Skip to main content

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

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.”

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.

Editors' Recommendations

Karl Utermohlen
Karl Utermohlen is a finance and tech journalist with an MFA in creative writing from the University of Idaho. his do Zelda…
This $4,000 smart door comes packing a Ring video doorbell and Yale smart lock
The Masonite Smart Door installed on a home.

Smart home gadgets span a wide range of categories. From video doorbells and robot vacuums to outdoor cameras and smart speakers, smart gadgets can be found in all corners of the modern home. Now, thanks to Home Depot, you can now snag the first residential smart door -- and it features a built-in Yale smart lock and Ring video doorbell.

Before you rush out to your local Home Depot, it’s worth noting that this futuristic smart door comes with a hefty price tag of $4,000. Multiple styles are available, including two different sizes and additional sidelites, and depending on your configuration, its price can balloon to an eye-watering $7,000.

Read more
Why moving your smart home could be a nightmare
Philips Hue Appear Outdoor smart light.

The smart home concept is a great thing. It allows us to automate things from lighting to temperature, make video calls while we prepare dinner, and get answers to questions instantly. In its current state, it has one fatal flaw, however: The smart home is not really meant to move.

In fact, you might want to leave behind the majority of your smart home gadgets when selling your property.
What to know about moving smart home gadgets
Think about it: Some of us have literally dozens of devices including lights, thermostats, robot vacuums, speakers, security cameras, wireless alarm systems, and more. How would you go about removing, relocating, and reconnecting all those devices to Wi-Fi in a new house if you ever need to move? On the surface, it sounds daunting.

Read more
GE Lighting launches Smart Hexagon Panels with support for Alexa and Google Home
The GE Lighting Smart Hexagon Panels installed in a game room.

Cync by GE Lighting has officially launched the Dynamic Effects Smart Hexagon Panels, making it the latest member of the ever-growing Dynamic Effects family. Compatible with both Alexa and Google Home, the panels are designed to offer a highly programmable lighting solution for home theaters, game rooms, or anywhere else in your home that might benefit from a pop of color.

The Hexagon Panels clock in at $190 for a pack of 10 -- putting them above similar products from Govee and other lighting brands. However, the GE Lighting panels are well specced, featuring 16 million colors, six controllable zones within each hexagon, and directional control for music and light shows. If you don’t want to create your own light shows, you can choose from a list of pre-built options.

Read more