August Smart Lock Pro Gen 3

Forums › Gadgets, robotics, home automation, electronics (including wearables) › August Smart Lock Pro Gen 3

Maczila

8 posts

Wannabe Geek

#249448 11-May-2019 10:30

Im in a hunt for a good smart door lock, and I am leaning towards getting the August Gen 3 pro due to its features and discrete design. The only concern that I have is that it has a Z Wave Plus RF, which I believe is a topic on its own. I was some of these being being sold through Dick Smiths online shop, and some on Trade Me, which makes me wonder if August is using a different RF for it to be allowed to be marketed in NZ by Dick Smith. Or is it a matter of, if you don't have any Z wave hub to connected it to it will be OK?

sqishy

470 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2234918 11-May-2019 11:35

Looks like its standalone, works with phone but needs the 'August Connect Wi-Fi Bridge' to get remote controls etc....

Maczila

8 posts

Wannabe Geek

#2234934 11-May-2019 12:29

Thank you for your comment. Yes the Wifi Connect hub integrates Amazon Echo integration with the lock, however I am just a bit skeptical about the Z Wave RF that is a key feature of the New Generation August lock. I know the US/Canada specs cannot be used here in NZ due to RF restriction as per discussed in this forum:

https://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=73&topicid=223277

That is why I am wondering how is it possible that Dick Smith online shop is able to market here. Also there are some of these items being sold in TM.

sqishy

470 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2234939 11-May-2019 12:36

I would dwell on it or lose any sleep, not your problem. The DS price is good.

jjnz1

1363 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#2234951 11-May-2019 13:17

sqishy:
I would dwell on it or lose any sleep, not your problem. The DS price is good.

Do not use anything that is against the law regardless even if an online shop is selling it.

That includes RF devices that broadcast in protected frequencies.

It will be your problem if you get caught.

jjnz1

1363 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#2234956 11-May-2019 13:24

I use the kwikset KEVO smart Lock. The key fobs are sold by mitre 10, but we found they are not as good as your mobile phone.

We just send ekeys to family and friends and can see when they unlock and lock the door.

It's the best thing on the market that I could find based on reviews and products that work in the NZ market.

I would score it:
Reliability 8
Battery life: 7 lasts >8 months
Ease of use: 8
Fast operation: 5
Robustness: 9
Looks (outside) 10
Looks (inside) 7
Ease of changing battery: 6
Ease of enrolling other phones:9
Ease of using fobs:2
Initial setup ease: 5 (had issues upgrading software via Android 8)

sqishy

470 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2234971 11-May-2019 14:22

jjnz1: I use the kwikset KEVO smart Lock. The key fobs are sold by mitre 10, but we found they are not as good as your mobile phone.

We just send ekeys to family and friends and can see when they unlock and lock the door.

It's the best thing on the market that I could find based on reviews and products that work in the NZ market.

I would score it:
Reliability 8
Battery life: 7 lasts >8 months
Ease of use: 8
Fast operation: 5
Robustness: 9
Looks (outside) 10
Looks (inside) 7
Ease of changing battery: 6
Ease of enrolling other phones:9
Ease of using fobs:2
Initial setup ease: 5 (had issues upgrading software via Android 8)

Well, based on your last comment, we better make sure it is in the right frequency range or its your problem.

jjnz1

1363 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#2234980 11-May-2019 15:05

Fyi NZ shops will be prosecuted too

Sharesies

Trade NZ and US shares and funds with Sharesies (affiliate link).

sdavisnz

1015 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#2235010 11-May-2019 15:41

I have a gen 1 August and August connect and August keypad I'm not using, PM me if you want to buy it
. Can work out a price for you.

Cheers.

Voice gives context

Maczila

8 posts

Wannabe Geek

#2235015 11-May-2019 15:57

sdavisnz: I have a gen 1 August and August connect and August keypad I'm not using, PM me if you want to buy it
. Can work out a price for you.

Cheers.

Thanks for your offer. I am looking at the Gen2 if it will not be possible to have the gen 3 ,so I can atleast integrate it with Homekit. Cheers!

Maczila

8 posts

Wannabe Geek

#2235017 11-May-2019 16:03

jjnz1: I use the kwikset KEVO smart Lock. The key fobs are sold by mitre 10, but we found they are not as good as your mobile phone.

We just send ekeys to family and friends and can see when they unlock and lock the door.

It's the best thing on the market that I could find based on reviews and products that work in the NZ market.

I would score it:
Reliability 8
Battery life: 7 lasts >8 months
Ease of use: 8
Fast operation: 5
Robustness: 9
Looks (outside) 10
Looks (inside) 7
Ease of changing battery: 6
Ease of enrolling other phones:9
Ease of using fobs:2
Initial setup ease: 5 (had issues upgrading software via Android 8)

Cheer! I also had a look at it as well, and in fact the cost of it especially when you buy it overseas is quite attractive, however, the reviews for it is quite concerning in terms of reliability, specially when you use it with an iPhone I believe. Also, their KEVO Plus module is quite pricey as well, and I believe this is the only way it can interact with Alexa or Siri remotely.

hairy1

3332 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2235061 11-May-2019 16:55

I've got the August Gen 1 with Connect Bridge and keypad. Works well. The keypad can be a bit hit and miss. It seems to freeze up if you enter an incorrect code. You have to wait until all the lights go out and then start again. The only thing I miss is door open / closed notifications. Gen 3 almost worth it for that....

My views (except when I am looking out their windows) are not those of my employer.

Maczila

8 posts

Wannabe Geek

#2235083 11-May-2019 17:45

hairy1:

I've got the August Gen 1 with Connect Bridge and keypad. Works well. The keypad can be a bit hit and miss. It seems to freeze up if you enter an incorrect code. You have to wait until all the lights go out and then start again. The only thing I miss is door open / closed notifications. Gen 3 almost worth it for that....

I agree, the only issue is that the 3rd gen has a built in ZWave RF. This is good for US, but not here in NZ unfortunately. I'll probably get the Gen 2 instead.

Rmani

279 posts

Ultimate Geek

ID Verified

Lifetime subscriber

#2259522 17-Jun-2019 15:47

I am also eyeing on the August smart lock pro+ connect. How easy it is to fit? My door lock looks the below one. Is there anything else I should be looking?

Rmani