Skip to main content

August Smart Lock satin nickel model comes bundled with Wi-Fi Connect bridge

Image used with permission by copyright holder

The August Smart Lock — one of our favorite smart locks — is now available in satin nickel, the finish used in about half the door hardware sold in recent years, August says.

The new finish will make August even more appealing to people who want their smart home technology to harmonize with their legacy hardware. August’s announcement suggested pairing the new model with the Yale Satin Nickel door lever, not too surprising since both August and Yale share the same corporate parent, Assa Abloy.

To get new customers up and running, August is selling the satin nickel lock in a $220 bundle with the Connect Wi-Fi Bridge required to activate the lock’s remote access and third-party integration features.

August, one of the earliest smart lock vendors, is popular for the versatility of its products, which work with existing deadbolts. You install an August lock on the inside of your deadbolt, so you can still use your hardware keys if you prefer.

Even without the Wi-Fi bridge, you can operate the lock using the August app on a smart phone paired via Bluetooth, and you can also grant keyless entry to guests who install the app. August uses bank-grade AES 128-bit and TLS encryption to protect against hackers.

The app also tracks operation of the lock so you can see who has been coming and going, and when they are using it.

An Auto Lock/Unlock feature can lock your door a set period of time after you leave, and unlock the door as you approach, a convenient feature when your hands are full.

August’s DoorSense technology can tell if your door is securely locked, and all August locks can pair with August Doorbell Cams, so you can see and talk to callers before letting them in.

The August app has been our favorite smart lock app, and August also was our top-rated smart lock.

Siri and Apple HomeKit support are only available on Smart Lock Pro models, as is Z-Wave Plus support.

The Wi-Fi bridge is required to operate the lock remotely, and it also enables operation with Amazon Alexa or Google Home Assistant voice commands.

You can buy the August Smart Lock + Connect in Satin Nickel at August.com and Best Buy.

Editors' Recommendations

Denny Arar
A longtime PC World/TechHive editor and contributor, Denny Arar (a.k.a. Yardena Arar) has also written for The New York…
Why aren’t smart locks and video doorbells the same device?
eufy by Anker Security Video Smart Lock installed on corner.

From security cameras and deadbolts to light bulbs and more, the past few years have seen an explosion of new smart home products. You’ve probably noticed Ring doorbells installed on your neighbors’ front porch when out for a walk -- and if you haven’t, you’re probably at least familiar with one of a dozen different viral videos captured by them.

Despite the boom in smart gadgets, there’s an absolute dearth of smart locks that double as doorbell cameras. The two products seem like a match made in heaven, letting you secure your home and monitor it at the same time, but few manufacturers have experimented with the format. However, there are a few good reasons as to why these smart lock + video doorbells are so scarce.
They do exist, actually

Read more
Smart homes without Wi-Fi: Huge possibilities or roadblocks?
Amazon Echo Show 15 hanging horizontally on the wall.

When it comes to smart home automations, there really isn't much that can't be done these days. From the moment you wake in the morning to the final minutes before bed, by issuance of a few simple voice commands, you can check your daily schedule, raise and lower blinds, fire up a pot of coffee, stream news radio, lock and unlock doors, initiate a video call, and so much more.
And as product developers are continuing to roll out new and innovative features, today's leading smart home devices are getting easier to use, more efficient, and -- you guessed it -- smarter. With innovation around every turn, what could possibly be improved upon?
Our hot take: The reliance on our Wi-Fi networks to operate this equipment.

The Internet of Things and ecosystems
The vast majority of smart home devices require a web connection, which is why this class of consumer tech and its related peripherals are often referred to as Internet of Things (IoT) components. While this label can be applied to essentially any hardware that has the capability of connecting to the internet, the phrase takes on a new meaning when discussing smart devices.

Read more
Schlage’s Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt boasts iPhone, Apple Watch support
Schlage Encode Plus with Apple home keys open with Apple Watch.

Schlage has a long history of making locks that fit people's lifestyles and the company's newest smart lock is no exception. Announced at CES 2022, the Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt is the first lock in North America to work with Apple's latest home keys capability in HomeKit.

The idea is simple: you can now store a virtual set of keys to the Schlage lock in your Apple Wallet and access it on your iPhone or Apple Watch. Best of all, you don't even need to unlock your phone or watch to open the deadbolt. Just tap the watch or phone on the lock. We could imagine this feature might come in handy if a friend is dropping you off at home and for some reason, you can't remember any of your codes. If your iPhone is out of juice, Schlage says you may be able to still open the lock for up to five more hours, thanks to Power Reserve.
All the features you want in a smart lock

Read more