Mike Wuerthele
The new Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt Wi-Fi Adapter allows for remote control of the house lock from anywhere — but does not extend Bluetooth range with HomeKit compatibility at all.
The addition of the Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt Wi-Fi Adapter allows for remote control with the Shlage Sense app on the iPhone. In conjunction with the app, users can create and delete up to 30 unique access codes for trusted individuals, and schedule access.
Following Schlage's announcement of the wireless networking adapter, AppleInsider reached out for clarification. A Schlage representative confirmed that HomeKit compatibility is limited to short-range Bluetooth, meaning that for outside the home control, HomeKit users need a home hub, such as an Apple TV, or iPad set up in very close proximity in the home to regulate communications.
Without using an Apple TV or an iPad as a home hub, users are limited to the Schlage app for control of the lock. Control outside the home requires the Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt Wi-Fi Adapter. Addition of an Apple TV or iPad as a home hub allows for remote control without the Schlage app.
The Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt has been available for $229 from Amazon and select Apple, Lowe's and Home Depot stores. The Schlage Sense Wi-Fi Adapter retails for $69.99 and is available from Amazon, Lowe's and Home Depot.
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11 Comments
What I look for in getting a lock, is making sure it doesn't h ave that crap SmartKey feature. This is where there's a little hole on the left next to where you install the Key. This lets you easily program the lock to use a different key. Instead of the normal having to pull apart and put new pins in. The problem is, all the plastic used inside to make this possible. Using a simple tool, you can break through the lock in about 10 seconds. When done even lock the door backup. Of course the lock is destroyed internally at that point. Your key will in general continue to work until it just fails. So when I see these so called Smart Locks with the Smart Key feature, I say no thanks!!! Of course I went to home depot looking to get a rekey set and now they don't sell them anymore?!?! Really? LAME! A year ago a Rekeyed 6 locks at my house. 3 of them Deadbolts. Wasn't to, to hard. All the locks now use the same key. Makes things nice.
By reading this, I'm to understand the wifi hub is taking the place of the AppleTV/HomeKit Hub for folks on non-Apple devices? Essentially to add connectivity that Apple had all along with HomeKit? I've had one of these for the last couple of years and I can lock/unlock the door from anywhere.