The company also said today that it has a new version of its lock that incorporates HomeKit, Apple’s connected home communications standard.
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August chief executive and cofounder Jason Johnson shared, “Smart home technology today is rapidly on its way to mainstream; however there are still many challenges that customers and service providers face when it comes to simple, secure home access”. The company’s new service-oriented vertical, August Access, will allow the plumber, the UPS guy, the dog walker and many others to come into user’s homes to, well, fix that runny faucet, deliver that energy-saving fridge and walk the dog all without interruption. And if that weren’t enough, they also unveiled an entirely new device, a $200 (roughly £130 and AU$275 at the current exchange rate) Wi-Fi video doorbell, dubbed the August Doorbell Cam.
First off there’s a HomeKit upgrade for the August Smart Lock, along with a few aesthetic and usability tweaks. 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. Along with the big button there’s an HD video camera with a 140-degree lens, that can also be triggered through motion detection if someone steps up to the door. Assuming there’s an August Smart Lock installed, and that the visitor is trusted, they can be buzzed in as well.
What the Access system does is that it lets users find service providers like home repairers and dog walkers through the Access app on iOS and Android and then monitor and control the entire job of the service providers hired through the system. Partners include companies like Sears, Postmates, and Pro.com-basically, a variety of services that need access to your home, regardless of whether you’re in it. The app will send you real-time updates when your house is being accessed, or you can see who is at your door with the Doorbell Cam.
Finally, the $199 Doorbell Cam lets you see and speak with visitors at the door from anywhere. 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.
San Francisco start-up expands its product offering with three all-new home-security products. It’s available for order today and will retail for $230. Are you locked out because you left your keys and phone at work?
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.
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“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.
