Schlage Sense HomeKit-Enabled Smart Deadbolt Now Available for Pre-Order

[MacRumors]

Schlage today announced that its HomeKit-compatible Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt will be available for purchase beginning in November, with pre-orders that are kicking off today. Priced at $229, the Schlage Sense was previewed earlier this year at CES and is the first door lock that works with Apple's HomeKit home automation service.

With HomeKit integration, the Schlage Sense will allow homeowners to control their door lock with Siri voice commands, and it has the built-in end-to-end encryption that Apple requires of all HomeKit-compatible products.

The Schlage Sense is able to manage as many as 30 access codes through its accompanying app, which will let users create and delete codes at will, check the lock status, and view in-and-out activity. Unlocking the deadbolt can be done via the iPhone app, through Siri, or through a built-in touchscreen, and installing it can be done without professional help.

"We are thrilled to announce the release of the Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt into retail. This launch has been highly anticipated, as we continue to reimagine and develop innovative keyless solutions that integrate smart-home technology," said Steve Down, Allegion residential leader. "As a leader in technology and innovation, the Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt is the newest offering in our suite of electronic products designed to offer consumers the strength, style and convenience that they expect from our brand, and now that also includes support for Apple HomeKit technology."

Schlage is selling the Sense Smart Deadbolt in two of its iconic styles, Camelot and Century, and it will be available in several finishes including Matte Black, Satin Nickel, and Aged Bronze, to match a range of home styles.

The Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt can be pre-ordered from Amazon.com, HomeDepot.com, and Build.com for $229. It will ship out in November.

Update: Schlage announced at CES 2016 that a Schlage Sense app for Apple Watch and support for Android devices will launch in 2016.

Article Link: Schlage Sense HomeKit-Enabled Smart Deadbolt Now Available for Pre-Order

 

[Nuvi]

Sorry to say but that's one ugly looking smart lock.

 

[William Gates]

Honestly I think it would be cooler if you couldn't use a physical key with it at all, but I guess power outages or dead batteries would be no bueno if you didn't have a physical key.

 

[Genkakuzai]

Sorry to say but that's one ugly looking smart lock.

Agreed. It sure ain't a looker.

 

[From A Buick 8]

Honestly I think it would be cooler if you couldn't use a physical key with it at all, but I guess power outages or dead batteries would be no bueno if you didn't have a physical key.

we have the same lock now, just with a keypad (not home kit version) and yes, you need to have a key around somewhere. Saved my bacon more than once.

 

[scott523]

Ugly and bulky. And how would someone in a wheelchair reach the keypad without a phone? They should've just combined the keypad with the door handle to keep it simple.

 

[PhoenixDown]

I have been wanting to upgrade. I need two locks though - one for the inner door and one for the storm door

 

[DrMotownMac]

Sorry to say but that's one ugly looking smart lock.

Agreed. It sure ain't a looker.

I guess that depends on what your hardware/door/house looks like to begin with. In the photo with the guy trying to unlock the door, the smart lock hardware matches the door handle hardware almost perfectly. But then again, both are probably made by Schlage. The other thing is that Schlage is to door locks what Kleenex is to facial tissues.

In contrast, what the heck is August? Or Lockitron, for that matter? Yes, there are others on the market, and others which may look better with appropriate doors and hardware. But my real question is: Which lock is most functional?

Can anyone comment who has some experience with these smart locks? Are there some which are more reliable and consistent than others? For some reason, I've been afraid to pull the trigger on this particular purchase. But I think HomeKit integration is an important first step, as it seems that's Apple's way of bringing it all into the "ecosystem." Wouldn't it be great to be able to control all of this stuff from a dashboard on the Apple TV, within iTunes or at iCloud.com?

 

[rdlink]

Sorry to say but that's one ugly looking smart lock.

They're selling a more contemporary looking one, which I will be buying to replace my August:

http://www.amazon.com/Schlage-Deadb...&qid=1443127894&sr=8-2&keywords=schlage+sense

 

[TheNormsk]

Ugly and bulky. And how would someone in a wheelchair reach the keypad without a phone? They should've just combined the keypad with the door handle to keep it simple.

I believe I saw a version that was keypad and handle in one unit on the Schlage website.

 

[rdlink]

I guess that depends on what your hardware/door/house looks like to begin with. In the photo with the guy trying to unlock the door, the smart lock hardware matches the door handle hardware almost perfectly. But then again, both are probably made by Schlage. The other thing is that Schlage is to door locks what Kleenex is to facial tissues.

In contrast, what the heck is August? Or Lockitron, for that matter? Yes, there are others on the market, and others which may look better with appropriate doors and hardware. But my real question is: Which lock is most functional?

Can anyone comment who has some experience with these smart locks? Are there some which are more reliable and consistent than others? For some reason, I've been afraid to pull the trigger on this particular purchase. But I think HomeKit integration is an important first step, as it seems that's Apple's way of bringing it all into the "ecosystem." Wouldn't it be great to be able to control all of this stuff from a dashboard on the Apple TV, within iTunes or at iCloud.com?

