AppleInsider Staff
Smart lock manufacturer August on Tuesday unveiled a new hardware lineup headlined by the revamped Smart Lock Pro, a HomeKit-compatible retrofit device that boasts all-new "DoorSense" technology that alerts users when their door is left ajar. A second, more affordable device also launched, as did a new version of the Doorbell Cam.
Almost identical in appearance to the original August lock, the $279 Smart Lock Pro features an enlarged puck design that fits over existing deadbolt knobs. Inside, battery powered motors drive mechanical operation and communication, allowing users to lock, unlock and check on device status from a connected smartphone.
This year, August is bundling its Connect bridge for Wi-Fi connectivity, adding to an onboard Bluetooth radio. Together, Smart Lock Pro and Connect support HomeKit and other home automation platforms like Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa and Z-Wave Plus.
The addition of DoorSense, which uses a magnetic sensor to monitor whether a door is open or closed, aims to make the smart lock solution more secure. When in auto-lock mode, Smart Lock Pro will not attempt to throw the deadbolt when DoorSense determines the door is ajar. Alternatively, DoorSense allows the auto-lock feature to kick in as soon as the sensor determines the door is completely shut. The system can also send out alerts to registered users, notifying them that their door is still open.
August on Tuesday also unveiled a low-cost third-generation Smart Lock that comes with many of the internal trappings of the Smart Lock Pro, but in a less flashy package. Instead of a cylindrical design, the $149 Smart Lock features an oval shape and standard thumb turn switch. The unit lacks HomeKit connectivity and does not ship with the Connect bridge, but does incorporate auto-lock features and August's new DoorSense tech.
The August Smart Lock Pro and Smart Lock are available today from August.com.
Finally, August rolled out a second-generation Doorbell Cam Pro with integrated floodlight, a unique feature that allows color video capture at night. The device also packs in HindSight, a persistent buffer that automatically adds a few seconds of video to a recording triggered by the motion detection subsystem. August also promises better overall video quality than the previous model.
Though HomeKit now supports cameras, it appears August opted out of integrating the technology into its Doorbell Cam Pro.
Priced at $199, the second-gen doorbell camera hits store shelves on Oct. 10.
Andrew Orr
Wesley Hilliard
Malcolm Owen
Christine McKee
William Gallagher
8 Comments
Is there a reason why their newest August can't support Homekit? Is that considered a "luxury" bullet point? Ridiculous.
Is this one of those that needs a subscription? If so, non-starter. Otherwise, I might consider it.
I've had nothing but trouble with August locks. The bluetooth geofencing doesn't work most of the time. Having to use a key most days after installing this ugly monstrosity in your door simply adds insult to injury. This is the third iteration, and I'm convinced then only reason they release new versions is to reset their reviews on Amazon, which are across-to-board terrible.
The only thing that might save it this time is homekit integration since the geofencing is done through homekit, likely eliminating the constant issue where it did not know you were home. However, homekit requires authenticating on your device, which negates the convenience of using a geofence.