AUGUST's Wi-Fi Smart Lock Review: A new standard is born?All the functions I want are packed

open Sesame.

As my withdrawal life continues, I also recommend a "home improvement project" on the trend.I also worked on smart home technology, and first incorporated smart lighting and smart speakers.Then the next is the royal road.Unlike security cameras, smart locks have no privacy problems (because they have no camera), easy to install, and there are no images or data, so it is difficult to manage.

Now, the problem of smart locks is the basic function that everyone thinks, such as Wi-Fi, automatic locks and automatic unlocking, integration with the latest major smart home platforms.That there are many products.In addition, there was a thing to replace the dead bolt, and it was quite a hurdle for those who joined the union (home owners associations) that impose rentals and housing agreements.

However, the $ 250 (approximately 26,700 yen) Wi-Fi Smart Lock released this time is a product that is easy for everyone to use, packed with all major basic functions on a simple appearance."In many ways, we have established a new standard of smart locks," we will introduce a review of Gizmodo Sam Rutherford reporter.

August Wi-Fi Smart Lock

What is this?: Smart Lock with built-in Wi-Fi

Price: $ 250 (about 26,700 yen)

Favorite place: It is easy to attach, and it supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.Attached board, easy -to -understand instruction manual, automatic lock and locking function.There is no registration fee.

I don't like it: It takes a lot of time to set up the app.In some Android, automatic unlocking may not work smoothly.Not supported Z-WAVE.

Attachment is easy to understand and easy

The method of installing Wi-Fi Smart Lock is very simple, 45 % smaller than the previous model SMART LOCK Pro.It is not necessary to replace the dead bolt (the key, the part that jumps out when the key is locked), and the SMART LOCK body is attached to the place where the back plate (a plate that covers the connecting surface of the thumb turn and door) is removed, so the front keyhole is in the front keyhole.We do not modify both for the purpose or functionality.

In other words, you can use the conventional key even after adding Smart Lock.In this case, this is safe because landlords and traders can enter in an emergency.When you leave from the rental property, you only need to attach the original dead bolt back plate to remove the Smart Lock, so there is no need to pay the door repair from the security deposit.

The installation procedure of the lock itself is as follows.

Prepare: Plus driver only (used to remove dead bolts).

① Remove the dead bolt.

② Remove the back plate.

③ Select an appropriate adapter.

④ Move the included mounting board.

⑤ Wi-Fi Smart Lock is attached to the mounting board with a wing nut and fixed.

Now it's done!If you don't record or take a picture like me, the installation work should be less than 10 minutes.

This is the only rough procedure, but when you actually attach it, you need a little more detailed work.For example, when screwing the mounting plate with a driver, it is necessary to hold it with tape so that the lock outside the door does not turn.Nevertheless, if you do it according to the procedure in the August app (Android, iOS compatible), it will not make a big mistake.

I didn't write the manufacturer's name on my dead bolt, but after trying it several times, I was able to find the perfect adapter.If it is an appropriate adapter, the arrow written up will turn up properly, so you can see it immediately by putting it on.

Next, attach the small door sensor of AUGUST.All of the sensors are installed near the rock, but you can choose the one you like from two types.A small circular sensor embedded in the door and an oval sensor attached to the door.I chose an elliptical one because the circular would use a small drill.I didn't have a drill, and I didn't want to run to buy it with a new Corona.

The app is full of useful functions.

Finally, connect the Wi-Fi Smart Lock and the app.First, Bluetooth, then Wi-Fi (2).Only 4GHz).This allows you to access all the features of this smart key.As the name suggests, the new Wi-Fi Smart Lock is the largest selling point in Wi-Fi Lock.The previous model was Bluetooth only, and the Wi-Fi had an additional purchase of a bridge router (made by AUGUST, about $ 50).

Once you have registered your account, you can invite someone other than yourself as an "owner" or "guest".It is very convenient because you can come to pet sitters and traders even when you are away.

Each time, if you want to take a practical approach to manually unlock, you can remotely control the lock via Wi-Fi if you have an Internet connection.In addition, since the application is equipped with a logging system, the history will remain if the door is opened and closed or the guest or the owner who is registered to unlock.

Also, even if the battery or Wi-Fi runs out, the function as a normal dead bolt remains, so you can open and close it using the keys you have used so far.In the past, comedian Mitch Hadberg was saying this joke."Escalators do not break down, they just temporarily become stairs.""Please understand for convenience."

Automatic unlock is super convenient

Among the functions I upgraded this time, the most convenient thing I thought was the automatic lock release function.When the user is detected, and when you approach the house, you will automatically release the special door of the door, so when you return home, you can enter the house without finding the key in your bag.When you shop at a supermarket and hang a lot of luggage on both hands, it's really helpful.

For now, I have used this function without any problems, but a note was displayed in the app that "some Android devices do not function properly."

When I asked AUGUST for the details of this problem, the Android, which implements Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), has "some variations in BLE connection timing between Android devices", so the timing of automatic locking is delayed than expected.It was said that there was something.According to August, the company is working to improve the app and improve the connection speed, and will continue to improve the process.

Inadvertent automatic lock function

As a function for home, Wi-Fi Smart Lock also has an automatic lock function, and after the specified time (up to 30 minutes), the door is locked again.When you call some customers, you don't have to open or close each time, and it's safe for someone like me who forgets to lock it.I have forgotten the key once or twice after the garbage at night ... my wife told me a lot ...

August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is compact, easy to attach, and covers the necessary basic functions.Considering buying a Wi-Fi bridge router in the previous model, $ 30 is cheap.The app has a convenient activity log, which allows the door to be opened and closed.In addition, it is linked to the existing dead bolt, so it can be used for rent and home.

AUGUST's Wi-Fi Smart Lock has the simplicity and coordination of the excellent smart home technology itself.If you are thinking of smart home security, first consider Wi-Fi Smart Lock!

summary

・ Only drivers to remove the cover plate on the back of the dead bolt.

-The battery used has been changed from the previous model AA battery to CR123 of the button battery.

・ Automatic locking may not work smoothly with some Android devices due to Android's background application processing method.Currently, amendment is underway for updates.

・ The Z-WAVE support found in the previous model is gone, but it is exchanged for the Wi-Fi bridge.

・ Work with voice assistant Homekit, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant.

・ The color is silver.A few weeks later, a black color barrier will be added.