August To Expand Line With Smart Keypad

By way of the FCC, we see August is primed to shortly expand their lineup with a Smart Keypad. Whatever that is. While we loved the aesthetics of their original Yves Behar-designed smart lock, we ultimately preferred Kevo to AugustĀ — choosing functionality over form. Yet, AugustĀ appears well-funded with a stellar team… so we do expect good things from them. As to what exactly this is, it seems likely it could be another door opening solution — and it seems several in the home automation space areĀ reaching beyond individual consumers to hotel chains and the like. It’s also possible that this could be some sort of home control panel, as I imagine August has aspirations beyond the front door.

august-keypad

11 thoughts on “August To Expand Line With Smart Keypad”

  1. I think one of the early reviews (CNET?) was able to unlock the door from the outside while the phone was inside. It’s supposed to distinguish and didn’t in that case. As far as real world security, I guess it depends if this is prevalent and how close your phone is to your front door at any given moment. My phone isn’t within Bluetooth range on my front door (which has a Kevo) most of the time, I’d guess. Besides, my security service signs and Arlo cams will hopefully keep the bad guys several paces back. :)

  2. The one I remember reading was something about the physical security — as in easy to physically break the key portion of the lock, not the electronic portion

  3. Ah, I hadn’t seen that. Wonder if it’s specific to Kwikset (hardware) or to Unikey (technology)? I have other Kwikset locks around the house (which made adding Kevo real easy – rekeyed it on my own to match everything else).

  4. I think it was the Kwikset hardware but don’t remember. I just remember it was something that made me hesitant to purchase (of course, I could be making this all up).

  5. @Michael @Dave All the new Kwikset locks that have the pinhole on the side can be opened with a flathead screwdriver. This includes the Kevo.

    It’s a HUGE vulnerability, making the key itself effectively worthless. Kwikset has been brushing it under the rug but a class action lawsuit and an exposĆ© in Wired aren’t helping: http://www.wired.com/2013/08/kwikset-smarkey-lock-vulns/

  6. I have a Kevo too and according to the videos I’ve seen, Kwikset improved their cylinders for Kevo back in 2013 to prevent the screwdriver attack.

    As for this August device, looks like a HID prox keypad.

  7. It’s good to know they’re looking into expanding. I always thought the idea of requiring your HVAC guy/dog walker/maid/babysitter to install an app to open your house was a bit of a joke. At least the keypad is a universally available alternative.

  8. @Jody — that is my thinking exactly and why I like the idea of the Schlage Sense I posted above — it has keypad and bluetooth. I can’t see having someone else install an app temporarily, but at the same time, I like the thought of walking up to the door and it opening without a key via bluetooth.

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