August is out with several announcements today as they now publicly transition from a singularly focused smart lock company into a home automation player. We’ve got service relationships, a smart keypad, a doorbell camera, and, of course, more smartlock. The existing August lock drops in price to $199 with a significantly updated model joining the fray at $229.
Having spent time with both Kevo and August, we appreciate August’s striking visual design and that our existing dead bolt could remain in play – with only the back portion being replaced. However, that beautiful rear (what) had some issues. It could be somewhat slippery and difficult to turn when manually locking/unlocking… and, while futzing with it, the cover could even pop off.
The updated version of August specifically addresses those issues by etching “new micro-patterns” into the surface to “improve grip and rotation” while also incorporating a new magnetic faceplate. Further, by slightly compromising form August enhances function — the dimple has been filled in and topped with a chrome bar to better visualize lock status from a distance.
Beyond the physical improvements, the BIG draw here worthy of the slight upsell is Apple HomeKit integration that provides folks with iDevices Siri voice control to lock, unlock, and check the status of their door. Can’t wait to take it for a spin.
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Even though the new August currently runs more than the old August, everything has dropped in price. At intro, August was $249 and the new HomeKit model runs $229. The new service relationships are kind of crazy - no way does the repair or delivery person enter my home when no one is around.
Doorbell cam looks interesting, although I'll have to do more research to see if it's something that can be mounted given my setup. Not to mention Arlo's still running like a champ and meets most of my needs outdoor video needs.
There are no recurring fees at this point, that I'm aware of, but I get the sense the company is pondering some premium features that might.
Not really digging the looks of the doorbell, I have been using the Skybell, and although it has its problems I am hoping the recently released Skybell HD will fix a lot of the v2 shortcomings....additionally on the doorlock side I really like the outside touch requirement of the Kevo, other doorlocks seem to have shortcomings in that you either have to take your phone out of your pocket and click a button to unlock them, or hope that geofencing actually works reliably. On the downside Kevo still needs improvements even with the new Plus accessory (Autolocking is a big missing feature).
Although having an integrated platform would be nice....
I'm with you on Kevo needing auto-locking. If the Bluetooth connection were more persistent, I'd agree on touching the ring as well - but I sometimes have to take the phone out and open the app to relink anyway. Gotta test the app update that was released yesterday that (finally) lets me lock/unlock from the couch.