New August Smart Lock for Doors Features Wi-Fi-Integrated Technology
Smart home security company August has announced a new smart lock with integrated Wi-Fi technology that allows full access to voice technology and remote use without a bridge.
“Designed by August co-founder and renowned designer Yves Béhar, the lock is 45 percent smaller in volume and 20 percent slimmer than the August Smart Lock Pro, sports key new design changes, and is available in our classic matte black and silver finishes,” the company says. “The new smart lock’s built-in WiFi removes the need to pair it with an August Connect, making it an instant, discreet smart home upgrade for any front door.”
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How the August Smart Lock secures the home
Because homeowners can attach the smart lock to an existing single-cylindrical deadbolt, many users can continue to use their old keys. The company says consumers can connect the deadbolt to a smartphone app to monitor and control the lock remotely. Users can also grant virtual keys through the app for times when a neighbor is watching the dog or other temporary situations.
A smart lock order includes:
- An August Wi-Fi Smart Lock
- A DoorSenseTM sensor
- 2 CR123 batteries
- A lock adapter & mounting hardware
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Auto-locking smart features and security details
With a smartphone or Apple watch, users can enable “Auto-Lock” and “Auto-Unlock.” These two functions trigger the smart lock to activate when a person approaches the door or closes it. The company says consumers can program the door to lock after a certain amount of time so that they never have to worry about whether or not they locked the door when they left.
“August knows you have returned home through geo-fencing and automatically unlocks the front door,” the company says, “You’ll never have to pull out your phone or fumble around for your keys when you’re carrying all your stuff.”
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Security is also at the forefront of the smart lock, August says. With data encryption and two-factor authentication, the lock does its part to ensure that the person opening the lock is the intended user. Additionally, users can disable the app online if their phone is lost or stolen. To secure data, the smart lock uses Bluetooth Energy technology encryption and Transport Layer Security, which protects communication between web browsers and servers.
For further peace of mind, the lock also notifies users if anything is amiss. With the activity feed, users can see exactly what time residents come and go, which the company says is helpful for parents to keep an eye on teenage kids.
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Smart lock sends Auto-notifications to your smartphone app
“If anything changes with the status of your door, you’ll be the first to know about it. Set smart alerts to notify you when someone comes or goes,” the company says. “August always keeps you in the loop and tells you whether your door is left ajar, locked and unlocked.”
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock will launch later this year, and the company says that it will be available for both front doors and as a possible integration in its sister company Yale’s smart lock box offerings. Compatible smart home hubs include Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit.
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