Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

August Home’s smart locks now come with a deeper Amazon Alexa integration

By Karl Utermohlen Updated June 15, 2022

August Home — Image used with permission by copyright holder

August Home recently unveiled a trio of smart home security products — two new smart locks and a smart doorbell — designed to improve the safety of your home. The devices come equipped with DoorSense, which August says is an intelligent, integrated sensor that can tell you whether a door is closed.

And now, DoorSense has been added to the August Smart Lock skill for Amazon Alexa, which means you can ask your favorite AI assistant not only if your door is open or closed, but if it’s locked as well. To utilize the new skill, simply say, “Alexa, ask August, lock my door” or “Alexa, ask August if my door is locked.”

Recommended Videos

The

August Smart Lock Pro

, which the company calls “the most advanced smart lock on the market,” supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and Z-Wave Plus and connects with your smartphone to ensure you are the only person who can unlock the device with a digital smart key.

The third-generation August Home lock includes a Wi-Fi hub and a Z-Wave Plus radio that is compatible with Samsung SmartThings and Wink. The company says that the new Bluetooth chipset has a longer battery life compared to its predecessor.

Forget to completely shut the door when you left for work this morning? The Smart Lock Pro can tell you that. The device connects to the cloud service in order to monitor how long the door has been open, if it opens accidentally, or if it’s forced open by someone else. It

August Smart Lock Pro

.

“With the Smart Lock Pro, we’ve created a lock that gives people total control over their front door in ways that aren’t possible with a traditional lock,” said Jason Johnson, CEO of August Home, in a press release. “Now, people can make sure their door is closed and locked from anywhere. We’re also expanding our offering to include a more affordable lock so everyone can make their door safer and smarter.”

The

August Smart Lock

, which will set you back $149, doesn’t include the Wi-Fi hub, but is a good entry point for consumers seeking to test out smart locks. Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant are compatible with this device, allowing you to lock or unlock your door through voice commands. The lock features a new-generation Bluetooth chip and a traditional door knob design.

The Doorbell Cam Pro will tell you who is at your door in real time with motion detectors — even if you’re not at home. The $199 gadget also has a built-in flood light. Another feature of the doorbell is HindSight, which records any movement that takes place behind your door. The smart technology records these movements, as well as several seconds of footage that took place before any motion was detected. The device is waterproof and retails for $199.

The two smart locks are available now, while the doorbell can be pre-ordered now, and will begin shipping October 10.

Update: August Home adds DoorSense skill to Amazon Alexa.

Topics

Karl Utermohlen

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Karl Utermohlen is a finance and tech journalist with an MFA in creative writing from the University of Idaho. his do Zelda…

Smart Home

The latest Philips smart lock can read your palm to open your front door

The Philips Palm Reader smart lock on a blue door.

Philips just launched a slew of new products, headlined by the Philips Home Access 5000 Series Palm Recognition Smart Lock. The device works not just with a physical key, PIN code, or Philips mobile app, but also with the built-in palm scanner -- making it one of the most futuristic smart locks of 2024.

According to Philips, the scanner works by tracking "unique palm vein patterns," making it nearly impossible to hack and offering families an ultra-secure way to lock their front door. Setup is just as easy as most other smart locks, thanks to built-in Wi-Fi so you can get up and running without the need for a secondary bridge. It also works with voice commands via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

Smart Home

Philips launches its first smart lock with Wi-Fi that can be controlled from anywhere

The Philips Smart Deadbolt with Built-In Wi-Fi being installed on a door.

Philips has officially launched its first smart deadbolt with built-in Wi-Fi (aptly named the Philips Smart Deadbolt with Built-In Wi-Fi), giving users the ability to control their front door regardless of location. There's no need for a secondary bridge or other devices, as the lock itself connects directly to the Philips Home Access App via Wi-Fi, making setup a quick and easy process.

Further streamlining the setup process is the retrofit design of the smart lock. It should easily fit over most existing hardware, so you won't have to change out any deadbolts or worry about passing out new keys. That means the outside portion of your front door will largely look unchanged, though you'll still benefit from "smarts" such as voice command integration, auto-unlock function, door position sensing, and remote access via the mobile app.

Smart Home

Should you buy a new smart lock or retrofit your existing deadbolt?

Schlage Encode Plus smart lock installed on a wooden door to a living room.

When it comes to smart locks, all models essentially fall into two categories. The first category will be familiar to most people, as these are traditional smart locks built to replace your existing deadbolt. That means you'll get a whole new set of keys for your front door, as well as hardware that introduces smart features to your home.

The second kind of smart lock is a retrofit smart lock. These quirky devices are designed to fit over your existing hardware -- allowing you to keep using your old keys while also adding smart features. Both types of smart locks are great ways to upgrade your front door, but which is best for your home? Here's a closer look to help you decide if you should replace your traditional deadbolt with a smart lock or install a retrofit smart lock instead.
Consider your DIY skills