August Connect Unboxing, Setup and Review - Wi-Fi Bridge for the August Smart Lock

The August Connect "connects" the August Smart Lock to your home's wi-fi network, enabling control of your deadbolt from anywhere in the world via the Internet.

Watch my full review video of the August Smart Lock and an intro to connected / smart locks - http://youtu.be/wJe2BfI5cZg

My first impressions are that the setup of the August Connect is very simple and straightforward, with the actual setup on a smartphone only taking about 1 minute. I did the setup on a 5th-generation iPod touch, but the "Remote Connect" feature also became available in the August app on my iPhone 5s without any further setup.

August Smart Lock
http://amzn.to/1mWC9Al

August Connect
http://amzn.to/24ov7Gw

The time it took to unlock or lock the door was a bit longer via wi-fi or over a cellular connection, depending on how recently the August Connect had connected to the August smart lock. If you're already at home and within range of the lock, it doesn't make sense to use the "Remote Connect" feature. And, if you are indeed checking the lock status or "buzzing someone in" from elsewhere, the added delay is not terrible. But, August does need to seriously work on how long it takes for the Bluetooth detection of the lock, because at 4-5 seconds, it is pretty unacceptable for a $249 device, no matter how good it looks.

2016 Update: August has significantly improved the speed and reliability of the smart lock and the Connect device, and the price of the basic smart lock has dropped to only $149.

Overall, the August Connect is a solid, simple and unassuming device that will quietly relay your commands to its BFF, the August Smart Lock. The setup and operation process are simple, even if the operation over wi-fi/cell data is not completely intuitive at first glance.

The "connected/smart lock" market is heating up, with Lockitron recently introducing its replacement "Bolt" device, along with Sesame and Haven being recent newcomers. Lockitron and Sesame's offerings start as low as $89, with a wi-fi "bridge" like the Connect priced at $49. If August wants to stay competitive, it will need to lower its prices, or otherwise introducing new compelling features. In general, most if not all of the connected smart locks offer the same features in a slightly different package with different marketing buzzwords.

In about another 10-12 months, we will know which players in this game are going to win and who will lose.
Recommended Smart Home Products - http://amzn.to/2kc1Tde

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