Apple HomeKit Powers August’s Smartlock For Connect Homes

Unveiled in 2013 and launched previous year, San Francisco-based August’s smart lock worked from the idea that although users wanted to be able to control their locks from their phones via Bluetooth, for security reasons they did not want the locks accessible via the Internet.

With the large amounts of money that people spend on home services – and the large payouts that insurance providers face for things like smoke, fire and water damage – it makes sense for smart-home tech companies to team up with outside partners, Gillett said. If the owner decides the visitor needs to get in, they can tap a button in the August app and remotely unlock the door. This year, August is beefing up its Smart Lock by enabling it with Apple’s HomeKit, meaning you’ll be able to use Siri to lock or unlock your door.

The SmartLock arrived together with another August device called the Doorbell Cam. Working with Apple’s smart home platform also means Smart Lock can be a part of commands like “Goodnight” that turn off connected lights, lock the front door, and lower the temperature. You’ll generate a unique, one-time-use key code through the August app to send directly to whoever you authorize via SMS message. Managed through the August iOS/Android app, August Smart Lock owners can discover and sign up for new services, and then control and monitor what is delivered to their homes.

The Access platform is available today for all August Smart Lock customers.

The August Smart Keypad allows users to control the door lock without using the Android or Apple smartphone that’s otherwise required.

The Smart Keypad is a small numbered keyboard that gives you code access into your home. The service providers partnering with August; for the Access system are Pro.com, Sears, Postmates.com, Fetch, Shyp, Handy, BloomNation, Envoy, HelloAlfred, Rinse, Pillow, Wag! and Doorman. When the intelligent motion sensor detects human movement at the door, it notifies you and streams live images from the camera, even if the doorbell is not rung.

Along with the new HomeKit-enabled August Smart Lock, August is also debuting the August Smart Keypad and the August Doorbell Cam.

The Doorbell Cam is exactly what it sounds like: A Smart Lock-integrated doorbell that allows homeowners to see and talk to whoever’s at their door.

Like SkyBell, August’s Doorbell Cam has to be hardwired, but its square design probably won’t fit on a lot of doorframes, where many existing wiring setups are located. The existing August Smart Lock is also now available for $199.

“Our new products, and more importantly the ecosystem with third party services we’ve created, are designed not just to provide a delightful experience but to remove the friction that now exists with home access and transform the way people interact with their homes”, said Yves Béhar, designer and co-founder of August.