We’ve all had to do this at one time or another in our lives: wait for the repairman. Or a friend who needs to come by to drop-off or pickup something, so you’re stuck at home. August solved this problem last year when the company introduced the August Smart Lock. The lock allowed the lock owner to provide “keys” via an online app to anyone who needed to enter a home, thus eliminating the need to stay at home and wait.
Today, the company announced more exciting news. In addition to an updated, August Smart Lock with a magnetic chrome faceplate, new micro-patterns to improve grip and rotation of the lock, and a slim, chrome indicator at the top of the device so people can visually see if it is locked or unlocked. Also add an optional Smart Keypad to unlock the door without a smartphone.
There is also now integration with Apple’s HomeKit. Specifically, you can now use Siri to lock and unlock your doors, and even check the status of your locks.
For myself, the coolest thing is the new Doorbell Cam. Imagine someone at your door and you’re not home. The person rings the doorbell, and your August app informs you that someone’s at the door. You can then talk to them through the app with streaming video, and even let them in (provided you have the August Smart Lock). How cool is that?
The streaming video itself actually begins when the motion sensor detects movement. That is also a detail that I don’t believe we see out there today. This doorbell cam works with a standard doorbell with easy installation.
Oh wait, there’s more. If you are so inclined, August also launched “August Access” (beta), which provides a list of trusted partners who can provide different services such as repairs, food delivery and home cleaning. These providers will then use the August app to access homes, and customers will be notified every step of the way.
The August Smart Lock – HomeKit enabled retails for $229, the Smart Keypad is $79, and the Doorbell Cam is $199. The existing August Smart Lock is now available for $199. I’m already looking at the Doorbell Cam and the August Smart Lock to begin with.