August
Is This Your Business?Author: Kaitlyn Short
August focuses its attention on creating a door lock and doorbell that can be automated and integrated into a home automation and security system. The company was founded in 2013 and is currently headquartered in San Francisco, California. August devices are compatible with Apple HomeKit, Airbnb, Nest, and Xfinity systems and services.
Top Ranked Companies
The Good
- Easy DIY Installation
- No Monthly Monitoring Fees
- Warranty and Money-Back Guarantee
- Compatible with Apple HomeKit
- Recommended by Airbnb
Easy DIY Installation
August products are one aspect of a robust home security and automation system. The locks are easily installed. As the products are purchased outright, homeowners own the system.
No Monthly Monitoring Fees
The lack of monthly monitoring fees results in customers saving hundreds of dollars per year.
Warranty and Money-Back Guarantee
August offers its customers a limited one year equipment warranty that protects customers against equipment failure with normal useage applications. The company also offers a thirty day money-back guarantee, which is unusual in the industry. Customers can easily control access to their home with their computer or mobile device with an internet connection or the mobile app.
Compatible with Apple HomeKit
All August Smart Locks are compatible with Apple HomeKit.
Recommended by Airbnb
Airbnb recommends August to its users as a way to control access to their home. As codes expire, customers are more secure than if they give strangers access via a traditional key that can be copied or code that can be memorized.
The Bad
- Communication Protocol
- August Lock Hacked in August 2016
- Not a True Home Security System
Communication Protocol
August products use low energy Bluetooth as its communication protocol. There are many who state that this is one of the least secure protocols available in the market, which uses Z-Wave, Zigbee, and WiFi.
August Lock Hacked in August 2016
This may have been one of the areas that made the devices susceptible to hacking in August, 2016. It is important to note that August's Hacking in August, 2016 did not result in any homes being compromised, and the company quickly corrected the vulnerabilities within 10 days of the reported hack. Those with concerns about the possibility of hacking might be less likely to trust August after its software was exploited.
Not a True Home Security System
August only manufactures smart locks, video doorbells, and a connecting bridge to control the products. The lack of monitoring and a wider range of products may be a detractor to many. Additionally, purchasing components separately from different companies can be more expensive than purchasing an entire package.
The Bottom Line
August offers its customers an option in automating their home locks. Those looking for a simple DIY home lock and video doorbell might find that August serves their needs adequately. Those needing or wanting more intensive protection or 24/7 home monitoring will likely not be pleased with August and its limited scope of protection.
