Level Home, a company that focuses on smart home innovations, has revealed its latest product. The Level Lock Bolt Edition is an “invisible” device that can turn any standard deadbolt into a smart lock. The company says the transformation takes less than 10 minutes using a screwdriver, and that the lock is meant to exceed the highest residential security ratings (ANSI GRADE 1/A).
“With every product we create, we start at square zero so we can strike the perfect balance between today’s cutting-edge technology and the practicality of our everyday living experience,” said John Martin, Level Home’s co-founder and CEO.
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“Many smart home products on the market today are under-delivering — they’re over-engineered, complicated, and require people to change how they do everyday tasks. We believe ‘smart’ is invisible and must blend in with people’s homes and existing routines.”
What makes this lock invisible? It fits inside your current deadbolt. You can still use the same door keys. The only difference is that your lock becomes a smart lock. Users are able to talk to visitors through their door, use voice commands to control the door lock, and monitor door activity using Apple HomeKit and the Level App. Through the app, you can also give family members and friends virtual keys that they can use to unlock your door when you’re not home. The lock uses Bluetooth to make your visitor’s phone a key.
The Level Lock is also made to last. It was created with a patent-pending, six-stage, stainless steel gearbox. Its battery also has up to a year’s worth of battery life.
During the announcement, Level Home also talked about securing $71 million in funding through investments from Walmart and Lennar Homes. “Our mission is to help consumers remove inconveniences, so there’s more time for what matters — like family and friends,” said Walmart representatives. “Level Home is transforming smart technology. By making it more convenient, secure, and easier than ever to welcome people into the home, they are opening up an entirely new generation of possibilities.”
Level Lock can be reserved starting Tuesday, October 15, via the company website. The product will ship to the general public starting in January 2020, according to the company.
Yale Assure Lock 2 vs. August Wi-Fi Smart Lock: which is the better smart lock?
Smart locks are a powerful way to enhance your front door security, and few products are as popular as the Yale Assure Lock 2 and August Wi-Fi Smart Lock. Both are quite expensive (carrying price tags that can climb over $200), but your investment gets you slick designs, tons of functionality, and an easy way to let guests access your home without giving away a physical key.
But which is best -- the Yale Assure Lock 2 or the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock? From pricing and installation to mobile companion apps and more, here's a look at these two popular smart locks.
Pricing and design
Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch picks up new features with the Z-Wave Smart Module
The Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch launched last year, bringing a fingerprint sensor to one of our favorite smart locks. Now, Yale is making the keypad even more enticing by offering a Z-Wave Smart Module with your purchase, which gives you additional smart functions and added connectivity.
The Z-Wave Smart Module is a piece of hardware that slots into the Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch so it can communicate with devices outside the Yale ecosystem. When installed, the module lets the Assure Lock 2 Touch sync with Samsung SmartThings, Amazon Alexa, Hey Google, and Siri. You can also sync the lock with various smart lights and security systems that support Z-Wave.
Yale -- the company responsible for the well-reviewed Assure Lock 2 -- has just launched its first retrofit smart lock built specifically for renters. The Yale Approach Lock with Wi-Fi is an interior-only smart lock that fits on top of most standard deadbolts, allowing renters to bring a bit of smart functionality to their home without the need to replace the underlying hardware.
Installing the Yale Approach should take just 10 minutes and doesn't require much more than a screwdriver. And since it doesn't require a new set of keys or lock swap, there's a good chance it'll be supported by most landlords. Along with an easy installation process, the Yale Approach uses features like Auto-Lock and Auto-Unlock to let folks easily enter their home and secure it when they leave.