CES 2020: August Debuts Smaller and Sleeker Wi-Fi Smart Lock With HomeKit Support and No Bridge Required

August today introduced a new HomeKit-enabled Wi-Fi Smart Lock. As the product name implies, the lock features built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, eliminating the need to use a bridge that was previously required.

August says the Wi-Fi Smart Lock is 45 percent smaller and 20 percent slimmer than its Smart Lock Pro. Available in matte black and silver, the lock also sports a sleeker design with more rounded edges.

As with other smart locks, the Wi-Fi Smart Lock allows you to lock or unlock a door remotely and grant access to family members, friends, and trusted visitors. And with the Activity Feed, you can know who is coming and going at any time, complete with push notifications. There are also auto-lock and auto-unlock features.

HomeKit support allows the lock to be controlled through the Home app on an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch, or with Siri voice commands. For example, on an iPhone or HomePod, you could say "Hey Siri, lock my front door." The lock also supports Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and a few other platforms.

Installing the Wi-Fi Smart Lock takes less than 10 minutes, according to August. The lock can be installed on the inside of your door over your existing deadbolt, without touching the outside lock, allowing you to keep your existing deadbolt and keys. August door locks are compatible with most single cylinder deadbolts.

August says the Wi-Fi Smart Lock will soon be available to purchase on its website, but it has yet to reveal an exact release date or pricing. Interested customers can sign up to be notified when it is available.

Tags: HomeKit Guide, August, CES 2020

Top Rated Comments

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jeremyfernie

2 weeks ago

But bridge is not for HomeKit. Better switch-off any bridges for locks and use only HomeKit and Accessory center (Apple TV etc.)

As others below have said -- you are incorrect.

"In order to connect to any August Smart Lock remotely, a Wi-Fi bridge such as Connect ('http://august.com/products/august-connect-wifi-bridge/') or Doorbell Cam ('http://august.com/products/doorbell-camera/') is needed" (source ('https://support.august.com/how-do-i-access-my-lock-remotely-BJlVv8JCOM'))

Rating: 3 Votes

WilliamG

2 weeks ago

You're confused. The August Lock 3rd Gen is still HomeKit without the bridge: but it's Bluetooth. An Apple TV, HomePod or iPad can be used to talk to it from outside of the home.
The August Bridge is for the remote functionality of the August App, not HomeKit.

So much misinformation in this thread. I have two August Smart Lock Pros in my house. One Apple TV is all I’m using as a bridge for both locks. And I can use the August app remotely.
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I'd be concerned about battery life if this new lock is running both Bluetooth and WiFi off of AA batteries. The August Connect was a good idea because it offloaded the WiFi, which uses more power, to a plugged in hub. It would be great if this new August lock could work via HomeKit on Bluetooth alone, communicating with a nearby HomePod, AppleTV or iPad (all of them HomeKit hubs), rather than try to connect via WiFi.

I've typically gotten 4 to 5 months of use out of a set of AAs. Much less than that would be too much of a hassle and could get expensive over time.

I get over a year battery life with the Smart Lock Pro. Prior generations I owned were under half of that. Will be interesting to see what the battery life is on this new model!

Rating: 2 Votes

jeremyfernie

2 weeks ago

„No Bridge Required” It's a bit of a weird headline, after all HomeKit experts know that Apple prohibits bridging of security devices. Locks cannot have a bridge, because Apple prohibits - and that's it.

My August Smartlock Pro requires the (wall-wart style) Connect bridge to give it WiFi (app, homexit, etc) access. Bluetooth-only otherwise.

The more interesting bit (IMO) is the (2x) CR123 battery spec.

Rating: 2 Votes

Coffee50

2 weeks ago

Smart lock? Locking at that picture a dumb criminal can just smash the glass, put his hand in, turn the “smart lock” and they are in. Can’t do that with a deadlock!

That isn't specifically limited (or the fault of) the smart lock. The August lock attaches to your existing deadbolt. If the smart lock wasn't on there....a criminal could still smash the window, put his hand in, turn the "non smart lock" and they are in. That door would have exactly the same vulnerability without the August lock because it's still a deadbolt with a window next to it.

The August lock (and pretty much all smart locks) don't offer any more & less protecting than the lock they are replacing. What it does do is give the resident more control & options in terms of locking & unlocking & who enters (as well as not worrying about physical keys).

I like knowing every time my door is opened & closed (and assigning digital keys is so much better). Even if the "above thief" opened your door....you'd at least get a notification that your door was just unlocked.

Rating: 2 Votes

Jaromir Kopp

2 weeks ago

My August Smartlock Pro requires the (wall-wart style) Connect bridge to give it WiFi (app, homexit, etc) access. Bluetooth-only otherwise.

But bridge is not for HomeKit. Better switch-off any bridges for locks and use only HomeKit and Accessory center (Apple TV etc.)

Rating: 2 Votes

cmaier

2 weeks ago

It’s a US / Europe thing. In Europe a deadbolt needs a key to unlock both sides (some exceptions). For ultimate security key both side is best, but I believe in US that’s not allowed.

That sounds incredibly stupid. What if there’s a fire? You can’t get out without a key?

Rating: 2 Votes

canman4PM

2 weeks ago

Whether or no...

I got one of their locks last year. With a bridge. The lock itself is Bluetooth only. The part that is HomeKit compatible is the bridge. That said, I love it. It works flawlessly, as long as the bolt slides in and out of the doorframe fairly smoothly.

I hate keys and am glad to be down one more. Don’t ignore the battery low message!! I did once and was locked out. Fortunately someone was home.

Still amazed cars haven’t gone truly keyless. My 2008 Toyota Highlander doesn’t have a physical key to start it, but you do have to have a fob on you for the car to operate. Pisser.

Rating: 2 Votes