I pre-orderd the Lockitron, and ended up canceling with all of the delays. I bought the August, and while it's not a total disaster I wouldn't give it glowing reviews at all. Much bigger in person than what I thought it would be when looking at it on their site. Software is inconsistent, non-intuitive, and very limited in functionality. The battery cover kept coming off too easily when they first released it. To the point where they ended up sending out a kit to fix the issue. It consisted of some little rubber stickers to put on the inside of the cover that keep the cover from moving as easily. Didn't totally eliminate the issue, but it did make it better.

Even though I bought the add-on August Connect that allows me to access the lock from anywhere (It plugs into an outlet near the lock, connects to the lock via bluetooth and allows you to talk to it via your WiFi network from wherever you are) it has been meh. First of all, once I access the lock with the Connect functionality, and go out of the app I have to choose the connect again. There should be a switch that tells the app to keep using the Connect functionality, so you don't have to choose it every time when you're away from home, or otherwise not close enough to the lock to use BT.

Also, they got caught with their pants down on iOS 9. It was several days after iOS 9 was released before they had a working version of their software. I mean, come on. If your an iOS developer you should be on top of this stuff. I was running a dev build for several weeks, and I knew it didn't work. Why were they unaware?

 

[rdlink]

Ugly and bulky. And how would someone in a wheelchair reach the keypad without a phone? They should've just combined the keypad with the door handle to keep it simple.

Umm, the same way they'd use the key...?

 

[dwsolberg]

I have had a pre-order in for this lock for at least a week, so they've already "announced" this at least once.

I agree that I'd rather that it didn't have a key. We've had the older Schlage keypad locks with Nexia (yuck!) for about five years now, and I've never once used the key. In fact, I'm not sure I could find them anymore. My parents have a Schlage keyless lock on two doors, and they no longer take their keys with them when they aren't taking a car (walk the dog, visit the neighbors, get picked up, etc).

I use Schlage over the competitors because I trust it more, in part because of their name and in part because of 5 years of experience using their keypad locks.

 

[cariacou]

wait what? this doesn't require a membership or anything?

their Vera thing was like $5k/week to use

 

[Crzyrio]

Any idea if it does automatic unlock through BLE as well?

 

[fruitpunch.ben]

I like it. Seems to have all the features I need - smart lock for those who have iPhones, programmable access codes for those who don't.
The only feature its missing is the one where you can touch the lock with your phone in your pocket to unlock it (I am not sure which of the other smart locks does that). I can see that being useful with hands full of grocery bags. But I guess this way I can just learn to remember to ask Siri to unlock the door before I leave the car.
Hopefully Siri and home kit one day get smart enough that this stuff can become automatic - I pull in the driveway, my door unlocks, my lights turn on, my heat turns up, etc. In fact I am not sure why we aren't there yet. If Siri can remind me of stuff when I get home, she can do that too!

 

[jdillings]

Not buying until they implement touch id

 

[Nunyabinez]

For $229 it's going to have to do a lot more for me than just unlock my door. I'll wait until they are much more reasonable.

 

[steve knight]

I like it. Seems to have all the features I need - smart lock for those who have iPhones, programmable access codes for those who don't.
The only feature its missing is the one where you can touch the lock with your phone in your pocket to unlock it (I am not sure which of the other smart locks does that). I can see that being useful with hands full of grocery bags. But I guess this way I can just learn to remember to ask Siri to unlock the door before I leave the car.
Hopefully Siri and home kit one day get smart enough that this stuff can become automatic - I pull in the driveway, my door unlocks, my lights turn on, my heat turns up, etc. In fact I am not sure why we aren't there yet. If Siri can remind me of stuff when I get home, she can do that too!

we already have that. I have these locks in my home automation they work well. lock and unlock as I come and go. when I turn the lights off at night the doors lock. when the dog needs to go out in the middle of the night the door unlocks with a push of a button on a remote and the light comes on. all this already without even more cost.

 

[Iconoclysm]

Any idea if it does automatic unlock through BLE as well?

Their Amazon ad says: Works with the Schlage Sense app and with Apple HomeKit using Bluetooth Smart technology

I imagine that's similar to what the Kwikset Kevo does but I think I will wait to see Kwikset's response before I make up my mind

 

[steve knight]

the locks is noisy though. but it makes it easy to hear it lock and unlock. you can have the door beep when it is bumped or opened and closed.

 

[Makosuke]

Honestly I think it would be cooler if you couldn't use a physical key with it at all, but I guess power outages or dead batteries would be no bueno if you didn't have a physical key.

This isn't an aesthetically pleasing solution, but if you really hated the ability to use a key, you could always epoxy or otherwise mechanically remove the keyhole, as long as you have a back door somewhere that you could use in case the battery dies while you're out.

I doubt I'd do that personally, but you could.

 

[imola.zhp]

Your move Kwikset, bring us one with smart key technology please.

 

[AcesHigh87]

If I still need to take my phone out of my pocket, unlock it, get to the app, and hit the unlock button than this thing is far less convenient than just having a key do the job for me. Sure I could ask Siri to do it but that's still only marginally easier than using a key.

 

[b-rad g]

Will these work if your door isn't exactly lined up? My lock takes a little effort to lock and unlock.