Jawbone Designer Debuts New August Smart Lock

To bad they aren't integrating z-wave technology. That would have been nice.

If your phone runs out of battery, you're locked out.
Just use the old fashioned key.

The hardware reminds me a bit of Nest thermostat, although not as pretty.

I would need to wait for reviews (especially in regards to battery life, quality of the app, performance, fit and finish), however.

Having said that, $199 seems rather pricey ($179 for Lockitron). At $249, Nest seems like a bargain in comparison. Speaking of Nest, I wish Nest would make such device instead.

Really cool product, but I can already open/close my garage door using a Raspberry Pi and an iPhone app I made.

blakey91 said:

If your phone runs out of battery, you're locked out.
Just use the old fashioned key.

Click to expand...

Instead of losing a key, it is going to be mine ran out of battery... and my charger is inside.

I for one think this is pretty cool!

I already ordered a Lockitron but this looks so much more beautiful and "Apple" like. It's the same feel I get from the Nest too.

However, I'm renting and this looks like it requires replacing the lock instead of putting it over an existing one, so I guess I'm hmm... locked out.

How secure is this thing? Couldn't someone make an app to trick it into opening?

I would bite at $60 or less

I'm pretty sure Yves Behar designed some other stuff too.

$199? what a joke.

Cue the cheap people...

Carlanga said:

I would bite at $60 or less

Click to expand...

JayCee842 said:

$199? what a joke.

Click to expand...

Ooops too late.

blakey91 said:

If your phone runs out of battery, you're locked out.
Just use the old fashioned key.

Click to expand...

Im going to guess that similar to lockitron, your standard key still works to open the door. The device goes on the inside of the door.

Watching the video would help.

I might like this better than the Kevo since this only changes the lock on the inside. Anything I can do to keep me from having to carry keys around I'm all for.

Yay my iPhone was stolen and the crooks now are able to unlock my HOUSE so they can finish the job!

blakey91 said:

If your phone runs out of battery, you're locked out.
Just use the old fashioned key.

Click to expand...

No more locked out than if the battery on your car's FOB dies if you have the keyless entry option on your car... in other words not. You always have the traditional key backup.

I've had keyless entry since my '07 car. When I first heard about the option I thought how lazy can one be that they can't push a button on a remote. But they were clever and required the option in order to remotely open the trunk w/ top down (convertible) so I got it. I ended up not bothering with the trunk w/ top down but fell in love with just being able to touch the door handle and not having to fumble in my pocket for my key. Ever since I wished something similar was available for homes.

This new slew of locks and lock assists is an interesting start. I have a Lockitron on order but suspect its going to be a dud since it overlays w/ the existing lock. For older homes that have settled and requires a little finesse opening the lock I suspect the Lockitron will fail. The Kevo looks like a potential winner but I'm not changing all my locks to Kwikset -- I want one key that opens all doors. If I already had Kwikset I'd go for it in a second.

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Mrg02d said:

Yay my iPhone was stolen and the crooks now are able to unlock my HOUSE so they can finish the job!

Click to expand...

1) They'd have to know where you live -- do you really have your address on your phone?

2) If you realize your phone is missing you go online and disable the lock just like you disable your iPhone.

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kas23 said:

How secure is this thing? Couldn't someone make an app to trick it into opening?

Click to expand...

Depends on how secure the code is. But if its like the rolling code on a garage door opener or a keyless entry car it would take a while to crack. Keyless entry isn't new, just new to residential locksets.

blakey91 said:

If your phone runs out of battery, you're locked out.
Just use the old fashioned key.

Click to expand...

Or, if you looked at their video/website, you can still use your key to unlock the door.

Just slip a spare charger in your porch somewhere

Looks cool, but I'd already ordered a Lockitron. I think I'll stick with that.

I had pre-ordered a lockitron at $149, so that made this a difficult decision, since it is $50 more. But it is much better looking than lockitron, plastic vs. aluminium, and that makes all the difference. Am trying to cancel my lockitron order and am in line for the August.

I look at both this and the Lockitron, and I think they are too big, and they look cheap too. They may be simple, but for me to smack down $200 for something like this, it better have sex appeal as well as usability and simplicity.

MacRumors said:

.....Johnson gave the example of a dinner party, where visitors could be invited and let themselves in without having to ring the doorbell.....
Article Link: Jawbone Designer Debuts New August Smart Lock

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Nice lock, but for me, one of the nicest parts of throwing a party, is meeting your guests at the door when they first arrive.....

blakey91 said:

If your phone runs out of battery, you're locked out.
Just use the old fashioned key.

Click to expand...

I believe that's the reason for it notifying you that your batteries are low. So you can change them before its an issue.

I've been meaning to order a Lockitron for months now, but after seeing this, I might be switching. This looks alot more elegant for basically the same functionality. I'm torn.