing to explore opportunities with Apple," but when the August View launches later in March you won't be able to connect the camera with Apple's Home app or interact with it through Siri. August does sell other products that support HomeKit, including the August Smart Lock Pro.
August View will be available to purchase March 28 for $229.00.
Top Rated Comments
(View all)Contrary to what some in this forum will probably say, the smart home world does not have to revolve around homekit.
Then you're clearly doing it wrong. The only time I touch the Hue app is for troubleshooting.I’ve got Hue lights and a couple of Ring cameras and I’m getting along just fine without using homekit, thank you very much.
Same. I have some alexa speakers throughout my home. And mix that in with my homepods. Love all the stuff i can control with Alexa.
I enjoy not having Amazon record every single thing that goes on in my house. I also enjoy good sound.I’ve got Hue lights and a couple of Ring cameras and I’m getting along just fine without using homekit, thank you very much.
It works directly with the app on your phone. Whats the problem?
Most houses already have an existing line that connects to a chime and power. The phone app is great if you live alone, but i don't and not everyone loves tech or is capable. Most people like having both a traditional chime and the phone. And for batteries? Ugh, its always going to die at the worst time, just like my august lock did.And running off batteries is a huge benefit imo. Means you dont have to drill through walls to get a power line to it, etc.
How do you adjust your hue lights? I use the app because I often want to change the color, or dim the lights and using the app is no problem at all imo.
I tap another scene button in the Home app. Pretty simple. Or, "Hey Siri, Bright." It's pretty handy when you walk in with your arms full of groceries and you're trying to keep the cats from running out.I don't use any 'voice assistant'. I really don't find adjusting volume using a slider on my phone to be a horrible inconvenience. It's actually better than interrupting a conversation to call out 'hey siri ... lower the volume'.
If people want to walk around their home sounding like a dork all day long saying 'hey siri', or 'hey alexa' that's fine. I'm will never get how that improves my life in any worthwhile way.
I also don't have her controlling the volume, that's what the Apple TV remote is for.
Contrary to what some in this forum will probably say, the smart home world does not have to revolve around homekit.
Good luck switching from app to app to access each device.I’ve got Hue lights and a couple of Ring cameras and I’m getting along just fine without using homekit, thank you very much.