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August Launches $229 Smart Lock With HomeKit Support and Updated Design

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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.

august-smart-lock-.jpg
Image via CNET​


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."
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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.

Article Link: August Launches $229 Smart Lock With HomeKit Support and Updated Design
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2016/04/28/august-homekit-smart-lock/
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Corrode said:
It would be cool if this used NFC so you could unlock it with your phone or watch like a key fob. Otherwise I don't know how much value this would add vs a key.
Click to expand...

How would NFC add value vs a key when it would require you to pull something out of your pocket and hold it a few centimeters away from your lock?

The entire reason this has value over a key is because of it's long distance control, and Bluetooth sensing for when you come home or leave.
 
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I found the review done by Mr. Locksmith on youtube of this product to be quite enlightening.

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.
 
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jwbrobst said:
How would NFC add value vs a key when it would require you to pull something out of your pocket and hold it a few centimeters away from your lock?

The entire reason this has value over a key is because of it's long distance control, and Bluetooth sensing for when you come home or leave.
Click to expand...

Good point. So imho, this adds very little value and adds a potential security threat. I love tech but this home IoT thing has yet to get me to open my wallet EXCEPT for my Ecobee.
 
ArtOfWarfare said:
And when your iPhone dies... you're simply locked out of your house?
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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.
 
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Binarymix said:
Most people have friends with a spare key, or hide one somewhere outside of the house.
Click to expand...

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.


Soba said:
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.
Click to expand...

Ok, I understand now. That's neat. I don't think I want it at that price though.
 
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ArtOfWarfare said:
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.




Ok, I understand now. That's neat. I don't think I want it at that price though.
Click to expand...

You can manually lock it from inside too. In the video you can see the lock spin...you can twist this manually without your phone. Plus with the stock keyhole on the outside, this can function 100% like a normal lock (without being connected to your phone).
 
I had the August when it first came out. The thing I liked best was being able to have the door automatically unlock when I walked up to it - when it worked, which wasn't 100%. I got rid of it because I got really tired of waiting for this delayed HomeKit version. They announced this at or around CES I believe and it was to ship in early Feb, but for some unknown reason it was delayed until now.

I went with the Schlage Sense and I actually like it a lot. It gives me the HomeKit integration, but also comes with the keypad built in. It's great for if I want to give someone access, I can just program a temporary code, which almost anyone understands and is comfortable with. For August, anyone who wants a key has to register for a cumbersome user account with the app, it even requires them to take/set a photo. I don't really see the advantage to August at $229, vs. the Schlage Sense at $249 when you consider that the Schlage comes with a keypad, it's a separate $79 purchase with August.
 
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At Last!!!!

First gen proximity and wifi bridge 'add on' were very problematic. August Support's suggestion was to expand the proximity, still August would not recognize you arrived until much MUCH later. We've had our locks unlock on their own at 10:30 at night with this issue (glad we weren't in bed)! Wifi access worked 50% of the time in comparison to other products that work everytime on the same network. App often slow to load. Guests were inadvertently removing the battery cover constantly due to how you turn the lock! I just had to say "You're turning it wrong!" ;D

HomeKit, however should make all the difference and be the cure of woes for many early adopters, assuming they'll fork over another $230! Which I just might with new support with HomeKit!! August is much more sleek, unassuming from the exterior, and quieter than competitors. Setting up access schedules for guest invites was very cool! No need to use the app or proximity with Siri!
 
Zorn said:
I had the August when it first came out. The thing I liked best was being able to have the door automatically unlock when I walked up to it - when it worked, which wasn't 100%. I got rid of it because I got really tired of waiting for this delayed HomeKit version. They announced this at or around CES I believe and it was to ship in early Feb, but for some unknown reason it was delayed until now.

I went with the Schlage Sense and I actually like it a lot. It gives me the HomeKit integration, but also comes with the keypad built in. It's great for if I want to give someone access, I can just program a temporary code, which almost anyone understands and is comfortable with. For August, anyone who wants a key has to register for a cumbersome user account with the app, it even requires them to take/set a photo. I don't really see the advantage to August at $229, vs. the Schlage Sense at $249 when you consider that the Schlage comes with a keypad, it's a separate $79 purchase with August.
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I bought this too after being somewhat dissatisfied with August. If anything needs to work it's what keeps you secure! Sledge works all the time everytime. But the keypad doesn't scramble so someone looking might see the code when say your kid unlocks the door. Also it's very loud!
 
So what value does the HomeKit add? Is there any other differences? I like my gen 1 a lot. I just wished it was a little more reliable and included the wifi sensor in it. Overall it works very well, has gotten more reliable with updates and better Bluetooth range. Never carry keys anymore!

I did get locked out once but I was playing with fire no backup key.
 
Love the idea of a smart lock, but they all seem to have glaring design flaws. Either the lock itself is vulnerable (Kevo), it can't reliably turn the deadbolt (1st gen August), or the developers are outright lying about what it can and can't do, and the thing ends up never even seeing the light of day (Goji). I'll be watching this new August, but so far, I'm not seeing anything new here.

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.
 
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The only problem is Siri won't recognize "Unlock front door" you have to say open instead
 
jwbrobst said:
How would NFC add value vs a key when it would require you to pull something out of your pocket and hold it a few centimeters away from your lock?

The entire reason this has value over a key is because of it's long distance control, and Bluetooth sensing for when you come home or leave.
Click to expand...

The value is in the simplicity of just putting the phone near the lock to open it. NFC is more reliable than Bluetooth and is more convenient than having to unlock your phone, fine the app and tap the virtual key.

The August lock kind of solution for Airbnb guests is a disaster. The guests hate it and the learning curve for technophobes looks more like a wall than a curve.
 
ArtOfWarfare said:
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.




Ok, I understand now. That's neat. I don't think I want it at that price though.
Click to expand...
You're not replacing the keyhole just the thumb turn mechanism. It functions as a normal key lock also.
 
Laziness don't come cheap it seems. Heaven forbid it takes you 2-5 seconds to unlock a lock an actual key. While I love the advancement of technology, some things are unnecessary and ridiculous.
 
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jwbrobst said:
How would NFC add value vs a key when it would require you to pull something out of your pocket and hold it a few centimeters away from your lock?

The entire reason this has value over a key is because of it's long distance control, and Bluetooth sensing for when you come home or leave.
Click to expand...

You don't own one of these do you? I've had one for a year, and I have to pull it out my phone to close it when I leave my house, and to open it when I arrive. The geolocation doesn't always work, so it won't auto-unlock before I arrive. The august connect (wifi device sold separately) is not a great device as it's super slow, but at least when it decides to work I can open the door for people when I'm gone.

Unless they fixed these main issues which have plagued this device since its release, and it's hardware-based, then great. If this is just a new device with the same, slow issues, I don't want to stand there and tell Siri to open or close my door and have to wait 1 minute for it to process my commands.
 
godslabrat said:
Love the idea of a smart lock, but they all seem to have glaring design flaws. Either the lock itself is vulnerable (Kevo), it can't reliably turn the deadbolt (1st gen August), or the developers are outright lying about what it can and can't do, and the thing ends up never even seeing the light of day (Goji). I'll be watching this new August, but so far, I'm not seeing anything new here.

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.
Click to expand...
Weird, cos at the same time I know there will be problems but I never actually hear about central locking problems on cars.
 
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