Use August Doorbell Cam to Let Cable Guy in When You’re Away

Along with the system, August unveiled a range of other products that would go along with Access, such as the Apple HomeKit enabled Smart Lock, Doorbell Cam and Smart Keypad. In addition to now responding to Siri voice control – including supporting lock, unlock, and status check commands – the refreshed lock has a new magnetic faceplate, better grip for easier turning, and now has a chrome strip on the top so that you can see at a glance whether it’s closed or not. The August Smart Keypad works alongside the August Smart Lock, allowing for entry without a smartphone.

The workers of these service provides, after being hired, will be able to enter the house via the August Smart Lock and the user of the Access system will be readily informed along each step of the provision of the service.

Along with the new HomeKit-enabled August Smart Lock, August is also debuting the August Smart Keypad and the August Doorbell Cam. The only drawback is that the camera is powered by your existing doorbell wiring so if you don’t have a doorbell already installed on your door (like me) you are SOL.

The Access platform is available today for all August Smart Lock customers. It’s equipped with a standard motion detector but will also turn on the camera when it detects movement near the door. It has also announced a new service to accompany its hardware and software products.

With the launch of its August Access program, the company has partnered with an initial dozen companies, ranging from Sears to Postmates to Shyp, each of which will be able to send personnel to users’ homes with one-time-only access. The August Doorbell Cam also provides added peace of mind when you can visually verify who’s is right in front of your doorstep even if you’re at the office.

The August Doorbell Cam, compatible with the August Smart Lock, allows you to see and speak with visitors at your door, from anywhere – even when you’re away from home.

The company said it is dropping the price of its existing, non-HomeKit-enabled, lock, to $199. “Probably the best way to describe it is, much like, new transportation apps like Uber helps consumers find service providers [in this case, drivers for hire – ed.] are in third party transportation logistics, we’re in third party service logistics”. Are you locked out because you left your keys and phone at work?

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.

Until now, it was necessary for anyone opening an August lock-either an owner, or an invited guest-to use the company’s mobile app. But the keypad makes it possible to open the door without the app, meaning that if the lock’s owner accidentally leaves the phone at home, or a housecleaner or contractor needs to get in, they only need a PIN code. Founded by technology entrepreneur Jason Johnson and renowned designer Yves Béhar, August is headquartered in San Francisco, California.